Location
The Maa Tara Devi Temple is located on the sacred Tara parvat (Tara hill) near shoghi, approximately 11–12 km from shimla, the capital city of himachal pradesh.
Standing high on the hilltop, the Temple overlooks:
- The majestic himalayan mountain ranges
- Dense cedar, oak, and pine forests
- The peaceful valleys of shimla district
Location details:
- State: himachal pradesh
- District: shimla
- Nearest town: shoghi (3–4 km)
- Distance from shimla: approx. 11 km
- Elevation: around 1850 meters above sea level
The serene and elevated setting makes this Temple an ideal place for meditation and devotion to Maa Tara.
History
Ancient himalayan shakti worship
The origins of the Maa Tara Devi Temple date back to nearly 250–300 years and are connected to the sen dynasty, which ruled the region. The rulers were ardent devotees of Maa Tara, the fierce and compassionate Second Form Of The Dasa Mahavidyas.
Legend of the sen dynasty
According to tradition, the ruler of the sen dynasty had a divine vision of Maa Tara, instructing him to establish Her Shrine on the mountain so that Her Blessings would protect the entire himalayan kingdom.
The king brought a Sacred Wooden Idol of Maa Tara from bengal and enshrined it on Tara parvat.
Since then, Maa Tara has been worshipped here as the Guardian Goddess of shimla hills, protecting devotees from fear, danger, and misfortune.
Temple restoration and architecture
Over centuries, the Temple was rebuilt and renovated by local devotees and rulers.
The most recent large-scale renovation took place in 2018, when:
- The Temple structure was expanded
- Traditional himachali woodwork was restored
- Intricate carvings and stonework were added
- The sanctum was adorned with new silver and gold decorations
Today, the Temple blends ancient himachali craftsmanship, pagoda-style architecture, and sacred himalayan symbolism.
Spiritual importance
In this Temple, Maa Tara is worshipped as:
- The Bearer of protection
- The Granter of knowledge
- The Mother Who Guides devotees toward enlightenment
- The Destroyer of fear and negativity
For local devotees, Maa Tara is the Kuldevi (family Goddess) of many households in shimla and solan districts.
How to reach Maa Tara Devi Temple
By air
- Nearest airport: shimla airport (jubbarhatti airport)
- Distance from Temple: approx. 20–22 km
Taxi services and private cabs are easily available.
By train
Two railway routes are available:
1. Shoghi railway station (toy train route)
- Part of the unesco-listed kalka–shimla railway
- Distance: 3–4 km from the Temple
Visitors can take the famous toy train and deboard at shoghi.
2. Shimla railway station
- Distance: 10–11 km from the Temple
Well connected by road with taxis and buses.
By road
The Temple is located along the national highway-5 (nh-5) connecting kalka to shimla.
- From shimla: 11 km
- From shoghi: 3 km
- From kalka: approx. 75 km
Transport options:
- Local buses
- Shared taxis
- Private cabs
- Self-drive cars
From the base of the hill, devotees may:
- Walk a short uphill path
- Drive up directly (road accessible)
- Take local shuttle vehicles on special days