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{{more footnotes|date=January 2019}}
{{short description|Hindu temple in Tripura, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{for|the temple in Baitadi, Nepal|Tripura Sundari Temple, Nepal}}
{{Infobox religious building
{{Infobox religious building
|image=Tripura Sundari Temple, Udaipur.jpg
| image                 = Tripura Sundari Temple, Udaipur.jpg
|religious_affiliation=[[Hinduism]]
| religious_affiliation = [[Hinduism]]
|sect=[[Shaktism]]
| location             = Matabari, Udaipur
|location=Matabari, Udaipur|deity=[[Tripura Sundari]]
| deity                 = [[Lalita Tripura Sundari]]
|festival=[[Deepavali]]
| festivals            = Lalita Jayanti on Magha Purnima, Lalita Panchami, Navaratri
|architecture_style=[[Architecture of Bengal|Bengali]] ([[Ek-ratna]] style)
| architecture_style   = [[Bengal temple architecture|Bengali]] ([[Ratna Style|Ek-ratna]] style)
|founded_by=Maharaja [[Dhanya Manikya]]
| founded_by           = Maharaja [[Dhanya Manikya]]
|established=1501 AD
| established           = 1501 CE
|name=Tripura Sundari Temple
| name                 = Tripura Sundari Temple
|native_name=ত্রিপুরেশ্বরী মন্দির
| native_name           = ত্রিপুরেশ্বরী মন্দির
|country=[[India]]
| country               = [[India]]
|state=[[Tripura]]
| state                 = [[Tripura]]
|district=Gomati
| district             = Gomati
}}
}}
'''Tripura Sundari Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] of Goddess [[Tripura Sundari]], better known locally as [[Devi]] ''Tripureshwari''. The temple is situated in the ancient city of [[Udaipur, Tripura|Udaipur]], about 55 km from [[Agartala]], [[Tripura]] and can be reached by train and road from Agartala. It is believed to be one of the holiest [[Hindu]] shrines in this part of the country. Popularly known as '''Matabari''', the shrine is set upon a small hillock, since the shape of a hillock resembles the hump of a tortoise (''Kurma'') and this shape called ''Kurmapṛṣṭhākṛti'' is considered the holiest possible site for a [[Shakti]] temple, hence also bestowing the name of ''Kurma Pīṭha''. The Goddess is served by traditional Brahmin priests.
'''Tripura Sundari Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] of the Goddess [[Tripura Sundari]], better known locally as ''Devi Tripureshwari'' the third mahavidya and main form of Parvati. The temple is situated in the ancient city of [[Udaipur, Tripura|Udaipur]], about 55&nbsp;km from [[Agartala]], [[Tripura]] and can be reached by train and road from Agartala. It is believed to be one of the holiest [[Hindu]] shrines in this part of the country and witnesses the highest number of visitors for a temple in North-East India, after [[Kamakhya Temple]] in [[Assam]]. The state of Tripura is named after this temple. Popularly known as '''Matabari''', the shrine is set upon a small hillock that resembles the hump of a tortoise (''Kurma''). This shape called ''Kurmapṛṣṭhākṛti'' is considered the holiest possible site for a [[Shakti]] temple, hence also bestowing the name of ''Kurma Pīṭha''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/tripura-sundari-temple-biplab-deb-5437046/|title=Tripura Sundari Temple gets a Deepavali makeover as govt slams Left front for neglecting shrines|website=[[The Indian Express]]|date=2018-11-07|access-date=13 November 2024|archive-date=25 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925042813/https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/tripura-sundari-temple-biplab-deb-5437046/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Goddess is served by traditional Brahmin priests.


The temple is considered to be one of the 51 [[Shakti Peethas]]; legend says that the little finger of the left leg of [[Sati (Hindu goddess)|Sati]] fell here. Here, Shakti is worshipped as Tripurasundarī and the accompanying Bhairava is Tripuresh. The main shrine, a cubical edifice with a three-tier roof with a finial, erected by Maharaja of Tripura [[Dhanya Manikya]] in 1501 AD, is constructed in the [[Architecture of Bengal|Bengali]] ''[[Ek-ratna]]'' style.
The temple is one of the 51 [[Shakta pithas]]; legend says that a part of the right foot (Dakshin Charan) of [[Sati (Hindu goddess)|Sati]] including the big toe fell here. Here, Shakti is worshipped as Tripurasundarī and the accompanying Bhairava is Tripuresh. The main shrine, a cubical edifice with a three-tier roof with a finial, erected by Maharaja of Tripura [[Dhanya Manikya]] in 1501 CE, is constructed in the [[Architecture of Bengal|Bengali]] ''[[Ek-ratna]]'' style.


