- Special Features
Foundation Year1729Sthala TreeTheerthamDudhpukurRathamArchitectureThe temple is an atchala structure of Bengal temple architecture with a 'natmandir' in front.Other Speciality
- Sthala Puran
Tarakeshwarnath Takeshwarnath is 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 kilometers away from Tarapith. He grants his devotees 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. 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 to as Baba Taraknath in 1729 AD.
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
- Architecture
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
Taraknath grants his devotees 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.
Dudhpukur, a tank to the north of the Shiva temple is believed to fulfil the prayers of those taking a dip in it.
Offerings to DeityStotras and Mantras
- FestivalsMahashivratriPilgrims 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.GajanChaitra Sankranti,Sravan Month
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
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