About Tripura Sundari Temple
The Tripura Sundari Temple, popularly known as Matabari, stands on a small hillock at Udaipur in Gomati district, about 55 km south of Agartala. The goddess Tripura Sundari, also called Tripureshwari, is worshipped here as a form of Parvati and as one of the ten Mahavidyas. The temple is the most important Hindu shrine in Tripura and one of the most visited in North-East India, and many believe the state takes its name from the goddess.
The temple is counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas. Tradition says that the right foot of Sati fell here, though accounts in different lists vary. The hillock is shaped like the back of a tortoise (kurma), a form considered especially sacred for a Shakti shrine, so the place is also called Kurma Peetha. According to tradition, Maharaja Dhanya Manikya of Tripura built the temple in 1501 after the goddess appeared to him in a dream. The Manikya kings treated her as their guardian deity, and the smaller image in the sanctum, Chhotima, is said to have been carried by the kings into battle.
The temple is a square, single-chambered shrine in the Bengal style, with a curved, sloping roof topped by a rounded dome, painted red and white. The main image of the goddess is of dark reddish stone, and beside her is the small image of Chandi known as Chhotima. On the east side lies Kalyan Sagar, a large lake known for its big fish and tortoises, which pilgrims feed. Goats are offered here as part of Shakta tradition, and the temple compound is busy throughout the day with offerings of red hibiscus flowers and sweets.
Tripura Sundari Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 5:00 AM) to about 9:30 PM, with a short break around midday. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Midday bhog | Around noon (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Tripura Sundari Temple
By air
Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala, is about 55 km away.
By train
Udaipur (Tripura) station on the Agartala–Sabroom line is about 5 km away.
By road
Buses and shared taxis run frequently on the national highway from Agartala to Udaipur, a journey of about 1.5 hours.
Festivals at Tripura Sundari Temple
- Diwali fairOct/Nov
- Durga Puja and NavratriSep/Oct
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Buy the local sweet peda offered to the goddess from shops near the gate.
- Feeding the fish and tortoises in Kalyan Sagar is a popular tradition; use only the feed sold there.
- Animal offerings take place in a separate area; families with young children may prefer to avoid it.
- The Diwali fair is very crowded; arrive early in the day.
Places to visit near Tripura Sundari Temple
- Kalyan SagarSacred lake beside the temple, adjacent
- Bhubaneswari Temple, UdaipurOld royal temple on the Gomati river, setting of Tagore's play Visarjan, about 4 km away
- Gunabati Group of TemplesOld brick temples of the Manikya period in Udaipur town, about 3 km away
- NeermahalRoyal water palace on Rudrasagar lake at Melaghar, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Tripura Sundari Temple a Shakti Peetha?
Yes, it is counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas. Tradition says the right foot of Sati fell here, though accounts vary between lists.
Why is it called Kurma Peetha?
The hillock on which the temple stands is shaped like the back of a tortoise (kurma), a form considered very sacred for a Shakti shrine.
Who built Tripura Sundari Temple?
According to tradition, Maharaja Dhanya Manikya of Tripura built it in 1501.
How far is Tripura Sundari Temple from Agartala?
It is about 55 km from Agartala, around 1.5 hours by road. Udaipur also has a railway station on the Agartala–Sabroom line.
What is the aarti time at Tripura Sundari Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Midday bhog: Around noon (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Tripura Sundari Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning (about 5:00 AM) to about 9:30 PM, with a short break around midday. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Tripura Sundari Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
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