There are two similar but different sized black stone idols of the Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The larger and more prominent idol of 5&nbsp;feet height is of Goddess [[Tripura Sundari]] and the smaller one, adorably called ''Chhoto-Ma'' (literally, Little Mother), is 2&nbsp;feet tall and is an idol of Goddess [[Chandi]]. Folklore says that the smaller idol was carried by the kings of Tripura to the battlefield.
There are two similar but different sized black stone idols of the Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The larger and more prominent idol of 5&nbsp;feet height is of Goddess [[Tripura Sundari]] and the smaller one, adorably called ''Chhoto-Ma'' (literally, Little Mother), is 2&nbsp;feet tall and is an idol of Goddess [[Chandi]]. The smaller idol was said to have been carried by the kings of Tripura to the battlefield as well as to hunting expeditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/advertorial/article30188276.ece|title=Tourists paradise|website=Frontline, [[The Hindu]]|date=2009-09-11|access-date=13 November 2024|archive-date=22 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422223915/https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/advertorial/article30188276.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Every year on the occasion of [[Diwali]], a famous Mela takes place near the temple which is visited by more than 0.2 million pilgrims.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/lifestyle/culture/tripura-lakhs-flock-to-matabari-temple-on-diwali201811080711040002/|title=Tripura: Lakhs flock to Matabari Temple on Diwali|website=[[Asian News International]]|date=2018-11-08|access-date=13 November 2024|archive-date=5 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005163318/https://www.aninews.in/news/lifestyle/culture/tripura-lakhs-flock-to-matabari-temple-on-diwali201811080711040002/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Every year on the occasion of [[Diwali]], a famous Mela takes place near the temple which is visited by more than 0.2 million pilgrims.


==History==
==History==
Legend has it that King Dhanya Manikya, who ruled over [[Tripura (princely state)|Tripura]] in the closing years of the 15th century, had a revelation one night in a dream in which Goddess Tripura Sundari instructed him to initiate her worship on the hilltop near the town of Udaipur, the contemporary capital of the kingdom. The king found out that a temple on the hillock was already dedicated to Lord [[Vishnu]]. He was in a dilemma, unable to decide how a temple dedicated to Vishnu could have an idol of [[Shakti]]. The following night, the divine vision was repeated. The king understood that Vishnu and Shakti were different forms of the same Supreme Deity (''[[Brahman]]''). Thus, the temple of Tripura Sundari came into being around the year 1501 AD. In the dawn of this century, the temple has crossed 500&nbsp;years. This legend is recounted as an example of solidarity between two sub-groups of Hinduism: the [[Vaishnava]] and the [[Shaktism|Shakta]] sects.
[[File:Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura - statue 2018-03-25 -2.jpg|thumb|Goddess Tripura Sundari]]
Legend has it that King Dhanya Manikya, who ruled over [[Tripura (princely state)|Tripura]] in the closing years of the 15th century, had a revelation one night in a dream in which Goddess Tripura Sundari instructed him to initiate her worship on the hilltop near the town of Udaipur, the contemporary capital of the kingdom. The king found out that a temple on the hillock was already dedicated to Lord [[Vishnu]]. He was in a dilemma, unable to decide how a temple dedicated to Vishnu could have an idol of [[Shakti]]. The following night, the divine vision was repeated. The king understood that Vishnu and Shakti were different forms of the same Supreme Deity (''[[Brahman]]''). Thus, the temple of Tripura Sundari came into being around the year 1501 CE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/tripura-sundari-temple-biplab-deb-5437046/|title=Tripura Sundari Temple gets a Deepavali makeover as govt slams Left front for neglecting shrines|website=[[The Indian Express]]|date=2018-11-07|access-date=13 November 2024|archive-date=25 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925042813/https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/tripura-sundari-temple-biplab-deb-5437046/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the dawn of this century, the temple has crossed 500&nbsp;years. This legend is recounted as an example of solidarity between two sub-groups of Hinduism: the [[Vaishnava]] and the [[Shaktism|Shakta]] sects.


