Taraknath Temple

Temple of Taraknath with Dudhpukur tank in the foreground

The Taraknath temple, dedicated to the Hindu god 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.[1]

Legends

As per local legends, the temple has built after a dream led the mendicant brother of Raja Vishnu Das to a Linga in the jungles near Tarakeswar, by discovered the after he was led to it by a dream. The temple was later built around the swayambhu linga (self-manifested) referred as Baba Taraknath in 1729 AD.[1][2]

Festivities

Pilgrims visit the temple throughout the year, especially on Mondays. But 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.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "TARAKESHWAR: Shivaratri: Night Of The Lord, Destroyer Of Evil". Outlook Traveller.
  2. ↑ Tarakeshwar Temple

External links