Are you looking for a spiritual and scenic getaway in the lap of nature? If yes, then you should visit the Tara Devi Temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Stars, who is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is located on a hilltop, surrounded by lush green forests and offering panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this famous holy place in Shimla, such as its history, legends, beliefs, attractions, and tips. Read on to discover why the Tara Devi Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, and spirituality.
History and Legends
The Tara Devi Temple is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that the temple was built more than 250 years ago by the King of Sen Dynasty, who ruled over the region. The king was a devout follower of the Goddess Tara, and he had a vision of her in his dreams. He decided to build a temple for her on the hill where he saw her, and he brought a wooden idol of her from West Bengal. The idol was later replaced by a gold and silver one, which is still worshipped today.
The temple has many legends and stories associated with it, which add to its charm and mystery. One of the most popular legends is that the Goddess Tara was once the wife of the King of Lanka, Ravana. She was unhappy with his evil deeds, and she escaped from him with the help of Lord Hanuman. She came to the Himalayas, where she meditated and attained enlightenment. She became a benevolent goddess, who grants wishes and blessings to her devotees.
Another legend is that the temple was once visited by the famous Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. He was impressed by the beauty and serenity of the temple, and he composed a hymn in praise of the Goddess Tara. He also left behind a sword, which is kept as a relic in the temple.
The temple has witnessed many historical events and changes, such as the British rule, the Indian independence, and the recent renovation and restoration. The temple has been preserved and maintained by the local people, who have a deep respect and devotion for the Goddess Tara. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, who come to seek her blessings and enjoy the natural beauty of the place.
The Goddess Tara
The name Tara means star in Sanskrit, and it signifies the light and guidance that the goddess provides to her followers. The Goddess Tara is a powerful and compassionate deity, who is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. She is considered to be one of the ten Mahavidyas, or the great wisdom goddesses, in Hinduism. She is also regarded as a female Buddha, or a Bodhisattva, in Buddhism. She is the embodiment of wisdom, compassion, and action, and she helps her devotees to overcome obstacles and achieve liberation.
The Goddess Tara has many forms and manifestations, depending on her attributes and functions. The most common forms are White Tara and Green Tara, who represent the aspects of peace and activity, respectively. White Tara is associated with longevity, healing, and protection, while Green Tara is associated with prosperity, success, and enlightenment. There are also other forms of Tara, such as Red Tara, who is the goddess of love and passion, and Blue Tara, who is the goddess of wrath and power.
The devotees of the Goddess Tara worship her with various rituals, offerings, prayers, and mantras. They offer flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, and lamps to her, and they chant her names and praises. They also recite her mantras, such as Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha, which is said to invoke her grace and mercy. They also meditate on her image, which depicts her sitting on a lotus, holding a lotus in one hand and a sword in the other, and having a third eye on her forehead. They believe that by worshipping the Goddess Tara, they can attain peace, happiness, and salvation.
The Temple Complex
The Tara Devi Temple is a magnificent and majestic structure, which reflects the glory and grace of the goddess. The temple is built in a traditional Himachali style, with a sloping roof, wooden pillars, and intricate carvings. The temple is painted in white and red, which symbolize purity and auspiciousness. The temple is surrounded by a stone wall, which has four gates on each side. The main gate faces the east, and it leads to a flight of stairs that take the visitors to the temple.
The main attraction of the temple is the idol and shrine of the Goddess Tara, which is placed in the sanctum sanctorum. The idol is made of gold and silver, and it is adorned with jewels and flowers. The idol has a serene and smiling expression, which radiates love and compassion. The idol is also flanked by two smaller idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman, who are the guardians and assistants of the goddess. The shrine is decorated with colorful flags, bells, and lamps, which create a festive and sacred atmosphere.
