Tara Devi Temple
A sacred 18th-century temple atop a Himalayan peak, dedicated to Goddess Tara Devi, offering divine blessings and breathtaking panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds
Tara Devi Temple
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred 18th-century temple atop a Himalayan peak, dedicated to Goddess Tara Devi, offering divine blessings and breathtaking panoramic views.
"The panoramic view of Shimla from this temple is awesome."
🎯 Visit Before Noon on Weekends
Avoid weekend jams by arriving before 12 PM. Enjoy the temple and its views with fewer people.
🎒 Pack for Mountain Weather
Carry an umbrella and warm hoodie. Mountain weather is unpredictable; be prepared for rain or chill.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Views
Temple summit
Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and Shimla town. A photographer's dream!
Divine Bhandara Experience
Temple premises
Enjoy a delicious and heartwarming community meal served with love by the temple. A true taste of local hospitality.
Intricate Wood Carvings
Temple architecture
Admire the detailed 'pahari' style wood carvings that adorn the recently rebuilt temple, showcasing traditional artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Weekends
Trek or Drive: Choose Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hello guys, this for people who have travelled and explored Shimla. Need suggestions.
🎯 Visit Before Noon on Weekends
Avoid weekend jams by arriving before 12 PM. Enjoy the temple and its views with fewer people.
🎒 Pack for Mountain Weather
Carry an umbrella and warm hoodie. Mountain weather is unpredictable; be prepared for rain or chill.
people of shimla need help in planing for trip.
Suggestions for 2 day Itinerary
🐒 Beware of Monkeys
Keep an eye on your belongings, as monkeys are common in and around the temple premises.
🚫 No Leather Items
Leather bags, shoes, and wallets are not permitted inside the temple.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit Before Noon on Weekends
Avoid weekend jams by arriving before 12 PM. Enjoy the temple and its views with fewer people.
🎒 Pack for Mountain Weather
Carry an umbrella and warm hoodie. Mountain weather is unpredictable; be prepared for rain or chill.
🐒 Beware of Monkeys
Keep an eye on your belongings, as monkeys are common in and around the temple premises.
🚫 No Leather Items
Leather bags, shoes, and wallets are not permitted inside the temple.
🚶♀️ Trek for Scenic Views
Consider the trek up for a rewarding journey with beautiful scenery. It's a joyful experience!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tara Devi Temple for its divine ambiance, stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas and Shimla, and the heartwarming Bhandara (community meal). The intricate architecture and the option of a scenic trek are also highlighted as positives. Some mention potential weekend crowds and the need to be mindful of monkeys.
"Temple location is good and architecture is fine but try to visit the temple before 12 in morning if you are going in weekend to avoid jam. There is Bhandara provided by temple to everyone which is literally very good and served with love. Temple has ample of space and beautiful scenic view."
Akanksha Singh
"Tara Devi Temple is located on a small hilltop, at around 7200 feet above sea level on the National Highway 22 at Kachi Ghati, near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh in India. The location is along the Kalka-Shimla Highway and can be reached by road or a scenic trek.
This temple was constructed around 250 years ago and is devoted to Tara Devi, who is also known as the ‘Wisdom Goddess’ in Nepal and Tibet.
Tara Devi is the wife of Hindu god Brihaspati, the God of planet Jupiter.
The distance between Shimla and Taradevi is about 11 kms.
It is one of the most visited religious places in Shimla and is around 11 kilometres from Shimla.
Tara Devi temple was built by Sen dynasty kings around 1766 A.D.
As said, the king Bhupendra Sen built this temple after he had a dream in which the Goddess Tara Devi asked him to build a template there so that people could have her blessings.
This temple was rebuilt in the year 2018 at a cost of over ₹6 crore. The wood carving on the temple has been kept as close to original ‘pahari’ style.
The statue of Tara Devi was installed on 20 July 2018 in the presence of 90 priests. Idols of Saraswati and Kali are also installed in the temple.
The Tara Devi temple has a huge campus area surrounded by big deodar trees. Visiting pilgrims have to ascend the steep winding path to the temple.
It has no entry fees.
As believed the idol of Goddess Tara was brought from West Bengal to Himachal Pradesh. According to a folklore a King from the Sen dynasty had once come to this area along with a small idol of his personal family deity in the form of a gold locket. He used to wear this ornament in his upper arm. While hunting in and around the dense jungle of Juggar, he forgot his path to go back home and fell asleep. While sleeping, he dreamt that Goddess Tara and her gatekeepers Lord Hanuman and Bhairav requested him to unveil them to people.
Immediately, the Maharaja decided to fulfil the desires of Ma Tara and donated about 50 bighas of land to construct the temple. Thus, a temple was built here with a wooden idol of the deity for people to pray and seek blessings. After some years, another king of the same dynasty had a vision in which the Ma Tara wished to be on the hill top of Tarav Parvat. Soon, the temple was shifted there and a magnificent Ashtadhatu idol of Tara Devi was installed in the temple in the year 1825. Since then, the members of Sen dynasty follow the old traditions and worship their family Goddess on the Asthami day every year.
Leather items including clutches, bags, shoes, wallet or other stuff is forbidden inside the temple.
The nearest airport to reach Tara Devi Temple is Jubbarhatti Airport, which is 22 km drive away from the destination. From there, you can look for a cab or a taxi.
Tara Devi Station, on the Kalka- Shimla Toy Train track is the closest railway station to Tara Devi Temple.
By road Tara Devi Temple can be reached from Shoghi, on the Kalka-Shimla road route. This road is however quite steep uphill.
