It is one of the famous temples of Uttarakhand state. According to the legend, Tarkasur was a demon who meditated and worshiped Lord Shiva at this location for a boon. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva gave him a boon of immortality as per Tarkasur request except from Lord Shiva's son.
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]
Baba Taraknath also known as Baba Tarakeshwar or Baba 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 kilometres away from Tarapith. He grants his devotees a 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 Rao[citation needed] to discover a Linga in the jungles near Tarakeswar. The temple was later built around the swayambhu linga (self-manifested) referred as Baba Taraknath in 1729 AD.[1][2]
