Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the redeveloped 524-year-old Tripura Sundari Temple Complex, one of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas, at Udaipur in Tripura’s Gomati district. The project has been carried out under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, aimed at improving pilgrim infrastructure across the country.
PM Modi landed at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala around 2 pm, where Chief Minister Manik Saha and Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu received him. He reached the temple premises by 3:30 pm and was welcomed with traditional cultural performances. Accompanied by CM Saha and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the shrine.
Redeveloped Temple Complex
The redevelopment project has transformed the temple into a modern spiritual hub while preserving its rich heritage. The complex now includes a three-storied structure with multiple facilities for pilgrims:
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Ground Floor (6,784 sqm): Spacious lobbies, 86 stalls, multipurpose halls, and a dedicated ‘Prasad Ghar’.
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First Floor (2,317 sqm): Dormitories for visitors and residential quarters for volunteers and monks.
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Top Floor (7,355 sqm): The main temple ‘Naatmandir’, where devotees gather to witness rituals.
The site is also surrounded by five sacred water bodies, enhancing its spiritual atmosphere. Accessibility has been prioritized with ramps and lifts for differently-abled devotees, making the temple inclusive for all visitors.
Historical and Spiritual Significance
Built in 1501 by King Dhanya Manikya, the temple is unique for its tortoise-shaped architecture. According to legend, the king constructed the shrine after receiving a divine command from ‘Aadishakti’ in his dream.
The sanctum houses two idols — the main five-foot idol of Goddess Tripurasundari and another deity known as ‘ChhotiMa’ or Goddess Chandi. Historical records mention that the Tripura kings carried the idol of ChhotiMa during hunting expeditions and even in battles, believing it ensured divine protection.
Development as a Pilgrimage Centre
Since coming to power in 2018, the BJP-led state government has actively worked to transform the Tripura Sundari Temple into a major pilgrimage destination in Northeast India. A new temple trust, headed by former CM Biplab Kumar Deb, was constituted to oversee development.
In July this year, CM Manik Saha laid the foundation stone of the 51 Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar, located just 4 km from the temple. The park will feature replicas of all 51 Shakti Peethas, making it the first project of its kind in the region and expected to boost spiritual tourism.
Broader Visit to the Northeast
Prior to visiting Tripura, PM Modi toured Arunachal Pradesh, where he laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over ₹5,100 crore. These initiatives underline the government’s focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and cultural preservation in the Northeast.
The redevelopment of the Tripura Sundari Temple is seen as a significant step in promoting India’s spiritual heritage while providing modern amenities for devotees. The project is also expected to attract pilgrims and tourists from across the country, giving a major boost to Tripura’s cultural and economic landscape.
