Approximately 4 kms from Shoghi and also situated on a hill stands the Tara Devi Temple. The temple is reached by taking a right turn at the end of the row of tiny buildings culminating in the Minchy Fruit Products' stand. The road is new but extremely curvy. The origins of this temple date back between 200 - 500 years. It is believed that the Raja of Junga built the mandir at the same spot he encountered an image of Tara Devi. The mandir today is maintained through funding from the descendents of the Junga's royal brood. The temple becomes the destination of hundreds of locals during the festive months of October and November. The views from the temple are stunning.
Providing an overwhelming view of the mountains below, Tara Devi temple sees a large number of devotees. It is at a distance of 11 kilometers from Shimla and easily accessible. It is also the place where the Military Dairy Firm is situated.
Built approximately 250 years ago the temple has an interesting history. Legend was that the goddess Tara Devi was brought to Himachal Pradesh from the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. Sitting atop the hill the temple has a great spiritual and heritage value.
Goddess Tara is known as a prominent deity of Tibeta Buddhism and a temple 'Ma Bhagwati Tara Devi' temple of Tara Devi is located in Tara Parvat (hill) nearby Shoghi. Goddess Tara is assumed to be one of the nine sisters of Goddess Durga.
The history of this temple dates back to more than 250 years. It is believed that Goddess Tara was brought here from eastern state of Bengal by a king from the Sen Dynasty and to honor this in later years Raja Bhupendra Sen established this temple with a wooden idol of Tara Devi in Vaishnav style and traditions.
An age old tradition of worshipping and offering prayers in Tara Devi temple is still continuing with the erstwhile Sen Dynasty heirs. They worship Ma Tara on the Ashtami day occurring on Shardiya Navratras every year. A fair is also held dyring this period in which Wrestling is an inevitable part of it. Tara Devi temple is attracted by many tourists and Devotees.
