Tarakeshwar Temple

Location

Tarakeshewar Temple, the shrine dedicated to Taraknath (one of the forms of Lord Shiva), was assumed to be built in 1729 AD by Raja Bharamalla. A Shayambhu ling is the presiding deity.

There are many interesting legends behind the establishment of Tarakeshwar temple. One story goes with a person Vishnu Das and his brother came to Tarakeshwar town from Ayodhya. The locals looked suspiciously the people and to prove his innocence Vishnu Das hold a red hot iron in his hand. Later his brother unearthed a Shivalinga from a spot in the town. He got a night dream revealing that it was Lord Shiva and he was instructed to establish a temple at the spot.

The temple is a specimen of local Bengali style architecture. The temple has an 'atchala' building structure with a 'natmandir' (place for offering prayers) in front. The temple premises host shrines of Kali and Lakshmi-Narayan. The temple houses a sanctum and a verandah. The verandah has three open spires with railings.

Mondays are believed to be very auspicious days in this temple. Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 1.30 pm and 4:00 - 7:00 pm.

Taraknath Temple is the prime attraction of Tarakeshwar village of Hooghly District. Taraknath Temple, dedicated to Lord Taraknath, was constructed in the year 1729 by Raja Bharamalla. The temple is built in central West Bengal style of temple architecture with features such as ‘atchala’ and ‘natmandir’. The temple has four roofs above the sanctum sanctorum and extended galleries for the congregation of the devotees.

Taraknath Temple is considered among one of the 12 abodes of Lord Shiva or the Jyotirlinga temples in India. This temple also has minor shrines dedicated to Goddess Kali and Lord Lakshmi-Narayan. Some of the auspicious occasions at this temple are Sravan month, Maha Shivratri, Chaitra Sankranti, etc.

Timing: 6.00 am - 1.30 pm
4.00 pm - 7.00 pm