PM Modi Inaugurates Redeveloped 524-Year-Old Tripura Sundari Temple in Tripura

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped 524-year-old Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Gomati district, Tripura. The temple, one of India’s 51 Shaktipeethas, holds immense religious and cultural importance. The redevelopment project was undertaken with support from the PRASAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) of the Ministry of Tourism, along with a ₹7 crore contribution from the Tripura government.

Historical Significance of Tripura Sundari Temple

• Built in 1501 by Maharaj Dhanya Manikya Bahadur, when Udaipur (then Rangamati) was the capital of the Manikya kingdom.
• Constructed atop a hillock shaped like a turtle’s back, symbolically sacred in Hindu tradition.
• According to legend, the king received a ‘swapnadesh’ (divine commandment) in a dream from Goddess Aadishakti to build the temple.
• The temple houses two deities: Tripura Sundari (main idol) and Chhoti Ma, both worshipped to this day by priests’ families originally invited from Kannauj (Uttar Pradesh).
• Recognized as one of the 51 Shaktipeethas, attracting over 2 lakh devotees annually during Diwali.

The Redevelopment Project

Timeline and Costs

• 2018: Temple redevelopment project launched under former CM Biplab Kumar Deb with the creation of the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Trust.
• 2025: Foundation of the new Shaktipeetha Park laid by CM Dr Manik Saha.
• Cost: Around ₹52 crore, with ₹7 crore from the state government and the rest under the PRASAD scheme.

New Features

• Shaktipeetha Park with replicas of all 51 Shaktipeethas, enhancing tourism.

Three-storeyed structure,

• Ground floor (6,784 sq m): lobbies, 86 stalls, multipurpose halls, Prasad ghar, dormitories, and monk residences.
• Top floor (7,355 sq m): main temple (naatmandir) with open gathering space.
• Facilities: food court, souvenir shops, drinking water, parking, landscaping, guest accommodation, public conveniences, and a museum dedicated to Tripura’s history and mythology.

Significance for Tripura and Northeast India

• Boost to religious tourism, expected to increase footfall from across India.
• Opportunity for local artisans and traders with new stalls and shops at the temple complex.
• Positions Tripura as a key spiritual destination in India’s tourism map.
• Strengthens cultural pride and identity by highlighting the legacy of the Manikya dynasty.

Static Facts

Tripura Sundari Temple Redevelopment 2025

• Temple Name: Tripura Sundari Temple (Maa Tripureswari Mandir)
• Location: Udaipur, Gomati district, Tripura (60 km from Agartala)
• Built by: Maharaj Dhanya Manikya Bahadur in 1501
• Significance: One of the 51 Shaktipeethas of India