Tarakeswar

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Tarakeswar | type = city | latd = 22.89 | longd = 88.02
locator_position = right | state_name = West Bengal
district = Hoogly
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altitude = 18
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 28,178| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
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sex_ratio =
unlocode =
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Tarakeswar (Bengali: তারকেশ্বর) is a town and a municipality in Hooghly District in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a police station in Chandannagar subdivision. [ [http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/01/Table-3.htm District-wise list of statutory towns] ] Tarakeswar is a renowned place of pilgrimage and the greatest centre of the Shiva sect in West Bengal. 58 km away from Kolkata, Tarakeswar can be reached conveniently by train.

Geography

Tarakeswar is located at coord|22.89|N|88.02|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/28/Tarakeswar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Tarakeswar] ] . It has an average elevation of 18 metres (59 feet).

Transport

The Howrah-Tarakeswar line was opened in 1885. [Chaudhuri, Sukanta, "The Railway Comes to Calcutta", in "Calcutta, the Living City", Vol. I, edited by Sukanta Chaudhuri, p. 239, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-563696-3.] It is part of the Kolkata Suburban Railway system.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Tarakeswar had a population of 28,178. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Tarakeswar has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 66%. In Tarakeswar, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Temple of Taraknath

The principal attraction is the temple of Taraknath, an 'atchala' structure 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.

Pilgrims 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 Falgun (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 on each Monday.

There is a Buddhist Temple just 6 km away from Tarakeswar. The name of the place is Deulpara. It is the only Buddha Temple in Hooghly District. Very nice place to be calm and be in peace.

Politics

Tarakeswar is part of Arambagh (Lok Sabha constituency). [cite web
url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S25/WB_Dist_PC_AC.pdf
title = Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies
accessdate = 2008-10-01
work = West Bengal
publisher = Election Commission of India ]

References