==Attraction of tourist ==
==Attraction of tourist ==
In [[Udaipur, Tripura|Udaipur]], the Goddess is worshipped as Tripura Sundari. Local variants of the name of the goddess are Tripureśwarī or ''Ṣoḍaśī''. The temple is a small cubical edifice, measuring 24&nbsp;square feet&nbsp;at the base with a height of 75&nbsp;feet. The shrine is situated on a small hillock which resembles in shape the hump of a tortoise, which gives it the name of ''Kurma Pīṭha''. As in other typical Hindu temples, stalls along the road to the temple sell flowers and baskets of offerings that visitors can buy and offer to the goddess as [[Prasāda]]m. The common Prasādam offered here is the ''[[Peda]]''. The red hibiscus flower (রক্তজবা) is also prized as an offering to the goddess.
In [[Udaipur, Tripura|Udaipur]], the Goddess is worshipped as Tripura Sundari. Local variants of the name of the goddess are Tripureśwarī or ''Ṣoḍaśī''. The temple is a small cubical edifice, measuring 24&nbsp;square feet&nbsp;at the base with a height of 75&nbsp;feet. The shrine is situated on a small hillock which resembles in shape the hump of a tortoise, which gives it the name of ''Kurma Pīṭha''. As in other typical Hindu temples, stalls along the road to the temple sell flowers and baskets of offerings that visitors can buy and offer to the goddess as [[Prasāda]]m. The common Prasādam offered here is the ''[[Peda]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/packed-in-handcrafted-bamboo-box-tripura-sundari-temples-peda-bhog-flies-to-singapore20211203040413/|title=Packed in handcrafted bamboo box, Tripura Sundari temple's Peda bhog flies to Singapore|website=[[Asian News International]]|date=2021-12-03}}</ref> The red hibiscus flower (রক্তজবা) is also prized as an offering to the goddess.


There is another Tripura Sundari temple in [[Chhatrabhog]] on the bank of Hooghly (also called ''Ādigangā'') in [[Sagar Island|Gangasagar]] region of the [[South 24 Parganas|South 24 Paraganas]] in [[West Bengal]] near the [[Sundarbans]] where, according to local mythology, King Kalinda, the 27th descendant (34th from Chandra) of Druhyu of the [[Lunar dynasty|Chandravansha]] set up first Tripura Sundari idol (according to popular belief, made of wood). In an early [[Tantra|Tantrik]] book ''Kubjikā Tantram'' composed in 8-9th century, there is the mention of a Shakti Peetha in Gangasagar, which most probably refers to Chhatrabhog. From a source of foreign traders, collected by Rev. James Long published in the journal of [[The Asiatic Society|Asiatic Society]] (Vol-XIX) in 1850, it is found that there were about five port towns in the aforesaid region, one of which was named Tiparia.<ref>Discovery of North East India, Lune Descandants of Luner Dynasty, Vol-11 page 6,Edited by S. K Sharma and Usha Sharma,Mittal Publication, New Delhi-110059,{{ISBN|8183240453}}, 9788183240451</ref>  So that Tiparia city or town was the fatherland of old Tripura Dynasty.Here they set up a Shiv Temple named Ambulinga that is actually Bhairab of Goddess Tripura Sundari That temple of old Tribeg kingdom is still now there. Original line quoted from Sanskrit Raj Ratnakar:
== As a Shakta pitha ==
 
<blockquote>
''Tribegat purbo deshe samondiram  sumonohorng I''<br />
''Nirmayo Sthapoyomas Tripurasundari porang II''<br />
''Choturbhujaong  darumoyeeing jothokto bidhi purbokong I''<br />
''Adyopi bortote Rajano sa murti  suprothishtit II''<br />
(Quoted from  Rajn Ratnakar, Daksmin Vibhag 1 st Editiotion 6-7 rhymes)<ref>Sundarboner Shaktipith:  Chhatrabhog ,    Devishankar Middya ,6th Chapter  page-95 published by Nazibul Islam Mondal from  Samakaler Jion  Kathi Prakashon in  2017 {{ISBN|978-81-9319-13-9-2}}.</ref>
</blockquote>
 
