The Tripura Sundari Devi Temple, also known as Matabari, continues to be one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. As one of the 51 Shakti Peethas worldwide, the temple attracts lakhs of devotees, especially during the Deepawali festival.
To accommodate the growing footfall and promote spiritual tourism, the temple has undergone significant upgrades under the PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes. The development work, which is nearing completion, has been undertaken with a combined funding of Rs 33 crore, supported by an additional Rs 9 crore from the state government.
Key Developments at the Temple
The renovation and redevelopment of the temple premises have been designed to enhance the overall experience for visitors. According to Bhaskar Das Gupta, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) overseeing the project, the upgrade includes five major components, focusing on both spiritual and practical amenities for the devotees.
“This construction has been carried out for the promotion of spiritual tourism under the schemes PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan, with a total value of Rs 33 crore. Additionally, Rs 9 crore has been provided by the state government,” Das Gupta said in an interview with.
The development work features:
- Renovation of the temple premises to preserve its spiritual heritage.
- Construction of two toilet blocks and changing rooms to improve convenience.
- A three-storied structure with a basement area, where stalls now sell local delicacies like ‘Pera’.
- Office rooms, guest rooms, and a meditation hall for both spiritual and practical purposes.
- Dining spaces designed to cater to the increasing number of visitors.
A Rich Historical Legacy
The Tripura Sundari Devi Temple, built around 1500 AD by King Dhanya Manikya, has been a prominent religious site for over 525 years. It continues to follow the ancient traditions set by the Manikya dynasty, which traces its roots to the Chandra Vangsha lineage.
As a significant religious landmark, the temple serves as the Kul Devi (family deity) of Tripura, and its reverence extends beyond the northeastern region of India.
Impact of Upgrades on Visitor Experience
The temple attracts between 30,000 to 40,000 visitors daily. However, during Deepawali, the footfall surges to 3 to 4 lakh devotees. With the newly added infrastructure, the temple is now better equipped to handle the increasing number of pilgrims while providing a more comfortable and spiritually enriching experience.
The comprehensive renovation, including better facilities and a more organized visitor flow, is expected to significantly boost spiritual tourism in the region, further enhancing the temple’s role as a cultural and religious hub.
With these developments, Tripura Sundari Devi Temple is poised to attract even more visitors, contributing to the growth of both religious tourism and the cultural heritage of the region.