Tara Devi Temple Shimla: History, Timings, Location, and More

Have you ever wondered why Goddess Durga temples are considered the center of faith and strength? Well, the Tara Devi Temple Shimla, dedicated to the Maa Taradevi (Goddess Star), stands as a shining example. 

However, this 250-year-old temple continues to have great spiritual and cultural prominence. Also, both devotees and tourists immensely witness the divine blessing, peace, and strength while enjoying the enchanting view of the Himalayas. 

Therefore, if this devotional place left you stunned, without any ado, let’s explore more about this place in the upcoming sections. 

Tara Devi Temple Shimla: Historical Significance 

The Tara Devi Temple is one of the popular religious places in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. However, it holds great spiritual significance dating back over 250 years. 

Moreover, the temple is located at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and 13.2 km away from the city. Along with this, you can also visit one of the must-visit Lord Shiva temples, Shiv Bavdi, on your way.

Meaning Behind the Tara Devi Temple Name 

The term “Tara” has been derived from the Sanskrit language phrase “tr”, which signifies “cross.” Similarly, in many Indian languages, the word “tara” means star, and that’s exactly the meaning of the temple. 

Moving ahead, in Hinduism and Buddhism, Maa Tara Devi (Goddess Star) comes in second place in the list of the Ten Great Wisdoms called ‘Mahavidyas’, which are also known as a source of all energies. 

A Tale of Maa Tara Devi Temple Shimla

According to the ancestral tales, the Maa Tara Devi temple was built by one of the kings of the Sen dynasty, Bhupendra Sen, somewhere around 1766 A.D. 

Likewise, the king has decided to build this religious place after he got a vision of Maa Tara Devi, in which she asked him to establish this temple so that people can get her blessings. He also placed a beautiful wooden statue of the goddess there. 

Thereafter, King Balbir Sen rebuilt this temple. As he also got the vision of Maa Tara Devi, in which she asked him to reconstruct the temple at Tarav hill top, he did the same. Also, he established the goddess statues made of “Ashtadhatu”, a mixture of eight precious elements. 

Lastly, there is an old religious belief that whoever visits the temple with tenacious devotion, Maa Tara Devi blesses them heartily and surely their wish will come true. 

What is Tara Devi Temple Famous For? 

The Tara Devi temple holds the unique charm that goes beyond just a place of worship. It is known for its cultural beliefs, spiritual connection, and divine surroundings. 

Furthermore, the temple is situated at the top of Tarav Hill, where people not only feel connected with the goddess but also experience the positive energy in the atmosphere. 

Let’s check out the pointers below to know more about what this temple is famous for: 

1. Spiritual Importance: The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Star. Also, many people believe that by worshipping Tara Devi, she protects her devotees and blesses them with prosperity and strength. 

2. Legendary Origin: According to an ancestral tale, this holy place was established by the king Bhupendra Sen and later rebuilt by the King Balbir Sen. They both had a vision where the Maa Tara Devi herself asked them to establish her temple. Eventually, this myth contributes to the temple’s sacred charisma.

3. Devotional Atmosphere: The temple is well-known for its reverent and sacred ambience, attracting thousands of people, especially at the time of the Hindu festival, Navratri. 

4. Ravishing Architecture and Idol: King Balbir Sen has placed the goddess idol made up of “Ashtadhatu,” a compound mixture of all eight precious elements. Due to that, people believe that the aura of the idol and the place itself deliver a sense of calmness to one’s soul. 

5. Location and View: The temple is situated on the hill between Shimla and Shoghi, providing a spiritual serenity with spectacular panoramic sights of the surrounding Himalayas and the beautiful town of Shimla. 

While there is a lot for you to explore, the aforementioned five are the most essential aspects, making this Tara Devi Temple Shimla such an important place to practice devotion. 

Tara Devi Temple Shimla Timings for Visiting and Pooja 

Just like any other goddess temple, such as Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada, Sri Kabbalamma Temple, and Srikalahasti Temple Andhra Pradesh, this temple is also open to visitors all seven days of the week. 

Likewise, the temple has fixed timings for visiting and some special slots for religious rituals. Notably, there is no entry fee introduced by the temple’s authority. 

Darshan Hours (All Seven Days)
Opening Timing	07:00 AM
Closing Timing	06:30 PM

Aarti Timings
Morning Aarti	08:00 AM
Afternoon Aarti	12:00 PM
Evening Aarti	05:00 PM

So, if you are planning to visit and seek blessings from the Maa Tara Devi, it’s better to go in the early morning or evening, as the weather is pleasant, and the place is less crowded.

What are the Best Things to Do in Tara Devi, Shimla?

Experiencing the divine of Goddess Tara Devi Temple isn’t just about offering prayers; it’s a combined experience of spirituality, culture, and nature. 

It is the cultural hub for Goddess Durga’s devotees and holds the same importance as any other Shakti Peeth. For instance, Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Aparna, and the rest. 

Further, here is the checklist of things you can do at Maa Taradevi Temple. Take a quick look. 

1. Visit Taradevi Temple Shimla: This is the main draw, a mesmerizing temple well recognized for its spiritual reasons, attracting thousands of people to visit in the tranquil location. 

2. Perform Local Rituals and Seek Blessings: Engage with the locals and comprehend the process and meaning of the rituals performed to seek blessings from the goddess. Also, try to spend more time around the temple; it will give you peace and a sense of security for your soul. 

3. Experience the Beauty of Nature: The temple is placed in a dense forest of rhododendron and oak trees, delivering a pacifist and heartwarming experience of nature. 

