Sri Tara Devi Mandir is one of the Shakthi Temples situated at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It is in the western side of Shimla city at a distance of about ten to eleven kilometers from the city center.
The temple is situated on a hillock surrounded by various hills. The temple is said to be at the altitude of above 1800 feet above sea level.
The temple is built in Pahari-style architecture. The doors of the temple are made of wood having many miniature sculptures. Gold and Silver are also used extensively in the main sanctum.
The main sanctum has the vigraha of Sri Tara Devi. There are dedicated shrines for Sri Saraswathi, Sri Kali and Sri Bhagawathi. “Tara Devi” means the Goddess of stars.
It is believed that the vigraha murthy of Sri Tara Devi was brought from Bengal region and consecrated here. The idol is said to be made of eight elements named Ashta Dhathu.
It is believed that this temple is atleast 250 years old. As per the legend a King belonging to Sen dynasty had travelled here from Bengal. He came for hunting in the Juggar jungle. He was wearing a gold locket depicting his family Deity on his upper arm.
One day, when he was asleep, he had a dream. In the dream, the Goddess Sri Tara Bhagavathi had asked him to display Her vigraha alongwith the idols of Sri Bhairav and Sri Hanuman for worship by the devotees. Soon on waking up, the King wanted to fulfill the wishes of Sri Mata. He had donated nearly 50 Bighas of land for constructing the temple.
It is also believed that another King of the same lineage had a dream in which Sri Bhagavathi Devi had asked him to shift her temple to Taravi hill. Hence the temple believed to be shifted to the hill in the year 1825. Due to harsh weather, the structure got damaged. With the philanthropy of many good people, the temple was restored to its original glory in the year 2018. The descendants of the dynasty continue their patronage to the temple.
Tara Devi temple can be reached from Shimla city center and Shogi through road transport. The toy train which plies between Kalka and Shimla also stops at Tara Devi Station.
The temple is open from 7.00 A.M to 6.30 P.M.
The location of the temple is picturesque. The entire temple premises blesses us with calmness, serenity, divinity, peace of mind, positive vibes and breath-taking views.
