Location
- Place: Udaipur (also known as rangamati)
- District: Gomati district
- State: Tripura, india
- Distance from agartala (capital): ~55 kilometers
- Nearest airport: Maharaja bir bikram airport, agartala
- Nearest railway station: Udaipur railway station
The Temple is perched atop a small hillock that resembles the shape of a tortoise, making it a Kurma Peetha (kurma = tortoise). This symbolic location is highly auspicious in hindu tradition and enhances the sanctity of the site.
Historical Background
The Tripura Sundari Temple (also called Matabari) was established in 1501 ad by maharaja dhanya manikya, one of the prominent rulers of the manikya dynasty of tripura.
Why It Was Built
As per legend, maharaja dhanya manikya saw a Divine Dream Instructing him to shift the Idol Of Goddess Tripura Sundari from chittagong (now in bangladesh) to udaipur. He followed the Divine Message and built this Temple at the present location, believing It to be a Shakti Peetha.
Mythological Significance
Tripura Sundari Temple is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas scattered across the indian subcontinent. According to hindu mythology:
- When Sati (The First Consort Of Lord Shiva) Immolated Herself in grief, Lord Shiva Carried Her Body across the universe.
- To Calm Him Down And Restore Balance, Lord Vishnu Used His Sudarshan Chakra To Dismember Sati’s Body.
- It is believed that Her Right Foot Fell at the spot where The Tripura Sundari Temple now stands, making it a sacred Shakti Peetha.
Deity And Idol
- The Presiding Deity Is Goddess Tripura Sundari, also affectionately called Chhoti Ma Or Chhotima (meaning “Little Mother”).
- The Idol Is made of black stone and stands about 2 feet tall, with a peaceful and graceful expression.
- Next To Her Is Another Smaller Idol Of The Goddess Called TripureShwari.
- The Temple enshrines The Goddess In The Form Of Mahishasuramardini, The Slayer Of the buffalo demon.
Religious Importance
Tripura Sundari Is One Of The Most Revered Forms Of Adi Shakti, combining the powers of Lakshmi (prosperity), Saraswati (wisdom), And Kali (power). She Is The Goddess of beauty, desire, and the cosmic order.
The Temple is also important for practitioners of sri vidya tantra, who worship Her through the sri chakra and navavarana puja.
Architecture
- The Temple architecture is typical of bengal style, with a square-shaped sanctum and a cone-shaped dome.
- It is built on a hillock, and the terrain resembles the back of a tortoise.
- The Temple faces west, symbolizing energy and action.
- The sanctum has minimal decoration, focusing attention on The Deity Herself.
Major Festivals Celebrated
1. Diwali (Deepavali)
- The most important festival at The Temple.
- Known As “Mela Of Tripura Sundari”, attended by thousands of devotees.
- The Entire Temple is lit with earthen lamps, creating a Divine and magical ambiance.
2. Durga Puja And Navratri
- Celebrated with nine days of rituals and prayers.
- Special homas (fire rituals) and Chandi Path are performed.
3. Tripura Sundari Jayanti
- Observed on magha shukla ashtami, The Birthday Of The Goddess.
Rituals And Practices
- Mangala aarti is performed in the early morning.
- Offerings include red hibiscus flowers, coconuts, sweets (especially laddus), and sindoor (vermilion).
- Special bhog (offering) like khichuri (rice and lentils) is distributed to devotees.
- Pilgrims often light ghee lamps in The Temple premises to seek Blessings.
How To Reach
Mode Details
By air nearest airport: agartala (55 km away)
By train nearest station: udaipur railway station
By road well connected via nh-44 from agartala & dharmanagar