Tara Devi Temple Shimla

Introduction to the Tara Devi Temple

The Tara Devi Temple is between Shimla and Shoghi on the Tara Devi Mountain, 7200 feet above sea level. The temple has the majestic snow-clad Himalayas as a backdrop, with forests and roads on either side. Visitors can get a panoramic view of Shimla from the temple. It is also a famous tourist spot in Shimla.

Legend of the Tara Devi Temple

According to the legend, the idol of Tara Devi was brought from West Bengal to Himachal Pradesh. The history of this temple dates back to 250 years. King Bhupendra Sen of the Sen dynasty visited this area hundreds of years ago. He had the habit of carrying his family idol around with him. While hunting in the dense forests of Juggar, the king forgot the correct path. Since he was tired, he fell asleep and dreamt that his family deity Tara and her Dwarpalakas Bhairav and Hanuman requested him to unveil them before the people. The king donated fifty bighas of land to construct the Tara Devi temple. A wooden idol of Tara was installed inside the temple as per Vaishnav traditions.
Later, King Balbir Sen of the same dynasty dreamed that the deity expressed her desire to be installed on the hilltop of Tara Mountain. King Balbir Sen commissioned the 'Ashtadhatu' (blend of eight metals) deity and enshrined it in the Tara Devi Temple in 1825. Since then, the members of the Sen dynasty have followed old traditions and worshipped their family deity, Tara, on Ashtami day every year.

The Architecture of the Tara Devi Temple

King Bhupendra Sen of the Sen dynasty built the Tara Devi Temple in 1766. The temple's presiding deity is Tara, one of the ten Mahavidyas.

The temple features the Pahari style of architecture. Due to the prolonged exposure to the air, the wood used in the construction changed its texture, so the temple was entirely rebuilt. It cost over six crores to restore the Tara Devi Temple in its original form. The wooden structure and doors have the design of miniature deities. Gold and silver are extensively used in the sacred place.

On July 20, 2018, the statue of Tara was re-installed after ninety priests performed due rituals. The idols of Maa Saraswati, Maa Kali, and Maa Bhagwati were also installed. Over 12000 devotees visit the temple on weekends.

Festivals in the Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi Temple hosts fairs and festivals throughout the year. It celebrates Navratri twice yearly, between March and April and September and October. Sharadotsav, or the autumn festival, is another grand festival held in October. The Tara Devi fair is a momentous occasion held in May. These festivals draw many visitors across the city to worship and receive the deity's blessings.