Sri Taraknath Shiva Mandir- West Bengal

Address

Sri Taraknath Shiva Mandir Mandir Rd, Tarkeshwar, West Bengal 712410

Diety

Taraknath Amman: Parvati

Introduction

The Taraknath temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva worshiped as Taraknath, is a major pilgrimage spot in the town of Tarakeswar, West Bengal, India. Built in 1729, the temple is an atchala structure of Bengal temple architecture with a ‘natmandir’ in front. Close by are the shrines of Kali and Lakshmi Narayan. Dudhpukur, a tank to the north of the Shiva temple is believed to fulfil the prayers of those taking a dip in it.

Puranic Significance

As per local legends, the temple was built by Raja Bharamalla to discover a Linga in the jungles near Tarakeswar. The temple was later built around the swayambhu linga (self-manifested) referred as Baba Taraknath in 1729 AD. According to the legend, the temple was built after a dream which led the mendicant brother of Raja Vishnu Das to discover a Linga in the jungles near Tarakeswar. Later, a small temple was built around the swayambhu linga (self-manifested) by the villagers. The present structure of the temple was built in 1729 by Raja Bharamalla. Tarakeshwarnath Takeshwarnath also known as Taraknath or Tarakeshwarnath. He is a violent (Ugra) form of Lord Shiva who drank venom (Vish) during Samudra-manthan. Tarakeshwarnath is the husband of Bhagwati Tara. His shivalinga is also situated in Bengal, a few kilometres away from Tarapith. He grants his devotees a good health and life from which anything can be achieved. It is said that those who are true devotees of Tara and Tarak , Bhagwati Tara breastfeeds that devotee and then the devotee attains moksha or salvation.

Beliefs

Dudhpukur, a tank to the north of the Shiva temple is believed to fulfill the prayers of the devotees those taking a dip in it.

Special Features

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

Festivals

Thousands of pilgrims visit Tarakeswar on the occasions of ‘Shivaratri’ and ‘Gajan’, the former taking place in Phalgun (Feb-March) while the latter lasts for five days ending on the last day of Chaitra (mid-April). The month of Sravana (mid-July to mid-August) is auspicious for Shiva when celebrations are held n each Monday.