The inhabitant of Chhatrabhog regards a  wooden icon along with a small stone( Adi Shila) which is actually breast part(Chhatra) as ancient form of Tripura Sundari Devi. Her name repeatedly referred (as Tripura or Tripuri) in many literature (i.e Kavikankan Chandi)<ref>http://dspace.wbpublibnet.gov.in:8080/jspui/handle/10689/1712. Kabikankankan Chandi Part-II (In Bengali) , Chakraborti Mukundaram, Indian Press Limited, Allahabad, India Issue date  1921,page--203</ref> of medieval age. One of the Muslim handwritten manuscript "Gorai gajir Keccha" that is composed in 14 th century( 1300-1350 A.D.)of Ketabuddin Mina mentioned Tripuri Math of this Chhatrabhog Region. That book is preserved in Asiatic Society Kolkata.
Sanskrit [[Raj Ratnakar]] or ( 1 st Edition of this book published by King of Tripura) that book which is considered authentic in this regard say that having oracle/dream, King Dhanamanikya brought that stone idol(Chotima)from Chhattagram<ref>http://www.tripura.org.in/tripureswari.htm</ref> is actually Chhateswari not in the name Tripura Sundari. This incident proves that before 1501 A.D. there was only Peethas of (not included 51) in Udaipur, and Kalika puran is composed on later.
 
==The Temple as a Shakti Peetha - Daksha Yajna and Sati's Self Immolation==
{{main article|Daksha Yaga}}
{{main article|Daksha Yaga}}
[[File:Dakshayani.jpg|thumb|Shiva carrying the corpse of [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]] Devi]]
[[File:Dakshayani.jpg|thumb|Shiva carrying the corpse of [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]] Devi]]
''The real incident of Daksha yaga and Sati's self immolation'' had immense significance in shaping the ancient Sanskrit literature and even had impact on the culture of India. It led to the development of the concept of [[Shakti Peethas]] and there by strengthening [[Shaktism]]. Enormous mythological stories in puranas took the [[Daksha]] yaga as the reason for its origin. It is an important incident in [[Shaivism]] resulting in the emergence of Shree [[Parvati]] in the place of [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]] Devi and making Shiva a grihastashrami (house holder) leading to the origin of [[Ganesha|Ganapathy]] and [[Murugan|Subrahmanya]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kottiyoor Devaswam Temple Administration Portal|url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/|work=kottiyoordevaswom.com/|publisher=Kottiyoor Devaswam|accessdate=20 July 2013}}</ref>
''The real incident of Daksha yaga and Sati's self-immolation'' had immense significance in shaping the ancient Sanskrit literature and even had impact on the culture of India. It led to the development of the concept of [[Shakta pithas]] and there by strengthening [[Shaktism]]. Enormous mythological stories in puranas took the [[Daksha]] yaga as the reason for its origin. It is an important incident in [[Shaivism]] resulting in the emergence of Shree [[Parvati]] in the place of [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]] Devi and making Shiva a grihastashrami (house holder) leading to the origin of [[Ganesha|Ganapathy]] and [[Murugan|Subrahmanya]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kottiyoor Devaswam Temple Administration Portal|url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/|work=kottiyoordevaswom.com/|publisher=Kottiyoor Devaswam|accessdate=20 July 2013|archive-date=7 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607012239/http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>


[[Shakti Peethas]] are shrines or divine places of the Mother Goddess. These are places that are believes to have enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]] Devi, when Lord [[Shiva]] carried it and wandered throughout Aryavartha in sorrow. There are 51 Shakti Peeth linking to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. Each temple have shrines for [[Shakti]] and [[Kalabhairava]] and mostly the each temple associates different names to [[Shakti]] and [[Kalabhairava]] in that temple. Concept of 51 Shakti Peethas are not found in old Sanskrit literature(i.e Veda or Upanishad. Kalika puran is composed at near about 18th Century. In another previous Puran( i.e. Matsya Puran, Bayu Puran) or Sanskrit literature, there is no trace of 51 Shakti Peethas. So 51 Peethas are the new conception.
[[Shakta pithas]] are shrines or divine places of the Mother Goddess. These are places that are believes to have enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]] Devi, when Lord [[Shiva]] carried it and wandered throughout Aryavartha in sorrow. There are 51 Shakta pithas linking to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. Each temple has shrines for [[Shakti]] and [[Kalabhairava]] and mostly each temple associates different names to [[Shakti]] and [[Kalabhairava]] in that temple.


