Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex at Udaipur in Gomati district of Tripura on the first day of Navaratri, marking a historic moment for the state.
The centuries-old temple, one of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas and a key pilgrimage site in eastern India, has been given a Rs 52-crore facelift under the Centre’s PRASAD scheme, with an additional contribution of Rs 7 crore from the state government.
Modi, who arrived in Agartala before flying to Udaipur, performed puja at the temple without addressing a public gathering.
Security was heightened, and arrangements were made to ensure smooth proceedings as crowds poured in to witness the event. The Tripura Sundari Temple, also known locally as Matabari, was built in 1501 CE by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya and continues to hold immense significance in Shakta tradition, standing alongside iconic shrines like Kamakhya in Assam and Kalighat in Kolkata.
The redeveloped complex, designed in the unique shape of a tortoise when seen from above, now boasts a modern architectural identity that blends tradition with contemporary needs.
Spread across three floors, it features newly built pathways, renovated entrances, fencing, an upgraded drainage system, and a spacious three-storied structure housing stalls, a meditation hall, guest accommodations, and office spaces. A meditation room and the symbolic tortoise-shaped mount have added to the temple’s spiritual and cultural aura, drawing thousands of devotees on the inaugural day.
The redevelopment is expected to give a major boost to religious tourism in Tripura, generating employment opportunities and opening up new avenues for business in the Gomati district. Officials highlighted that the project not only preserves the sanctity of the shrine but also enhances facilities for devotees and visitors, creating a balance between heritage conservation and modern convenience.
The state government is also complementing the project with the development of a Shakti Peethas Park in Banduar village, designed to replicate all 51 Shakti Peethas, further positioning Tripura as a hub of spiritual tourism.