Tara Devi Temple is a major hilltop shrine located about 11 km from Shimla on the ridge above the highway, at around 7,200 ft altitude. Surrounded by deodar forests, it offers serene views of Shimla on one side and distant peaks on the other. The main sanctum houses a beautiful idol of Goddess Tara made of ashtadhatu (eight metals), with additional shrines to Shiva, Saraswati and Kali. Devotees come for blessings of protection, wisdom and good fortune; the temple is especially crowded during Navratri and Dussehra, when large bhandaras and fairs are organised.
About this place
History & highlights
Tara Devi is associated with the Sen dynasty of the region. Temple tradition says that about 250 years ago (often dated to around 1766 CE), King Bhupendra Sen of the Sen rulers had a vision of Goddess Tara instructing him to install her idol on this hill so people could receive her darshan. Earlier, a wooden idol was carried on the king’s arm in battle as a protective deity; later it was enshrined here permanently. Over the centuries the temple became one of the most important Shakti shrines around Shimla. In recent years, the structure was completely reconstructed and restored (completed 2018) using traditional pahari wooden architecture and significant amounts of gold and silver for decoration, reviving its old grandeur while improving facilities for modern pilgrims.
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