==Animal sacrifice==
==Animal sacrifice==
Animal sacrifices used to be a popular custom in the temple, but were banned in October 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-07|title=After 500 years, animal sacrifice stops at Tripurasundari Temple in Tripura: What devotees, head priest feel|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/after-500-years-no-animal-sacrifice-at-tripurasundari-temple-in-tripura-what-devotees-head-priest-feel-6057560/|access-date=2020-11-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
Animal sacrifices are a popular custom in the temple. They were banned in October 2019,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-07|title=After 500 years, animal sacrifice stops at Tripurasundari Temple in Tripura: What devotees, head priest feel|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/after-500-years-no-animal-sacrifice-at-tripurasundari-temple-in-tripura-what-devotees-head-priest-feel-6057560/|access-date=2020-11-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=2 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065837/https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/after-500-years-no-animal-sacrifice-at-tripurasundari-temple-in-tripura-what-devotees-head-priest-feel-6057560/|url-status=live}}</ref> but were resumed from December 2019, after a 57-day ban.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-04|title=Tripura: Animal sacrifice in temples resumed with SC interim nod|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/tripura-animal-sacrifice-in-temples-resumed-with-sc-interim-nod-6135023/|access-date=2020-11-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=23 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023232659/https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/tripura-animal-sacrifice-in-temples-resumed-with-sc-interim-nod-6135023/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Kalyan Sagar==
==Kalyan Sagar==
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[[File:Kalyan Sagar.JPG|thumb|Kalyan Sagar]]
[[File:Kalyan Sagar.JPG|thumb|Kalyan Sagar]]


Kalyan Sagar lies in the eastern side of the temple. Spreading over 6.4&nbsp;acres, with a length of 224&nbsp;yards and width of 160&nbsp;yards this large expanse of water adds a dimension of great beauty to the temple precincts, with hills rising picturesquely in the background. The water is full of Tortoises, some of them quite large, that come up to the shore looking for crumbs of food that visitors buy at the nearby stalls and feed to these reptiles, as part of the rituals. Devotees feed them with "muri" (puffed rice) and biscuits. Different types of fishes are also found in this sagar but fishing is not permitted here. A big lake Kalyan Sagar just down to the Hillock at the backside of the Temple adds to its beauty. This natural pond has varieties of aqua species. The area of the Kalyan Sagar Lake is 2.752&nbsp;acres. The lake is considered sacred and devotees worship the fishes and tortoises present here. Kalyan Sagar is famous for very rare species of tortoise in large numbers. The Matabari Temple Committee is cementing the banks of Kalyan Sagar Lake for the last 2–3&nbsp;years. The water of the lake became acidic due to destruction of the ecosystem around the lake. This has resulted in death of tortoise, as the cemented embankments spoiled the natural habitat as well as places for laying eggs for this turtles. As an amphibian it is extremely essential for the tortoise to have sandy exposure, which is not available in the lake after the construction of walls around the water body. Death of at least 7 tortoise have been reported in the last 6&nbsp;months. Carrying of plastic poly bags are banned in and around Matarbari Temple area since 1998, even before the banning order issued by Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) for the entire State of Tripura on 21 January 2002. But visitors, tourists, pilgrims and devotees are throwing plastic carry bags every day into the lake. As a result, the bed of the lake is now full of polythene/plastics bags. To assess the situation and the state of the natural habitat of the tortoise, a team of TSPCB consisting of Scientist and Engineer visited the lake and interacted with the local people on 22 March 2003. To check the water quality of the lake, TSPCB collected water samples from four locations of the lake and analyzed the different parameters of the water quality. The results of the study show that the water quality of the lake is very good and even drinkable. According to the experts, it is only the construction of the embankments that increased the mortality of the turtles.
Kalyan Sagar lies in the eastern side of the temple. Spreading over 6.4&nbsp;acres, with a length of 224&nbsp;yards and width of 160&nbsp;yards this large expanse of water adds a dimension of great beauty to the temple precincts, with hills rising picturesquely in the background. The water is full of rare [[Black softshell turtle|bostami turtles]] (considered extinct in the wild), some of them quite large, that come up to the shore looking for crumbs of food that visitors buy at the nearby stalls and feed to these reptiles, as part of the rituals. Devotees feed them with "muri" (puffed rice) and biscuits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/experts-suggest-ways-to-save-kalyan-sagar-turtles/cid/175836|title=Experts suggest ways to save Kalyan Sagar turtles|website=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|date=2014-06-25|access-date=13 November 2024|archive-date=21 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421183332/https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/experts-suggest-ways-to-save-kalyan-sagar-turtles/cid/175836|url-status=live}}</ref>
Different types of fishes are also found in this pond, however fishing is not permitted here. This natural pond has varieties of aquatic species. The area of the Kalyan Sagar is 2.752&nbsp;acres. The lake is considered sacred, and devotees worship the fishes and [[Black softshell turtle|bostami turtles]] present here. The Matabari Temple Committee is cementing the banks of Kalyan Sagar Lake for the last 2–3&nbsp;years. The water of the lake became acidic due to destruction of the ecosystem around the lake. This has resulted in death of turtles, as the cemented embankments spoiled the natural habitat as well as places for laying eggs for these turtles. As an amphibian it is extremely essential for the turtles to have sandy exposure, which is not available in the lake after the construction of walls around the water body. Death of at least seven turtles has been reported in the last 6&nbsp;months. Carrying of plastic polythene bags are banned in and around Matarbari Temple area since 1998, even before the banning order issued by Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) for the entire State of Tripura on 21 January 2002. But visitors, tourists, pilgrims and devotees are throwing plastic carry bags every day into the lake. As a result, the bed of the lake is now full of polythene bags. To assess the situation and the state of the natural habitat of the tortoise, a team of TSPCB consisting of scientists and engineers visited the pond and interacted with the local people on 22 March 2003. To check the water quality of the lake, TSPCB collected water samples from four locations of the lake and analyzed the different parameters of the water quality. The results of the study show that the water quality of the lake is very good and even drinkable. According to the experts, it is only the construction of the embankments that increased the mortality of the turtles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/rare-turtle-species-found-only-in-tripura-facing-extinction-886223.html|title=Rare turtle species found only in Tripura facing extinction|website=[[Firstpost]]|date=2013-06-19}}</ref>
 
