Bala Tripura Sundari - Recognition, Information & Temple timings

An ancient temple dedicated to Devi Tripureshwari, Tripura Sundari Temple, is located in the city of Udaipur, the former capital of the Tripura state of India. The Hindu shrine, it is popularly known as Matabari and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of the Goddess Sati across the country. The Shakti (Goddess) is worshipped as Tripurasundari here, and the accompanying Bhairava is Tripuresh. This pithasthan is also called Kurma Pith as it is set upon a hillock which looks like the hump of a tortoise (Kurma) and the shape is called Kurmapṛṣṭhakṛti. This magnificent temple is approximately 500 years old, thus making it the oldest temple present in the city.

Presently, the temple is administered by the state government according to the prerequisites of the Tripura Merger Agreement. The state government has also formed Mata Tripura Sundari Trust for the future development of Tripureswari Temple and the adjacent area. The Honorable Chief Minister of Tripura is the chairman of this trust who looks after the management.

The right leg of Sati Devi's body is believed to have fallen here.

Also Read: The Divine Power of 12 Jyotirlinga

The deity of Goddess Tripureshwari

The two identical images of the same deity are present in the sanctum of the temple, which is recognized as Tripura Sundari (5 feet high) and Chhotima (2 feet tall). The symbol of Maa Kali is worshiped in the form of ‘Soroshi’ and is made up of Kasti stone, which is reddish black in color. She has a long face with comparatively small eyes, four hands, standing on the chest of Lord Shiva crowned with a golden coronet. The deity of Chhotima represents the Goddess Chandi. The kings of Tripura carried it to the battlefield as per the mythology.

Architecture

The temple was constructed originally by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in the year 1501, however, the present temple was erected during the reign of Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya Bahadur in 1896-1990.

It is facing in the west with its main entrance, but there is a narrow entrance present in the north as well. With the height of 75 feet, the temple is surrounded by four pillars in four corners. There are seven pitchers/pots placed holding one flag, each on the top of the temple. The architecture of the temple has a unique blend of the medieval Bengal with Char Chaala (four slanted roofs) and has a square-shaped sanctum with a conical dome. The main shrine is built in the Bengali Ek-Ratna style with a cubical edifice and a three-tier roof with a finial. There is a holy lake known as Kalyan Sagar in the eastern side of the temple where big fishes and tortoises cohabitate in peace.

Also Read: Khajji Nag Temple

History

As we have mentioned above, King Dhanya Manikya was the one who founded the Tripura Sundari Temple. Folklore says that he actually founded the temple for Lord Vishnu but due to a revelation in his dream in which Goddess Tripura Sundari instructed him to initiate her worship on the hilltop. The king understood that Vishnu and Shakti are different forms of the same Supreme Deity (Brahman). He carried the idol of goddess made up of kasti stone from Chittagong (Bangladesh), established it, and dedicated the holy place to Devi Tripurasundari. The sacred place is acknowledged as the congregation of people from different religions and cultures. The temple holds a very unique feature that people from any religion can offer puja to the goddess. In the ancient time, Shamsher Gazi attacked the town and captured it during the 18th century. In his biography “Gazinama,” it is mentioned that he also offered puja to the Goddess Tripurasundari. In fact, it is a custom that even a Muslim community of Udaipur impart their first crops and milk to the goddess.

Kalyan Sagar in Tripura Sundari Temple

Covering the area of five acres, the lake of Kalyan Sagar is located on the eastern side of the Tripura Sundari Temple. It was created after the 124 years of establishment of the holy place. There are different types of aqua species which dwell in the lake, including large tortoises that come up to the shore looking for crumbs of food that visitors feed to these reptiles. The devotees who visit the temple feed biscuits and puffed rice to these reptiles. The lake is considered sacred, and devotees worship the fishes and tortoises present here. The fountain is also centered inside the lake, which makes it appear even more picturesque.

Also Read: Kamrunag Temple And The Story Behind Its Hidden Treasure

Tripura Sundari Temple Timings

Poojas and Festivals at Tripura Sundari Temple

Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town. A very famous Mela (fair) is conducted near the temple every year. It is enjoyed and celebrated with full enthusiasm and devotion. More than two lakh devotees came from all over the country to offer their prayers to Goddess Kali during this time. Other most illustrious festivals at the temple are the time of Durga Puja and Kali Puja.

Also Read: Shikari Devi The Roofless Temple Full of Marvellous Secrets

Other Tourist Attractions

Apart from the glorious Tripura Sundari temple, there are numerous beautiful places to explore around the city of Udaipur.

• Bhuvaneshwari Temple
• Lake City: Udaipur is referred as Lake City because of lots of natural water bodies present here, including Dhani Sagar, Amarsagar, Kalyansagar, Mahadeb Dighi, Jagannath Dighi, etc.
• Ruins of Rajbari, Rajnagar
• Satsang Bihar, Rajarbag
• Treehouse, Tepania Eco Park

How to reach

By Air

The nearest temple to the temple is Maharaja Bikram Bir Airport in Agartala at a distance of about 65 km.

By Rail

Udaipur railhead is just 3 km away from the Tripura Sundari temple. Agartala railway station is also near to the temple at a distance of approximately 50 km.

By Road

Udaipur city has good connectivity with all the major cities in Tripura. Since Agartala lies at a distance of around 60 km, it has regular bus service, which can be taken to reach the temple.

Best Time to Visit Tripura Sundari Temple

The temple can be visited during any time of the year, while the winter season from December to March is considered as the best time. It is because the weather is pleasant, with the temperature ranges between 10-20 degrees Celsius providing an enjoyable atmosphere.