Tripura, one of India’s mystical “Seven Sister” states, is not only a place of green valleys, temples, and lakes, but also a land where myths breathe alongside the people. From its tribal lore and Hindu epics, to enchanted lakes and sacred festivals, the state is where folklore blends nature and the divine in unforgettable ways.

The Birth of the Name “Tripura”

The name Tripura itself carries mythological significance. Some legends trace it back to the Tripuri people, one of the state’s main tribes, believed to descend from the lunar dynasty. Another story connects it with the Sanskrit words Tri, which means three, and Pura, meaning cities. In Hindu mythology, the demon Tripurasura created three mighty cities that threatened the gods, until Shiva destroyed them with a single arrow—hence the name Tripura.

Myths of Tripura

Maa Tripura Sundari: The Shakti Peeth

One of the most important myths is tied to the Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Matabari. According to the Shakti Peeth legend, when Lord Shiva carried the body of Sati across the world, parts of her body fell at sacred spots. It is believed that Sati’s right foot fell in Tripura, making the Tripura Sundari Temple one of the holiest Shakti Peeths. Devotees say the goddess here is Kali in her teenage form—a rare depiction—worshipped as a gentle yet powerful mother.

Dumboor Lake: The Drum of Shiva

In the lush Gomati Valley lies Dumboor Lake, dotted with 48 emerald islands. Folklore says the lake’s shape resembles Shiva’s damru (drum), giving it a divine origin. It is also where the Gomati River is born, a river considered sacred in local myth. Villagers believe that each island in Dumboor Lake has its own guardian spirit.

The Enchanting Rock Faces of Chabimura

On the steep cliffs of the Gomati River at Chabimura, enormous rock carvings of deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga are etched into the vertical walls. Local legends claim these were not made by human hands but by divine sculptors who descended from the heavens to bless this sacred land. Boatmen say that if you approach the carvings with respect, they radiate powerful energy.

The Spirits of the Hills and Forests

The indigenous tribes of Tripura—Reang, Jamatia, Salam, and others—hold deep beliefs in forest spirits and ancestral deities. In Reang folklore, star maidens are said to dance on lakes under the moonlight, blessing pure-hearted onlookers. Jhum cultivators believe that land spirits must be appeased with rituals before planting, or the crop will fail.