The temple complex also has other features and facilities for the visitors, such as a hall for prayers and ceremonies, a museum for displaying the relics and artifacts of the temple, a library for storing the scriptures and books of the temple, and a guest house for accommodating the pilgrims and tourists. The temple also has a canteen, a shop, a toilet, and a water tank, which provide the basic amenities and services to the visitors.
The Surrounding
The Tara Devi Temple is situated on a hilltop, at an altitude of about 1851 meters above sea level. The temple offers a spectacular view of the snow-capped Himalayas, the green valleys, and the blue sky. The temple is also surrounded by lush green forests, which are home to various flora and fauna. The temple is a paradise for nature lovers, who can enjoy the fresh air, the cool breeze, and the scenic beauty of the place.
The temple is also close to some other places and activities that the visitors can enjoy, such as:
Shoghi: Shoghi is a small town, which is about 11 km away from the temple. Shoghi is known for its orchards, farms, and cottages, which offer a rustic and charming experience to the visitors. Shoghi is also a popular destination for adventure sports, such as trekking, camping, and zip-lining.
Shimla: Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, which is about 18 km away from the temple. Shimla is a famous hill station, which has many attractions, such as the Mall Road, the Ridge, the Christ Church, the Jakhu Temple, and the Viceregal Lodge. Shimla is also a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, which cater to the tastes and preferences of the visitors.
Kufri: Kufri is a small hill station, which is about 30 km away from the temple. Kufri is known for its snow-clad mountains, which offer a thrilling and fun-filled experience to the visitors. Kufri is also a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating, which are available during the winter season.
Tips and Advice
To make the most of your visit to the Tara Devi Temple, here are some tips and advice that you should keep in mind:
- The best time to visit the temple is between April and October, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. The temple is also open throughout the year, but the winter season can be cold and foggy, which can affect the visibility and accessibility of the temple.
- The temple is open from 7 am to 6:30 pm every day, and the entry is free for all. The temple also has a special puja and aarti, which are performed at 8 am and 6 pm respectively. The visitors can participate in these rituals, and also receive the prasad, which is the blessed food offered to the goddess.
- The temple can be reached by various modes of transport, such as road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Shimla Airport, which is about 25 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the Shoghi Railway Station, which is about 4 km away from the temple. The nearest bus stand is the Tara Devi Bus Stand, which is about 2 km away from the temple. The visitors can also hire a taxi, a cab, or a bike, which are available from Shimla or Shoghi.
- The visitors should follow the rules and regulations of the temple, such as maintaining silence, cleanliness, and discipline. The visitors should also respect the sentiments and beliefs of the local people, who consider the temple as a sacred and holy place. The visitors should also dress modestly and appropriately, and avoid wearing leather, shoes, or any offensive items inside the temple.
- The visitors should also carry some essentials, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, and cash, which can come in handy during the visit. The visitors should also be careful and cautious, and avoid any risky or harmful activities, such as littering, smoking, drinking, or wandering alone.
The Tara Devi Temple is a divine destination in the Himalayas, which offers a spiritual and scenic getaway to the visitors. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Stars, who is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple has a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its legends, stories, and beliefs. The temple also has a magnificent and majestic architecture, which showcases the glory and grace of the goddess. The temple is surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped mountains, which provide a serene and tranquil environment for the visitors. The temple is also close to some other places and activities, which can enhance the experience and enjoyment of the visitors.
If you are looking for a place where you can connect with nature, culture, and spirituality, then you should visit the Tara Devi Temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. You will be amazed by the beauty and charm of this famous holy place in Shimla, and you will feel the blessings and guidance of the Goddess of Stars. You will also have a memorable and fun-filled time with your friends and family, as you explore the attractions and activities of the temple and its surroundings.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to the Tara Devi Temple today, and discover why it is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, and spirituality. And don’t forget to share this article with your loved ones, and let them know about this divine destination in the Himalayas. You can also leave a comment below, and tell us about your experience and feedback about the temple. We would love to hear from you, and we hope you enjoy your visit to the Tara Devi Temple.
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