When one thinks about the religious heritage of Tripura, one of the most fascinating and uniquely local shrines is the Chaturdasa Devta Temple—literally, the Temple of the Fourteen Gods. Located in Old Agartala, this temple is steeped in myth, dynastic tradition, and vibrant ritual life.

A Glimpse of History and Myth

The Chaturdasa Devta refers to a pantheon of fourteen gods worshipped in the Tripura region. According to local traditions, during the time of the Mahabharata, a king named Trilochan, a contemporary of Yudhishthira, worshipped these fourteen gods as the royal deities of his land. Over time, their worship merged with Shaivite traditions, and the Chaturdasa Devta became central to the region’s religious identity, continuing under the patronage of the royal Manikya dynasty.

Chaturdasa Devta Temple

The present temple in Agartala was built by King Krishna Manikya around 1760–1761 AD, when the capital was being relocated. Earlier, the deities were housed in Udaipur, in two temples beside the Tripureswar Bhairab Temple. When territorial pressures mounted and the capital shifted, the deities were moved along with it.

Architecture, Layout, and Unique Features

Walking into the temple, several distinct elements stand out. The temple doors are influenced by local hut forms. Its architecture reflects Tripuri vernacular styles blended with influences from Bengal and Buddhist temples. Atop the dome sits a stupa-like finial, hinting at Buddhist motifs.

The temple does not rely on lavish ornamentation—its strength lies in its spiritual symbolism, cultural continuity, and the profound rituals it hosts. A small lake or pond in front of the temple serves as a reflective foreground, enhancing its serene atmosphere.

Kharchi Puja: Festival of the Fourteen Gods

No discussion of the Chaturdasa Devta Temple is complete without mention of Kharchi Puja, the grand annual festival that draws crowds from across Tripura. It is a week-long celebration dedicated to the worship of the fourteen deities and Mother Earth.

The word Kharchi is said to derive from Khya, meaning Earth. The festival is understood as a ritual cleansing or worship of the earth after a period called Ama Pechi. On one of the festival days, the idols of the fourteen gods are carried in a procession to the nearby Sandhra River, bathed in its waters, and then returned to the temple with elaborate rituals.

The festivities extend beyond rituals: cultural programmes, fairs, music, dance, food stalls, and social gatherings create a lively atmosphere around the temple.

The temple is located about 6 km from modern Agartala, in an area known as Khayerpur. It is easily accessible by auto, bus, or taxi. The best time to visit is during the Kharchi Puja in July. During this trip, travellers can also explore Haveli Museum, Ujjayanta Palace, and other temples in the Old Agartala area.

Why the Chaturdasa Devta Temple Matters

Unlike many ancient sites preserved merely as historical relics, this temple has continued ritual significance. It is not just a monument—it remains the spiritual heart of Tripura’s indigenous and royal traditions.

Kharchi Puja is among Tripura’s most important festivals, reinforcing social cohesion, identity, and cultural memory for communities of all backgrounds. For travellers seeking not just scenic beauty but also living heritage, the Chaturdasa Devta Temple is a must-visit. It offers rare insight into how ancient practices are sustained even today, where myth, politics, and belief intersect in everyday life.