Tripura Sundari Temple, Agartala, Tripura

About the TempleTripura Sundari temple is located at the distance of 3km from Udaipur which is 55 km away from Agartala, Tripura. The prime deity is Tripura Sundri or Lalita. The temple is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas since Sati's right foot fell here during Lord Shiva's Taandav Dance.

The temple has a square shaped sanctum that resembles to typical Bengali hut with a conical dome. It was constructed in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya Debbarma. The temple has two identical images of the deity which is known as Tripura Sundari (5 feet tall) and Chhotima (2 feet tall). The temple structure is also known as Kurma Pitha as the temple premises resembles kurma or tortoise.

Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Tripura Sundari, Tripureshwari and "Soroshi" (a local name). The temple is small structure, with base measuring just 24 square feet and with a height of 75 feet.

History

There are certain stories about the installation of the devi-idol.

Once Maharaja Dhanya Manikya decided to bring the Shivalinga from Chandranath, a pilgrimage place at Chittagong, to his state Tripura. Eventually that couldn’t happen. One night the Maharaja got a divine message in his dream that the Shivalinga couldn't be dislocated from its place, but the idol of Tripura Sundari could be installed. The precondition was that the idol could be shifted away by the next night only and it could not be moved after that. The Maharaja arranged for the installation of Tripura Sundari idol. Despite their best efforts the servants were forced to halt on the way where the idol became static as soon as day broke out. Maharaja Dhanya Manikyabuilt a temple at that place and installed the idol. The place was later named Matabari.

Another hearsay is that the idol of deity was found submerged under the water of Brahmachhara nearby Matabari, The Maharaja perceived a message in his dreams to rescue the idol. Thereafter, he built the temple. Matabari.

A legend has it that king Dhanya Manikya who ruled Tripura during the 15th century, had a revelation in his dream, asking him to install Goddess Tripura Sundari in the temple that stood on a hilltop near Udaipur. The temple was already dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The king was unable to decide how to install an idol of the consort of Shiva when the temple dedicated to Vishnu. However, the oracle repeated the divine message to the king once again, hence the king decided to follow the supernal command. Thus, the Tripura Sundari temple came into existence and is now about 500 years old.

Festivals and Celebrations

Durga puja is celebrated joyously in Tripura Sundari temple.

Every year during Diwali, a popular fair is organized near the temple which is visited by lakhs of pilgrims. People come here to take bathe in the fish-filled tank which is located near the temple.

Fairs are also held on the occasion of ‘Uttarayan Sankranti’ and ‘Shiva –Chaturdashi’.

Daily, the goddess is offered with ‘anna-bhog’ (rice). Besides this, various types of seasonal fruit is also offered to the goddess.

How to reach

By Train: The nearest rail head is Kumarghat which is 140 km from Agartala. From here buses and taxis are available to reach the temple.

By Air: The closest airport is at Agartala from where temple can be reached by road.

By Road: The temple is located at 55 km from Agartala, the capital of Tripura. It is well connected by all towns of Tripura. The nearby bus stand is Matabari.

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