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 Maa 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 The Divine Mother Maa 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
Maa Tripura Sundari Temple is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas scattered across the indian subcontinent. According to hindu mythology:
- When Mata Sati (the first consort of lord shiva) Immolated The Divine Body In Grief, lord shiva Carried The Divine Mother's Body across the universe.
- To calm him down And Restore Balance, lord vishnu used his sudarshan chakra To Dismember Mata Sati’s Body.
- It is believed that The Divine Mother's Right Foot Fell at the spot where The Maa Tripura Sundari Temple now stands, making it a Sacred Shakti Peetha.
Deity And Idol
- The Presiding Deity Is The Divine Mother Maa Tripura Sundari, also affectionately called ChotiMaa (meaning “Little Mother”).
- The Idol Is made of black stone and stands about 2 feet tall, with a peaceful and graceful expression.
- Next To The Divine Mother Is Another Smaller Idol Of The Divine Mother Called Maa TripureShwari.
- The Temple enshrines The Divine Mother In The Form Of Maa mahishasuraMardini, The Slayer Of the buffalo demon.
Religious Importance
Maa Tripura Sundari Is A Revered Form Of Maa AadiParaShakti, Combining The Powers Of Maa Lakshmi (Prosperity), Maa Saraswati (Wisdom), And Maa Kaali (Power). The Divine Mother Is The Mother Of Beauty, desire, and the Cosmic Order.
The Temple is also important for practitioners of Sri Vidya tantra, who worship The Divine Mother 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, The Divine Mother.
Major Festivals Celebrated
1. Diwali (Deepavali)
- The most important festival at The Temple.
- Known As “Mela Of Maa Tripura Sundari”, attended by thousands of devotees.
- The Entire Temple is lit with earthen lamps, creating a Divine and magical ambiance.
2. Maa Durga Puja And Navratri
- Celebrated with nine days of rituals and prayers.
- Special homas (fire rituals) and Chandi Path are performed.
3. Maa Tripura Sundari Jayanti
- Observed on magha shukla ashtami, The Birthday Of The Divine Mother.
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