4. Enjoy the Visuals of Scenic Vista: After performing a prayer, you can relish the breathtaking scenic view of the surrounding landscapes. Also, appreciate the cold and calm breezes that relax your city hustle stress.  

5. Attend the Tara Devi Fair: The Goddess Tara Devi Temple Shimla, is considered one of the best places to visit in September in India. This holy place hosts vibrant and cultural events, where thousands of devotees dressed in traditional attire participate in several cultural programs.  

Therefore, the Taradevi Temple is a complete package of mystical attractions and areas that you should travel to at least once in your life. Also, we are sure that participating in the above-mentioned activities will surely enrich your soul and make your escape to Tara Devi Temple worth the time and effort. 

How to Reach Tara Devi Temple Shimla Himachal Pradesh?

There are numerous modes by which you can easily connect to Maa Tara Devi Temple from major cities like Shimla, Delhi, and Chandigarh. 

Thus, find the Tara Devi temple address and various ways to reach there below. 

Address: NH.22, Kachi Ghati, Bagh, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001. 

Telephone Number: 0177 2002150

1. By Air: Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport is almost a 25.1 km (55 minutes) drive away from the Tara Devi Temple. After reaching there, you can take taxis or cabs to the holy place. 

2. By Railways: Tara Devi Railway Station is the nearest railway line to the temple, just about 4.9 km away. Also, you can take the Shimla Railway Station route, which is approximately 12.9 km distant from the Tara Devi Temple. 

3. By Road: Another way to reach the temple is from Shoghi, which is entirely connected to Shimla by road. There are various public buses or taxis available that you can take and reach the holy place in a 30 – 40-minute drive while enjoying the nature and scenic scenes. 

4. By Foot: For the adventurous lover, there is a trek option available. However, treks started from Shimla, where the Tara Devi temple is situated, estimated average of 14.1 km hike, which takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the temple.

Thereby, we are hoping that the above information is enough for you to understand the accurate location of the temple. Apart from this, let’s move forward to knowing the places near the Tara Devi Temple Shimla, in the upcoming section.

Places to Visit Near Maa Tara Devi Temple

After getting a soulful experience at Maa Tara Mandir, you can make your trip more exciting and memorable by visiting the several nearby attractions. 

Notably, Shimla is a beautiful city, full of charm, scenic places, heritage sites, and cultural marks that can surely make your overall journey worthwhile. 

Here, we have illustrated some popular places you can visit. Check them out. 

The Jakhu temple is an ancient temple situated in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. 

It is one of the most prestigious pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Hanuman, such as the Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple, Prachin Hanuman Mandir, and the rest. 

Furthermore, the temple is situated on the highest hill of Shimla, Jakhu Hill, which is 2,455 m (8,054 feet) above sea level. So, after praying, you can enjoy the cold and fresh weather and witness the true glory of the countryside.

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Kali Bari Temple is one of the Hindu temples, which was originally established in 1873 by Bengali Brahmin, Ram Charan Brahamchari.  

It is dedicated to the powerful reincarnation of the Goddess Kali, also known as Shyamala, after which it’s believed that the city Shimla has been given its designated name. 

Moreover, the temple is one of the ancient Hindu temples with breathtaking architecture and a blue-wooden statue of Goddess Kali.

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Constructed during the colonial period, Mall Road is one of the main business centers of Shimla. It is located one level below The Ridge, and here, you can also find the primary offices of the police quarters, fire service, and municipal corporation. 

Moreover, the primary attraction of this place is Scandal Point, which directly joins with The Ridge on the west side. However, there are further points you can visit, such as, Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall, and Christ Church. 

Address:

Marina Waterfall is another amazing tourist attraction located at the heart of Shimla, where you can experience the unique combination of artificial craftsmanship and natural scenic beauty. 

Amazingly, surrounded by the stunning greenery and charming Himalayan hills, this place is located near the Mall Road. So, you can easily reach up there in around 6 minutes of walking. 

Lastly, although the waterfall is artificial, visitors often find themselves mesmerized by the surrounding landscape and the sense of peace they get there.

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With the mesmerizing greenery, great history, and geography, Annadale that also known as Annandale, is known as the heart of Shimla. Majorly, it is a flat valley, which includes a helipad, a golf course, and most importantly, an army cantonment. 

Here you can stroll through the Army Heritage Museum, where you can check out several historical weapons, army artifacts, and different sorts of war memory objects. 

Moving ahead, you can also visit Shri Ram Mandir and Gan Devta Mandir, located near the Annadale Chowk, and perform various local rituals and get a soulful experience.

In the end, along with the aforementioned places, you can also plan for a weekend getaway to Shimla, Kufri, where you can enjoy various activities and make your trip more exciting. 

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Beautiful Tara Devi Temple Shimla Images Gallery

After reading enough about this peaceful goddess temple, it’s time to explore some mesmerizing photos of this holy place. As surely, these Tara Devi images will leave you stunned and make you desperate to visit there as soon as possible. 

Summing Up! 

With that, we sum up by stating the final fact that the moment you descend from the scenic heights of Tara Devi Temple Shimla, you will carry more than just memories.  

Remember, this temple is not just a place to worship; it’s a timeless combination of history, religious belief, culture, and nature. 

Lastly, if the tranquility of a hilly location excites you, don’t forget to explore more places like Tungnath Temple, Kailash Mansarovar, Neer Garh Waterfall Rishikesh, and many more.