PRENEETA SHARMA
The Tara Devi Temple in Shimla is a tranquil haven perched on a hill with stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains. This shrine, which is devoted to Goddess Tara, a Tibetan goddess of peace and protection, combines natural beauty with spiritual comfort. For hundreds of years, it has served as a symbol of religion, drawing pilgrims and tourists to its serene surroundings.
The Tara Devi Temple is located on the Shimla-Kalka route, approximately 11 kilometers from Shimla’s busy town center. The temple is renowned for its historical significance and spiritual atmosphere, and it is believed to be more than 250 years old. After being transported from West Bengal to Shimla, the idol of Goddess Tara has been revered there ever since.
The temple’s architecture, which reflects the distinctive workmanship of the hill style, is a stunning fusion of concrete and wood constructions. It is the ideal location for meditation and rest because of the expansive views of the Himalayan foothills and the surrounding lush vegetation.
Tara Devi Temple is well-known for both its longstanding ties to Tibetan Buddhism and its unusual mountaintop setting, which provides expansive vistas of the Himalayas. Visitors are drawn to the temple not only for its religious significance but also for the serenity and tranquility it provides, making it a spiritual haven amidst Shimla’s natural splendor. All visitors are given a heavenly and uplifting experience by the combination of the beautiful surroundings and the ancient goddess Tara.
HISTORY
The temple has been around for 250 years, and its founding tale is a fascinating fable. It is often believed that the idol of Goddess Tara was transported to Himachal Pradesh from West Bengal. Once, a little idol of his personal family deity in the shape of a gold locket was brought to this region by King Bhupendra Sen of the Sen dynasty. He fell asleep while hunting in and around Juggar’s vast jungle since he couldn’t remember how to get home. In his dream, Goddess Tara and her guardians, Lord Hanuman and Bhairav, asked him to reveal them to the public while he was asleep.
In order to fulfill Ma Tara’s wishes, the Maharaja gave roughly 50 bighas of land for the temple’s construction. In order for people to pray and ask for favors, a temple was constructed there with a wooden idol of the deity.
A few years later, the Ma Tara wanted to be on the Tarav Parvat mountaintop, according to a vision given by King Balbir Sen of the same dynasty. The temple was soon moved there, and in 1825, a splendid deity crafted of “Ashtadhatu” was placed in a lavish ceremony. Since then, the Sen dynasty members have continued to observe the ancient customs and worship their family goddess annually on Asthami Day.
Virbhadra Singh, a former Congress chief minister who served from 2012 to 2017, is renowned for having been instrumental in the Tara Devi temple’s renovation. Since 1987, the government-controlled Tara Devi Trust has been in charge of running the shrine. Under the “Himachal Pradesh Hindu Saarvajnik Dharmik Sanstha aur Poorav Vinyas Adhiniyam 1984,” the Himachal Pradesh government is in charge of the temple’s administration.
Shimla’s Tara Devi Temple’s architecture
The Pahari-style architectural wonder that is the Tara Devi Temple was completely reconstructed since the wood used to build it had changed texture from prolonged exposure to the air. The expense of restoring the temple to its original state exceeded INR 6 crore. Goddess miniatures have been meticulously incorporated into the temple’s wooden framework and entrances. In addition, the temple makes extensive use of gold and silver in a hallowed setting. Statues of Mahakali, Maha Sarsvati, Batuk, Bherav, and Maa Bhagwati are also present in the temple. Another alluring aspect of this holy site is Shimla’s tranquil surroundings.
FAIRS
Throughout the year, Tara Devi Temple holds a number of festivals and fairs that attract sizable numbers of visitors and devotees. Celebrated twice a year, in March and April and September and October, Navratri is one of the most important celebrations. Devotees travel from all around to adore Goddess Tara Devi and ask for her blessings during this nine-day celebration. Throughout the festival, religious services and cultural events are held at the temple, which is decked out with lights and flowers.
People from neighboring towns and villages come since it is a big event for the locals. In addition to vendors offering clothing, handicrafts, and other goods, the fair also hosts a number of cultural and entertainment events.
All things considered, these fairs and festivals enhance Tara Devi Temple’s religious and cultural value and draw a sizable number of tourists each year.
A well-liked tourist destination in Shimla, the Tara Devi Temple is renowned for its spiritual significance and legacy. The temple is a must-see location for anyone traveling to Shimla because of its architecture, history, and serene setting. The temple’s festivals and fairs enhance its magnificence and draw a sizable number of tourists and devotees.
