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City in West Bengal, India
Photo: Sankha Karfa, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tarakeswar (তারকেশ্বর Tārokeshwor), also spelt Tarkeshwar, is a small town in the Hooghly district of West Bengal and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus in India. Home to Baba Taraknath Temple, a Shiva temple, the town experiences a huge crowd during Shaivite festivals like Maha Shivaratri (February) and Shravani Mela (July–August) every year.
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An at-chala temple dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Taraknath. It is believed to be built in 1729 by Raja Bharamalla of Bishnupur. Close by are the shrines of Kali and Lakshmi Narayan. There's also a nat mandir (dancing hall) in front. The temple features four roofs above the sanctum and extended galleries for the congregation of the devotees. It is also claimed to be one of the Jyotirlinga shrines of Mahadeva.
Milk Tank
The tank is believed to fulfil the prayers of those taking a dip in it. According to mythology, the tank was originally filled with milk (দুধ dudh) for the purification of the body, soul and mind.
Tarakeswar Tourist Lodge
Run by West Bengal Tourism.
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Kolkata · International · CCU
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