Tripura Sundari Temple is the oldest temple in the Udaipur district of Tripura state. It is one of 51 Sakti Peethas and it is where Sati’s ‘’right foot’ fell at Matabari. Located at about 55 km from Agartala, believed to be one of the holiest Hindu shrines of the country. The idols are Devi as Tripura Sundari and Shiva as Tripuresh. The Darshan of Devi fulfils all wishes and purifies the souls of the worshippers.
The temple consists of a square type sanctum of a typical Bengali hut with a conical dome, and two identical images of the same deity inside the temple known as Tripura Sundari (5 feet high) and Chhotima (2 feet high) in Tripura. The idol of Maa Kali is worshiped at the temple of Tripura Sundari in the form of ‘Soroshi’. One is made of kasti stone which is reddish black in colour. This temple is also known as KurmaPitha because it the temple premises resembles kurma i.e. tortoise.
Legend
It is said in the 16th century, a King known as King Dhanymanikwas an ardent worshiper of Maa Kali and one day MaaDurga appeared in his dream and told him to get the idol of Maa from a mountain of Chinta village. King Dhanymanik awakened to order his soldiers to bring the idol. As ordered by Goddess Tripureshwari, her temple was constructed and the idol was established in it. As time passed the temple came to be known as Tripura Sundari Temple. Thus, the Tripura Sundari temple came into being in around the year 1501, and is now about 500 years old. History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the Right Leg of Maa Sati fell to this place.
The Temple
At first glance, the temple structure appears to be a modified Buddhist Stupa. The temple faces the west and the main entrance of the temple is also in the west with a narrow entrance in the north.
Though the influence of medieval Bengal “Char Chaala“(4 slanted roof) temple architecture is clearly visible, such a blend is unique to this place and Tripura could distinctly claim this as its own Architectural style. The temple consists of a square type sanctum of the typical Bengali hut type structure with a conical dome.
Inside this temple, a 2 meter long stone idol of Maa Kali is kept. The town is sanctified by the river Howra and MaaTripureswari, the Holy Goddess. The Tripura dynasty is one of the longest continuous running dynasties of world today and beaten only by the Mikado dynasty of Japan.
The deity of Goddess Tripura Sundari which adorns the temple is made up of touch-stone. The of height of the idol is 1 meter 57cm and width of 64 cm. It is installed on a stone-altar. The Devi bears two pairs of forelimbs which depict typical gesture of Devi. According to scriptures, the upper right hand exhibits Varmudra or a gesture of blessing. The lower right hand exhibits Abhaymudra or a gesture of trust and assurance. The left forearm holds a Kharag or a Faichion; whereas, the lower arm holds an Asur-Munda or a head of a demon. But, these features are not distinctly visible in the present idol. The Devi wears a, Joga-mukut (a ‘crown on matted hair’) which conceals the tufts of undulating matted hair that flow down bilaterally. She wears a Munda-mala or a wreath of 13 severed heads. Her face is oval with a small flat nose and a pair of relatively small round eyes. The well-shaped structure of the idol radiates the kind of charm that is unprecedented.
She stands upright on the idol of Shiva that lays in Shavasana. Five mundas are supposed to be engraved on the surface of the altar which bears the Devi.
A stamp featuring the Tripureswari temple was released on September 2003 recognizing this heritage. In the eastern side of the temple there lies Kalyan Sagar (a lake) where big fish and tortoises cohabitate undisturbed.
Temple Timings
Tripura Sundari Temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Festivals
Every year on Diwali, a famous Mela takes place near the Tripura Sundari Temple which is visited by more than two lakh pilgrims. Diwali is most well celebrated festival here and people in large number flock to this part to pray to goddess Sati or Maa Kali. Durga Puja and Kali Puja are among the other most celebrated festivals here.
How to reach
By Air
The nearest airport to reach Tripureshwari Temple is Agartala.
By Rail
The nearest rail station is Kumarghat on N. E. Railway is 1475 km from Kolkata via Guwahati and 140 km from Agartala.
By Road
Well-linked by road, Tripureshwari Temple has no hurdle having the direct acceess of road transporations such as Taxis, Buses and etc. to its adorers.
Accommodation
The temple is very close to the state capital, Agartala. So, accommodation is not a problem for the tourists coming to visit the Tripura Sundari Temple in Tripura. One may find hotels, which may be convenient and comfortable.
Nearby places to visit
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary
Tripura is famous for its unique wildlife sanctuaries. Among the most famous ones, the Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the extreme south eastern part of the state, covers a total area of 389.59 sq. Km. The sanctuary provides shelter to the varied species of elephants, sambar, bison, barking deer as well as some migratory species.
Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the northern parts of Tripura, the Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary covers a smaller area of 85.85 square kilometers. Moreover, by housing the most distinguished and unique species of animals, primates and birds, the place offers a perfect research destination for the botanists, etymologist, and ornithologists.
Tripura Government Museum
Bearing the hallmark of the historical artifacts of the north east, the Tripura Government Museum represents the state’s cultural significance. Moreover, archaeological enthusiasts can have the treat of their life by visiting the archaeological gallery, painting gallery, tribal culture gallery, and the Indian Sculpture Gallery.
Bhuvaneswari Temple
On the banks of the Gomti River, stands the Bhuvaneswari Temple. The construction of the temple dates back to the period between 1660 and 1675. Maharaja GovindaManikya constructed it. The temple also bears a unique literary heritage, as it is the backdrop of famous literary works of Rabindranath Tagore; Bisarjan and Rajarshi.
Kamalasagar Kali Temple
While paying a visit to Tripura, one must miss the Kamalasagar Kali Temple. Situated at a distance of 27 kilometres from the capital city, the temple is also popular as the Kasba Kali Bari. With an origin at around the 17th century era, the temple houses the Mahisasur Mardini manifestation of goddess durga.
