Quick answer: Tara Devi Temple is a hilltop shrine to the goddess Tara on Tara Devi hill, about 11 km from Shimla off the Kalka–Shimla highway near Shoghi. The temple was founded around 250 years ago by the Sen rulers of Keonthal. The old wooden temple was taken down and rebuilt in traditional Pahari style, with the idol reinstalled in July 2018 after about three and a half years of work. There is no entry fee. We could not confirm opening hours on an official source, so check locally before you go.
Tara Devi Temple at a glance
| Detail | What we verified (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Location | Top of Tara Devi hill, Shimla district; about 11 km from Shimla (Himachal Pradesh Tourism) |
| Deity | Goddess Tara (Tara Devi), with images of Saraswati and Kali added in the rebuilt temple |
| Founded by | The Sen rulers of Keonthal, around 250 years ago |
| Rebuilt | About three and a half years of work, completed in 2018, at a cost of over ₹6 crore |
| Entry fee | None |
| Timings | Not published on an official source; check locally |
| Ways up | Uphill drive from the highway at Shoghi, or a trek from Taradevi railway station |
History and legend of Tara Devi Temple
The temple is linked with the Sen dynasty, the former rulers of Keonthal, a hill state near Shimla. The goddess Tara is believed to have been brought to the hills from Bengal by the family in the 18th century.
According to the temple’s tradition, Raja Bhupendra Sen saw Goddess Tara, together with Hanuman, in a vision while out hunting. The goddess asked to be made available to the people for worship, so he built a temple and installed a wooden image. Generations later, Raja Balbir Sen had a similar vision. The goddess asked to be moved to the top of the hill, Tarav Parvat, where he built a temple and installed an idol made of ashtadhatu, an alloy of eight metals. Treat these accounts as the temple’s own tradition rather than recorded history.
The 2018 rebuild
Over time, the wood of the old temple deteriorated, so the whole structure was taken down and rebuilt. According to a July 2018 report carried by the National Herald, the work took about three and a half years and cost more than ₹6 crore. The temple was rebuilt in its original hill architecture, with carved woodwork in traditional Pahari style. The idol of Tara Devi was reinstalled on 20 July 2018 in rituals led by about 90 priests, and statues of Saraswati and Kali were also installed.
Himachal Pradesh Tourism now describes it as a newly built temple of wood and stone with a slate roof, on the eastern edge of Tara Devi hill.
What to see
- The carved temple: the rebuilt shrine shows Pahari woodwork and stonework, with a slate roof.
- The views: Himachal Pradesh Tourism describes the 360-degree panoramic views from the hilltop as “a commanding sight”.
- Community meals: on auspicious days, devotees host a free community lunch (bhandara) for visitors.
Festivals
Navratri, especially the autumn Sharad Navratri around Dussehra, and the Ashtami that falls within it are the busiest times at the temple, with large crowds and special worship. Expect queues and traffic on the approach road on festival days and weekends.
How to reach Tara Devi Temple
- By road: take the Kalka–Shimla highway to Shoghi and follow the winding road up the hill. Taxis are available from Shimla.
- On foot from Taradevi station: Taradevi is a station on the Kalka–Shimla toy train line. From there you can trek up to the temple; the path is steep, so allow time.
- By air: Shimla Airport is at Jubbarhatti; Chandigarh is the nearest large airport.
Tips for visiting
- Remove your footwear before entering the temple and dress modestly.
- Go early on Navratri days and weekends to avoid the biggest crowds.
- The hilltop is exposed and can be cold and windy; carry a warm layer.
- Clear mornings give the best views.
Places to visit nearby
On the same highway, closer to Shimla, is Sankat Mochan Temple, a Hanuman temple founded in 1950. In Shimla itself, visit Kali Bari Temple near the Mall and climb to Jakhu Temple on Shimla’s highest hill.
A correction: an earlier version of this article listed Hatkoti Temple as nearby. Hatkoti is near Jubbal, roughly 100 km east of Shimla, on the far side of the town from Tara Devi, so it is not a practical side trip. The earlier version also named a hotel near Shoghi; we have not checked whether it still operates, so it has been removed.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tara Devi Temple from Shimla?
About 11 km, according to Himachal Pradesh Tourism.
Who built Tara Devi Temple?
The Sen rulers of Keonthal, around 250 years ago. The present temple was rebuilt in traditional style and completed in 2018.
Is there an entry fee for Tara Devi Temple?
No. Entry is free.
Can you walk to Tara Devi Temple from the railway station?
Yes. Himachal Pradesh Tourism mentions a trek up from Taradevi station on the Kalka–Shimla line.
Location, access and description were checked in October 2026 against Himachal Pradesh Tourism; the history and rebuild against a July 2018 report in the National Herald and published accounts of the temple. Confirm timings locally before visiting.