Beware of monkeys in and around the temple premises."
rakesh sharma
"Tara Devi Temple Shoghi Shimla: A divine place near Shimla, surrounded by beautiful mountains. There are two ways to reach this sacred spot—either drive directly or take a scenic trek. We arrived in the morning and chose to trek with our group. It was a joyful journey filled with laughter and photography, and we reached the top in about three hours.
The weather at the summit was breathtaking, especially since it was a rainy day. Taken blessings from Tara Mata and enjoyed the prasad, including a delicious Himachali dham. It was a truly memorable experience, made even more special with the divine grace of Mata.
If you plan to trek here, make sure to carry an umbrella and a warm hoodie, as mountain weather can be very unpredictable.
Jai Tara Mata Di!"
Sushant Shukla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tara Devi Temple is about 11 km from Shimla. You can reach it by road via the Kalka-Shimla Highway (NH 22) at Kachi Ghati. Taxis are readily available. For a more adventurous route, you can take a scenic trek up the hill.
The closest railway station is Tara Devi Station, which is on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train track. From the station, you can take a short taxi ride or walk to the temple.
The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport, located about 22 km away from Tara Devi Temple. From the airport, you can hire a cab or taxi to reach the temple.
While direct public buses might be limited, you can take local buses towards Kalka-Shimla highway and get down at Shoghi or near the temple turn-off, then arrange for a local taxi or walk.
Yes, you can drive your own vehicle. The road is well-connected via the Kalka-Shimla Highway. However, be prepared for a steep, winding uphill path as you get closer to the temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Tara Devi Temple. It is a free-access religious site for all pilgrims and visitors.
The temple is generally open from early morning until evening. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience and views. Specific timings can vary, but it's usually accessible from sunrise to sunset.
To avoid crowds, especially on weekends, it's recommended to visit early in the morning, ideally before 12 PM. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
While there isn't a strict dress code, it's a holy place, so modest attire is appreciated. Importantly, leather items like bags, shoes, and wallets are forbidden inside the temple premises.
There are no tickets to book as entry is free. For donations, you can typically do so in person at the temple. Information on online donation facilities might be available on official temple websites if they exist.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Bhandara is a free community meal served by the temple to all visitors. It's a significant part of the temple's tradition and is known for being delicious and served with warmth.
The temple offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and the picturesque town of Shimla. It's a fantastic spot for photography and soaking in the natural beauty.
Yes, there is a scenic trek to the temple. It's a steep but rewarding path that offers beautiful views along the way. Many visitors enjoy this adventurous route.
The temple is believed to have been constructed around 250 years ago by the Sen dynasty kings after a divine vision. It's dedicated to Goddess Tara Devi, the 'Wisdom Goddess'. The temple was rebuilt in 2018, preserving its traditional 'pahari' style.
Besides the main idol of Goddess Tara Devi, the temple also houses idols of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Kali, adding to the spiritual significance of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views of the Himalayas and Shimla, making it ideal for landscape photography. The temple's architecture, especially the wood carvings, also provides great photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed in the temple complex and its surroundings. However, it's always respectful to check for any specific restrictions inside the inner sanctum or during prayer times.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hues. The views are also clearer during these times.
The intricate 'pahari' style wood carvings on the rebuilt temple are a significant visual element that reflects its history and traditional craftsmanship. Capturing these details can be very rewarding.
If you're trekking, ensure your camera is protected from the elements, especially if it's raining. Capture the journey itself, the changing landscapes, and the anticipation of reaching the summit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Pack snacks and water: While Bhandara is available, having extra provisions is always wise.
* Sturdy footwear: Essential for navigating the paths, especially if trekking.
* Modest clothing: Respectful attire is appreciated in a religious site.
* Keep belongings secure: To prevent any issues with monkeys.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers:
* Utilize public transport: Opt for buses where available.
* Enjoy the free Bhandara: A hearty and cost-effective meal.
* Consider the trek: If you're fit, it saves on taxi fare and offers great views.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
Recommendations for spiritual seekers:
* Visit during quieter hours: Weekdays or early mornings offer more tranquility.
* Engage with the Bhandara: Experience the selfless service and community spirit.
* Spend time in quiet contemplation: The scenic beauty enhances the meditative experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Tara Devi
The idol of Goddess Tara Devi is believed to have been brought from West Bengal. Folklore suggests a king, while hunting, dreamt of the Goddess revealing herself and requesting a temple. He donated land, and a temple was built. Later, another king shifted the temple to its current hilltop location and installed a magnificent Ashtadhatu (eight-metal alloy) idol in 1825. This historical continuity is maintained by the Sen dynasty, who continue to worship their family Goddess on Asthami day annually. The presence of idols of Saraswati and Kali further enhances the divine aura of the temple complex.
Experiencing the Trek and Views
Upon reaching the summit, the panoramic views are simply spectacular. You're greeted with sweeping vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and the charming town of Shimla spread out below. This vantage point is perfect for capturing stunning photographs and simply soaking in the serene atmosphere. The weather at the summit can be unpredictable, so carrying essentials like an umbrella and a warm hoodie is highly recommended, as noted by travelers who have experienced sudden changes in mountain climate.
The Culinary Delight: Bhandara
The Himachali Dham, a traditional feast, is often part of the Bhandara experience, offering a taste of local cuisine. This communal dining experience fosters a sense of togetherness and reinforces the spiritual ambiance of the temple. It's a chance to connect with fellow visitors and experience the local culture firsthand, making the visit more than just a religious pilgrimage but also a cultural exploration.
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