Credit: Manish Singh
About Tara Devi Temple
Renowned for its spiritual significance, Tara Devi Temple is a beautiful temple nestled near the quaint Shogi village along the Shimla – Kalka National Highway. It was seamlessly placed between Shimla and Shogi. The temple is just 17 km away from the bustling Shimla Railway station. Offering captivating vistas and serene valleys, Tara Devi Hill is at an elevation of 1851 meters above sea level.
Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the spiritual serenity and legends that echo through the ages at this revered site.
History
Fostering a serene and peaceful atmosphere , the temple beckons seekers of spiritual solace and scenic beauty alike.Tara Devi Temple was erected over 250 years ago when a king from the Sen Dynasty ventured into this area. The king, devoted to his family idol, Goddess Tara, found himself in the dense forests of Juggar, where, overcome by fatigue, he fell into slumber. In a vision, the divine entities—Maa Tara, Dwarpal Bhairav, and Lord Hanuman—beseeched the king to unveil their presence to the people. This led to the king’s generous donation of 50 bighas of land, funding the construction of the Tara Devi temple, which houses a wooden idol of the goddess following Vaishnav traditions.
Legacy and Spiritual Visions
The temple’s legacy continued as Raja Balbir Sen, of the same lineage, dreamed of the goddess expressing her wish to be enshrined atop Tarav Parvat. In 1825, the ‘Ashtdhatu’ deity, a fusion of eight metals, was commissioned and placed in the temple. This tradition endures with the Sen dynasty’s annual worship of their family deity, Maa Tara, during Shardiya Navratras. The temple hosts a fair on Ashtami, featuring the customary wrestling events—a practice steeped in tradition for centuries.
Festivities and Timings
The temple becomes a vibrant processions and jubilant celebration during the Navaratri and Ashram. It is open to visitors from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.