Now due to increasing awareness in the people about conservation of ecosystem, the Kalyan Sagar pond has been revived, and there is a thriving population of the rare bostami turtles living in the lake. The turtles are considered sacred too as Mata Tripura Sundari temple is a kurmapith as the temple premises resemble kurma (a [[turtle]]). Also, previously, it was a Vishnu temple and since Kurma is an avatar of Vishnu, these bostami turtles (bostami comes from Bengali word ''bostam'' meaning "Vaishnavite Brahmins" or "monks who worship Vishnu") are considered sacred by the devotees visiting the temple.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}
 
==See also==
 
* [[Hindu pilgrimage sites]]
** [[Chabimura]], 15th-16th century Hindu rock carvings
** [[Unakoti]], 7th-9th century Hindu rock carvings
 
* [[Shakta pithas]]: there are 3 Shakta pithas in Northeast
** Assam's [[Kamakhya Temple]] Shakta pitha in Guwahati
** Meghalaya's [[Nartiang Durga Temple]] Shakta pitha and 600-year-old temple
** Tripura's Tripura Sundari Temple Shakta pitha
 
* [[Basudev Than]]
* [[Tourism in Tripura]]
* [[Tourism in Northeast India]]


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Tripura Sundari Temple}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tripura Sundari Temple}}
[[Category:Shakti Peethas]]
[[Category:Shakta pithas]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Tripura]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Tripura]]
[[Category:Gomati district]]
[[Category:Gomati district]]
[[Category:Shakti temples]]
[[Category:Hindu temples practicing animal sacrifice]]

Latest revision as of 04:07, 14 March 2026


For the temple in Baitadi, Nepal, see Tripura Sundari Temple, Nepal.
Tripura Sundari Temple
ত্রিপুরেশ্বরী মন্দির
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictGomati
DeityLalita Tripura Sundari
FestivalsLalita Jayanti on Magha Purnima, Lalita Panchami, Navaratri
Location
LocationMatabari, Udaipur
StateTripura
CountryIndia
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Architecture
StyleBengali (Ek-ratna style)
FounderMaharaja Dhanya Manikya
Established1501 CE

