Tripura Sundari is also popularly known as Matabari. It is crowned in a small hillock and served by the priests who traditionally revere the mother goddess Tripura Sundari. This temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It consists of a square type sanctum which looks like a typical Bengali hut.
Legend of Tripura Sundari Temple
A legend is associated with this temple. It is believed that Sati`s right foot fell here during Lord Shiva`s Nataraja Dance. The temple has a square type sanctum with a conical dome. This temple was constructed by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya Debbarma in 1501. There are two equal images of the same deity inside the temple. They are known as Tripura Sundari and Chhotima in Tripura. Maa Kali idol is worshipped as Tripura Sundari in the form of Soroshi. This temple is also known as Kurma Pitha as its premises resembles a tortoise. A famous mela is held year every year during Diwali.
Goddess Parvati is worshipped in this temple as Tripurasundari, Tripureshwari and "Soroshi". One of the specialties of the temple here is the sweet, brown, condensed milk Pedas that devotees get and distribute among family and friends. Animal sacrifice is one of the features of this temple. Garlanded goats are brought here as offerings.
King Dhanyamanikya, who ruled Tripura towards the end of the 15th century, had a revelation one night in his dream. In the dream he was ordered to install Goddess Tripura sundari in the temple that was located on a hilltop near the town of Udaipur. The temple actually dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The king was confused on how a temple dedicated to Vishnu could have an idol of the consort of Lord Shiva. The revelation was repeated to him, after which the ruler decided to obey the command. This fable is considered as one example of how harmony between the Vaishnavas and Shaivas.
Kalyan Sagar
Kalyan Sagar lies towards the east of the temple. This adds to the beauty of the temple. The water is full of tortoises. This lake is considered sacred by the devotees. Rare species of tortoise are found in this lake.
