Taraknath Temple - तारकनाथ मंदिर

Baba Tarak Nath or Tarakeswar Temple is located in a major town called Tarakeswar in Hooghly district at a distance of 85 km from Kolkata, the capital of the Indian state of Bengal. Tarakeswar Temple is dedicated to Parbhu Taraknath, a form of Bhagwan Shiva. Taraknath is a fiery form of Bhagwan Shiva, who drank poison during the samudra manthan. Tarakeswar Nath is the husband of Bhagwati Tara, whose temple is famous by the name Tarapith.

Story of Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Built in 1729, the temple is a stationary structure of Bengal temple architecture with a 'Natmandir' in front. Nearby are the temples of Kali and Lakshmi Narayan. Tarakeswar Mahadev Temple is the main Shiva temple of Bengal. The Tarakeswar Mahadev Temple was built by Raja Bharmal Rao.

Tarakeswar Temple Darshan
Tarakeswar Mahadev Temple is just a short distance away after landing at Tarakeswar station. There is a lake near the temple. Whose name is Doodhpokhar which means the pond of milk. The travelers coming to Tarakeswar Mahadev Darshan first take a bath in this holy lake. It is believed that whoever takes a dip in it, his wishes are fulfilled. Then water, fruits, flowers and prasad are offered to Tarakeshwar Mahadev.

There are long lines of men and women separately for the darshan of Taraknath. There is a temple of Kali Maa in the east of the temple. There is a temple of Shiv Ganga in the west and Damodar Thakur in the north.

Major Festivals of Tarakeswar Temple
Devotees visit the temple throughout the year, especially on Mondays. But thousands of pilgrims visit Tarakeswar on the occasion of Shivratri. The month of Shravan is auspicious for Shiva, at that time the festival is celebrated on every Monday.