Tripura Sundari Temple is a Hindu temple of the Goddess Tripura Sundari, better known locally as Devi Tripureshwari the third mahavidya and main form of Parvati. The temple is situated in the ancient city of Udaipur, about 55 km from Agartala, Tripura and can be reached by train and road from Agartala. It is believed to be one of the holiest Hindu shrines in this part of the country and witnesses the highest number of visitors for a temple in North-East India, after Kamakhya Temple in Assam. The state of Tripura is named after this temple. Popularly known as Matabari, the shrine is set upon a small hillock that resembles the hump of a tortoise (Kurma). This shape called Kurmapṛṣṭhākṛti is considered the holiest possible site for a Shakti temple, hence also bestowing the name of Kurma Pīṭha.[1] The Goddess is served by traditional Brahmin priests.

The temple is one of the 51 Shakta pithas; legend says that a part of the right foot (Dakshin Charan) of Sati including the big toe fell here. Here, Shakti is worshipped as Tripurasundarī and the accompanying Bhairava is Tripuresh. The main shrine, a cubical edifice with a three-tier roof with a finial, erected by Maharaja of Tripura Dhanya Manikya in 1501 CE, is constructed in the Bengali Ek-ratna style.

There are two similar but different sized black stone idols of the Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The larger and more prominent idol of 5 feet height is of Goddess Tripura Sundari and the smaller one, adorably called Chhoto-Ma (literally, Little Mother), is 2 feet tall and is an idol of Goddess Chandi. The smaller idol was said to have been carried by the kings of Tripura to the battlefield as well as to hunting expeditions.[2] Every year on the occasion of Diwali, a famous Mela takes place near the temple which is visited by more than 0.2 million pilgrims.[3]

History[edit | edit source]

Goddess Tripura Sundari

Legend has it that King Dhanya Manikya, who ruled over Tripura in the closing years of the 15th century, had a revelation one night in a dream in which Goddess Tripura Sundari instructed him to initiate her worship on the hilltop near the town of Udaipur, the contemporary capital of the kingdom. The king found out that a temple on the hillock was already dedicated to Lord Vishnu. He was in a dilemma, unable to decide how a temple dedicated to Vishnu could have an idol of Shakti. The following night, the divine vision was repeated. The king understood that Vishnu and Shakti were different forms of the same Supreme Deity (Brahman). Thus, the temple of Tripura Sundari came into being around the year 1501 CE.[4] In the dawn of this century, the temple has crossed 500 years. This legend is recounted as an example of solidarity between two sub-groups of Hinduism: the Vaishnava and the Shakta sects.

Attraction of tourist[edit | edit source]

In Udaipur, the Goddess is worshipped as Tripura Sundari. Local variants of the name of the goddess are Tripureśwarī or Ṣoḍaśī. The temple is a small cubical edifice, measuring 24 square feet at the base with a height of 75 feet. The shrine is situated on a small hillock which resembles in shape the hump of a tortoise, which gives it the name of Kurma Pīṭha. As in other typical Hindu temples, stalls along the road to the temple sell flowers and baskets of offerings that visitors can buy and offer to the goddess as Prasādam. The common Prasādam offered here is the Peda.[5] The red hibiscus flower (রক্তজবা) is also prized as an offering to the goddess.

As a Shakta pitha[edit | edit source]

Main article: Daksha Yaga
Shiva carrying the corpse of Sati Devi

The real incident of Daksha yaga and Sati's self-immolation had immense significance in shaping the ancient Sanskrit literature and even had impact on the culture of India. It led to the development of the concept of Shakta pithas and there by strengthening Shaktism. Enormous mythological stories in puranas took the Daksha yaga as the reason for its origin. It is an important incident in Shaivism resulting in the emergence of Shree Parvati in the place of Sati Devi and making Shiva a grihastashrami (house holder) leading to the origin of Ganapathy and Subrahmanya.[6]

Shakta pithas are shrines or divine places of the Mother Goddess. These are places that are believes to have enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when Lord Shiva carried it and wandered throughout Aryavartha in sorrow. There are 51 Shakta pithas linking to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. Each temple has shrines for Shakti and Kalabhairava and mostly each temple associates different names to Shakti and Kalabhairava in that temple.

