Tucked amidst rolling hills and verdant landscapes, the Matabari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura—also known as the Tripura Sundari Temple—stands as one of the most venerated shrines in Northeast India. This little temple is steeped in legend, devotion, and architectural simplicity, attracting pilgrims, historians, and curious travelers alike.

Location & Access

The temple is located on a small hillock about 5 km from the main town of Udaipur, in Gomati district, Tripura.
From the state capital Agartala, it is roughly 55–57 km by road.

The approach is scenic, ascending gently to the shrine, which overlooks the surrounding countryside.

The temple has its own management trust and also provides accommodations for pilgrims.

Myth, Legend & Historical Roots

Shakti Peetha & Its Mythological Significance

According to tradition, the Matabari (Tripura Sundari) Temple is counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas—sacred sites where parts of Goddess Sati’s body are believed to have fallen during Shiva’s Tandava. Here, it is said that the right foot—or at least a portion of it—fell. Thus, this site is revered as a sacred seat of divine feminine power. This gives it immense sanctity in the Shakta (Goddess worship) tradition. The name Matabari itself means “the abode of the Mother.”

The Matabari Temple

Founding Legend

The current temple is believed to have been commissioned in 1501 CE by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya of the Tripura Kingdom. Legend recounts that he had a divine vision instructing him to place the image of Goddess Tripura Sundari atop a hill. At that spot already existed an older shrine dedicated to Vishnu, but when the vision reoccurred, the king reconciled the seeming contradiction by embracing the unity of the divine and proceeded to build the temple.

Thus, the temple symbolizes not just faith but also harmony between different streams of devotion. Over centuries, it has remained a focal point of worship, local culture, and legend.

Architecture & Symbolism

One of the most striking aspects of the Matabari Temple is its simplicity and symbolic resonance. The temple is built in a style reminiscent of Bengali hut architecture (Char-Chala or hut-like forms) combined with local elements.

The sanctum is square in plan and rises to a height of 75 feet. It is often described as having a Kurma (tortoise) shape—the hillock and roof silhouette are said to resemble the hump of a tortoise. Because of this, the temple is also called Kurma Pitha. The roof, finial, and proportions follow the Bengali ek-ratna style in a local adaptation. Entry is primarily from the west, though there is also a narrower northern entrance.

The Deities

Inside the sanctum are two black stone idols of the Goddess. The principal one, about 5 feet tall, is worshipped as Tripura Sundari. There is also a smaller idol of Chhoto Ma or Goddess Chandi. Tradition holds that the earlier kings of Tripura carried this smaller idol into battles or hunting expeditions as a protective talisman. The Goddess is worshipped in the form of Lalita Tripura Sundari.

Kalyan Sagar – The Sacred Pond

A serene and integral part of the temple complex is Kalyan Sagar, located on the eastern side of the temple. The pond spans several acres, with dimensions of about 224 yards by 160 yards according to some accounts. Its waters are home to large fish and ancient tortoises, which are considered sacred by devotees.

Visitors often feed puffed rice, biscuits, or other offerings to these creatures, though fishing is strictly forbidden. In recent years, the banks have been reinforced and conserved to preserve the ecology and prevent damage.

Major Festivals and Fairs

Diwali/Deepavali is the biggest festival celebrated here. The temple sees lakhs of devotees during this period, and a grand fair is also held. The temple complex is lit up with lamps and adorned with flowers, especially marigolds.

There is also a sacred space where people light candles and pray. Before the entrance, numerous shops sell peda sweets and prasad.

Recognized as a Shakti Peetha, the Matabari Temple, though modest in scale compared to some grand temples of India, carries a profound spiritual aura. Having survived for centuries, it continues to be thronged by devotees every single day.