Tarna Devi Temple, Mandi – Legends

Tarna Devi Temple, Mandi – Legends

Raja Balbir Sen’s vow:

As per legend, Sikh kingdom went through a rough phase after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839. The army became uncontrollable during the reign of Maharaja Kharak Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Seeing the turmoil, Kharak Singh had left all the powers in the hands of his son Nau Nihal Singh. Nau Nihal Singh planned to invade Mandi and Kullu just to provide an opportunity for his army to fight. General Ventura of the Sikh army led a strong force to Mandi.

He stopped at outskirts of the Mandi town and demanded payment and the visit of Raja Balbir Sen of Mandi to the camp of the Sikh general. Accordingly, the payments were made and Raja Balbir Sen also came to visit the Sikh general. He was imprisoned upon his arrival and Mandi town was captured. The army also captured the Kamlah fortress and the Raja was sent as a prisoner to Amritsar and confined in the fort of Gobindgarh. Kullu was next invaded. A minister of Raja Balbir Sen left Mandi in the guise of a domestic servant and went to Lahore.

He successfully managed to gain the confidence of the rulers of the Sikh empire. He convinced them to send him to Gobindgarh fort to work for the prisoner. Once, he reached Gobindgarh, he spread a rumour that the Raja Balbir Sen had great spiritual powers and was capable of curing incurable diseases. Few case came to him and got cured. This news spread and reached Maharaja Sher Singh, the ruler of Sikh empire. Once, Lahore suffered due to heavy rains and floods, Maharaja Sher Singh summoned Raja Balbir Sen to stop the rain through his powers.

It is said that Raja Balbir Sen prayed to goddess Shyama Kali and took a vow that if the calamity was ended and if he would be released, he would decorate the sanctum of this temple with gold leaf. It is said that the prayer of Raja Balbir Sen were answered and the rains had stopped. Raja Balbir Sen was released with full honours and Mandi State was restored to him. The loots obtained during the invasion of Mandi was also returned back. In gratitude, Raja Balbir Sen fulfilled his vow.

Raja Shyam Sen of Mandi State defeated Jeet Sen of Suket with the blessings of Kali:

As per legend, Raja Shyam Sen (1664 – 1674 CE) was the 8^th King of Mandi State. He was an ardent devotee of goddess Kali. Once, Raja Jeet Sen of Suket, ruler of the adjoining State, insulted Shyam Sen. Hence, Shyam Sen invaded Suket. It is said that Raja Shyam Sen prayed to goddess Kali and invoked the blessings of her before proceeding for the war with Jeet Sen. With the blessings of Kali, Raja Shyam Sen decisively defeated Raja Jeet Sen. To commemorate his victory, he built this temple and installed the deity.