Animal sacrifice[edit | edit source]

Animal sacrifices are a popular custom in the temple. They were banned in October 2019,[7] but were resumed from December 2019, after a 57-day ban.[8]

Kalyan Sagar[edit | edit source]

Kalyan Sagar

Kalyan Sagar lies in the eastern side of the temple. Spreading over 6.4 acres, with a length of 224 yards and width of 160 yards this large expanse of water adds a dimension of great beauty to the temple precincts, with hills rising picturesquely in the background. The water is full of rare bostami turtles (considered extinct in the wild), some of them quite large, that come up to the shore looking for crumbs of food that visitors buy at the nearby stalls and feed to these reptiles, as part of the rituals. Devotees feed them with "muri" (puffed rice) and biscuits.[9] Different types of fishes are also found in this pond, however fishing is not permitted here. This natural pond has varieties of aquatic species. The area of the Kalyan Sagar is 2.752 acres. The lake is considered sacred, and devotees worship the fishes and bostami turtles present here. The Matabari Temple Committee is cementing the banks of Kalyan Sagar Lake for the last 2–3 years. The water of the lake became acidic due to destruction of the ecosystem around the lake. This has resulted in death of turtles, as the cemented embankments spoiled the natural habitat as well as places for laying eggs for these turtles. As an amphibian it is extremely essential for the turtles to have sandy exposure, which is not available in the lake after the construction of walls around the water body. Death of at least seven turtles has been reported in the last 6 months. Carrying of plastic polythene bags are banned in and around Matarbari Temple area since 1998, even before the banning order issued by Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) for the entire State of Tripura on 21 January 2002. But visitors, tourists, pilgrims and devotees are throwing plastic carry bags every day into the lake. As a result, the bed of the lake is now full of polythene bags. To assess the situation and the state of the natural habitat of the tortoise, a team of TSPCB consisting of scientists and engineers visited the pond and interacted with the local people on 22 March 2003. To check the water quality of the lake, TSPCB collected water samples from four locations of the lake and analyzed the different parameters of the water quality. The results of the study show that the water quality of the lake is very good and even drinkable. According to the experts, it is only the construction of the embankments that increased the mortality of the turtles.[10]

Now due to increasing awareness in the people about conservation of ecosystem, the Kalyan Sagar pond has been revived, and there is a thriving population of the rare bostami turtles living in the lake. The turtles are considered sacred too as Mata Tripura Sundari temple is a kurmapith as the temple premises resemble kurma (a turtle). Also, previously, it was a Vishnu temple and since Kurma is an avatar of Vishnu, these bostami turtles (bostami comes from Bengali word bostam meaning "Vaishnavite Brahmins" or "monks who worship Vishnu") are considered sacred by the devotees visiting the temple.[citation needed]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Tripura Sundari Temple gets a Deepavali makeover as govt slams Left front for neglecting shrines". The Indian Express. 7 November 2018. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  2. ↑ "Tourists paradise". Frontline, The Hindu. 11 September 2009. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  3. ↑ "Tripura: Lakhs flock to Matabari Temple on Diwali". Asian News International. 8 November 2018. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  4. ↑ "Tripura Sundari Temple gets a Deepavali makeover as govt slams Left front for neglecting shrines". The Indian Express. 7 November 2018. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  5. ↑ "Packed in handcrafted bamboo box, Tripura Sundari temple's Peda bhog flies to Singapore". Asian News International. 3 December 2021.
  6. ↑ "Kottiyoor Devaswam Temple Administration Portal". kottiyoordevaswom.com/. Kottiyoor Devaswam. Archived from the original on 7 June 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  7. ↑ "After 500 years, animal sacrifice stops at Tripurasundari Temple in Tripura: What devotees, head priest feel". The Indian Express. 7 October 2019. Archived from the original on 2 June 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  8. ↑ "Tripura: Animal sacrifice in temples resumed with SC interim nod". The Indian Express. 4 December 2019. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  9. ↑ "Experts suggest ways to save Kalyan Sagar turtles". The Telegraph (India). 25 June 2014. Archived from the original on 21 April 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  10. ↑ "Rare turtle species found only in Tripura facing extinction". Firstpost. 19 June 2013.

External links[edit | edit source]

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