Nestled within the lush and historic grounds of Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala, Tripura, stands the Jagannath Temple. I had no plans of visiting the temple today, as I woke up very late—well past eleven. I was exhausted after the eleven-hour drive to and from Unakoti. It was a hot day and I had done a lot of walking, so I was in no position to get up early. As a result, I duly missed my breakfast. The day began with a late lunch of bacon and pineapple pizza with Chinese hot-and-sour soup. After a long shower, I wore my funny red pants for the day. My driver had been instructed to come only in the evening.

Jagannath Temple

The plan to visit the famous temple was spontaneous, and I’m glad I made the journey. This is a place where history and culture merge. The Jagannath Temple was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya of the Manikya dynasty, during a period when Tripura was consolidating its architectural and cultural identity. Its deities are Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra—the central figures of Vaishnavite Hinduism. An interesting legend holds that the famous Neelmadhav idol was originally donated from the Jagannath Bari Mandir in Tripura.

It’s the architecture that makes this temple stand apart from others.

Style and Fusion: The temple’s exterior shows Islamic influences—domes and arches—while the interiors embrace Hindu design sensibilities with idols, ritual spaces, and ornamentation. This mandir beautifully reflects the cultural plurality of the region.

The base of the temple is octagonal, and the walls are brightly painted, especially in orange. The combination of forms creates a graceful silhouette—not overly ornate, but dignified, warm, and inviting. Daily rituals include Nitya Puja and Bhoga offerings. There is regular chanting and Aarti at the temple. A major annual highlight here is the Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), which serves as a gathering point for communities to pray and celebrate together. I even got a sandalwood tika smeared on my forehead—it felt cool and calming. After that, I took a leisurely walk around the temple, freely clicking pictures of the idols.

The temple is just 2.5 km from the Nagerjala Bus Stop. Winter is the best time to visit. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and leave their shoes in the shoe room—you can only enter barefoot. The temple is not just a place of worship but also a living piece of Tripura’s heritage—combining religion, culture, and history. Architecturally, it is unique: neither purely North Indian nor purely South Indian in style, but a blend that reflects local influences and cosmopolitan learning.

The temple also has a sacred tree within its complex—often a Peepal, Neem, or sometimes a Banyan. Around it, idols are placed and candles are lit. Trees like Peepal and Neem are believed to be abodes of divine energies, deities, spirits, and even planetary influences. Devotees light candles, diyas, and incense sticks as offerings to honour protective spirits, ancestral powers, or planets that affect destiny. They tie threads, offer flowers, or light lamps to seek blessings for health, children, and marriage. Worship under the Peepal and Neem is believed to remove obstacles. These trees serve as living shrines inside the Jagannath Temple, making it a spiritually fulfilling place.