Information of Tarakeshwar Temple, Hooghly, West Bengal

The Tarakeshwar Temple is believed to be quite a significant pilgrimage destination for the Hindus especially of the West Bengal state. The Taraknath Temple is situated in a small town called Tarakeshwar close to Serampore in Hooghly district of West Bengal. The presiding deity of the temple is the revered Hindu god Lord Shiva.

Tarakeshwar Temple Religious Significance

The Tarakeshwar Temple is identified to be the absolute hub with regard to the Shiva division in entire Bengal. The temple is actually situated at a distance of 58 kilometres from Kolkata city but is quite well linked with local trains. The temple is learnt to be the hub of all kinds of activities related to the village or Tarakeshwar town. The temple is believed to be visited by millions of devotes from all over the country and even from other foreign countries as well. The temple is included amongst the revered twelve different Jyotirlinga temples across the country. Devotees flock to this temple in abnormally large numbers during the month of July till August. The most imperative festival of the temple is supposed to be the Maha Shivratri which is observed and organized with huge shopping festivals along with fairs. Maha Shivratri is also referred to as the "Great Night of Shiva" and is celebrated each year in admiration of Lord Shiva. It is supposed to the day when the Lord got married to his consort, Goddess Parvati. The temple complex also houses small shrines devoted to Goddess Kali as well as Lord Lakshmi-Narayan.

Tarakeshwar Temple Mythology & History

The temple was constructed during the 18th century. There is believed to be a legend associated with the construction of this particular temple. A follower of Lord Shiva named Vishnu Das, came to live permanently with his family in Ayodhya. He along with his other members of the family was not gladly received by the local people and was looked at with extreme mistrust. However, Vishnu Das was able to prove his virtuousness by tightly holding on to an iron bar which was red hot and thus, earned an excellent repute within the locals.

After some time, or rather few days later, a particular area within the forest which was close by was found by Vishnu's brother. This was the area of the forest where milk was released by the cattle in their respective udders in an exact place every single day. On examination of that specific place, Vishnu and his brother both discovered a Shiva Lingam. It is broadly assumed that the fact of the Shiva Lingam being the representation of the Lord in the appearance of Baba Tarakeshwar was revealed in a godly dream seen by the brothers. The revered god Lord Shiva is identified to be the chief and supreme power of the cosmos and the basis of everything. Finally, a shrine was constructed at the specific spot which became popular by the name of Taraknath Temple if Tarakeshwar.

Tarakeshwar Temple Architectural Significance

The Tarakeshwar temple was reconstructed several times over the years and the current structure of the mentioned temple was constructed by in the year 1729 A.D. by Raja Bharamalla. The temple represents a typical pattern of Bengali architecture with common features such as an inner shrine with a balcony in front of it. The idol or the figure of Lord Shiva can be found to be installed just in the centre of the inner chamber or shrine. The balcony has four sides with a marble pathway on the floor.