Everything You Need to Know about Tarkeshwar Temple 2024
The Tarakeshwar temple in West Bengal is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas spread across the country. Every year, thousands of devotees come to pay homage to this divine shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated in the small town of Tarakeshwar lying at a distance of 58 km from the city of Kolkata. Want to know about what makes this temple so unique? Keep reading to learn more!
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History Behind the Tarakeshwar Temple
There is a story associated with the construction of the Tarakeshwar temple. Aged back in the 18th century, there was an ardent follower of Lord Shiva, named Vishnu Das. He came to the town to permanently live with his family. However, the locals were not quite pleased by their visit and looked upon them with distrust.
This really disturbed Vishnu Das and his family. Hence to prove his virtuousness he tightly held on to a red-hot iron bar and earned a good reputation among the locals.
A few days after this incident, Vishnu’s brother discovered a particular site in the nearby forest where the cows delivered milk at a specific spot daily. Upon investigating the spot, they found a Shivalinga. Post this event, Vishnu Das had a dream revealing that the idol found was the symbol of the Tarakeshwar form of Lord Shiva.
When the villagers came to know about this, everyone decided to build on the exact spot where the Shivalinga was founded. The temple has been renovated over the course of time and the current form was built by Raja Baramulla, in 1729 AD.
Must Visit Attractions Near Tarakeshwar Temple
Dudhpukar Tank
Dudhpukar is a miraculous tank in Tarakeshwar that attracts numerous travelers all around the year. It is believed that the water in this tank holds medicinal power and anyone who takes a dip in it, remains healthy all the while.
Buddha Temple of Deulpara
Situated 6 km away from Tarakeshwar town, this is a beautifully designed Buddha Temple adorned with an exquisite idol of Lord Buddha. It is the only Buddha temple in the Hooghly district which is said to be founded by the Dalai Lama. Buddha temple is the perfect example of what you call excellent architecture and built.
How to Reach the Tarakeshwar Temple in West Bengal
You can reach the Tarakeshwar temple either by road, rail, or air transport.
- By Road: You can take a bus from Dharmatala, Chinsura, or Howrah to reach the Tarakeshwar temple.
- By Train: Tarakeshwar railway station is the nearest railway station to the temple lying only at a distance of 1 km. Upon reaching the railway station, you can easily opt for a cab, auto, or bus to reach your location.
- By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata is the nearest airport to Tarakeshwar temple, situated at a distance of 32 km. You can take a bus from the airport to reach the temple.
Also Read : Unveiling the Story Behind the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple Kavi Kamboi
Timings of Tarakeshwar Temple
The temple is open from Sunday to Saturday from 6:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q. Why is the Tarakeshwar temple famous?
A. Tarakeshwar temple is foremost famous for its beautiful atchala structure featuring a Natmandir in front. More so, it is said that lord Shiva visits this temple every year to fulfill the wishes of all his devotees. Believing this, every year thousands of people visit this temple to seek blessings of the almighty.
Q. In which district is Tarakeshwar Mandir?
A. The Tarakeshwar temple is located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.
Q. Which God is in Tarkeshwar Mandir?
A. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity in the Tarakeshwar Mandir.
Q. Is Tarkeshwar a jyotirlinga?
A. Yes, the Tarakeshwar temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga in India.
Q. What is the history of the Tarakeshwar temple in Bengal?
A. Tarakeshwar temple was constructed in 1729 AD. It came into existence, when Vishnu Das, a faithful devotee of Lord Shiva first discovered a Shivalinga in the nearby forest and along with fellow locals decided to build a temple over the site.
Q. Are there any rules for Tarakeshwar Mandir?
A. No, there are no such rules for Tarakeshwar Mandir. However, the individuals are requested to maintain the decorum
Q. Who was the founder of Tarakeshwar temple?
A. According to the record, Raja Bharamalla founded the Tarakeshwar Temple.
Q. Which is the oldest jyotirlinga in the world?
A. Somnath – Gir Somnath in Gujarat is considered the oldest jyotirlinga in the world.
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