Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the redeveloped Tripureswari temple in Tripura’s Gomati district and offered prayers. PM Modi launched the development work of ‘Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex’ at Matabari under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme.
Tripura | Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Mata Tripura Sundari Temple.
It is one of the ancient 51 Shakti Peethas located in Udaipur town of Gomati district in Tripura.@PMOIndia | @narendramodi | #PMModi | #Tripura | #SundariTemple pic.x.com/BAk6IZFxNZ
— United News of India (@uniindianews) September 22, 2025
Redvelopment project details
It is one of the ancient 51 Shakti Peethas located in Udaipur town of Gomati district in Tripura.
The redevelopment project included modifications in the temple premises, new pathways, renovated entrances and fencing, drainage system, and a new three-storied complex consisting of stalls, meditation hall, guest accommodations, office rooms, among others.
It would play a significant role in boosting tourism, creating employment and business opportunities, and leading to the overall socio-economic development of the region.
The Union Government, under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme, aims to protect and promote India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. This includes developing temples like one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
The scheme seeks to attract more visitors and enhance religious tourism in the area. It also aims to create jobs and business opportunities, helping the region grow economically.
Temple’s legend
The temple, built in 1501 by the state’s erstwhile king Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in Udaipur, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in the country and the third such shrine in eastern India after the Kali temple in Kolkata’s Kalighat and the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.
At the end of the 517-year rule by hundreds of kings, on October 15, 1949, the erstwhile princely state of Tripura came under the control of the Indian government after a merger agreement was signed between Kanchan Prabha Devi, then regent Maharani, and the Governor General.
Features of temple
The temple consists of a square-shaped sanctum designed in the model of the typical Bengali Ek-Ratna Style, set upon a small hillock that resembles the hump of a tortoise (Kurma), which gives it the name of Kurma Pīṭha.
There are two similar but differently sized black stone idols of the Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The larger and more prominent idol of 5 feet height is of Goddess Tripura Sundari, and the smaller one, adorably called Chhoto-Ma (literally, Little Mother), is 2 feet tall and is an idol of Goddess Chandi. The smaller idol was said to have been carried by the kings of Tripura to the battlefield as well as to hunting expeditions.
GI tag to Matabari Peda
Recently, the Matabari Peda (sweets), which is offered as prasad in the temple, was accorded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Every year, lakhs of devotees from across the country assemble here for the Diwali festivity.
The two-day ‘Diwali Mela’ (fair) is an official annual event that attracts thousands of people from across the country, making it more than just a fair – it is a depiction of the multi-cultural fabric of Tripura. It is anticipated to bring lakhs of extra visitors per year, consequently boosting the district economy.
Footfall to increase
Every year, more than 12-15 lakh people visit the temple and offer their puja from all across the country and neighbouring Bangladesh. At present daily arrival of pilgrims/tourists at Matabari is around 3000-3500.
It is expected that after the completion of the ambitious project and development of the temple, the daily arrivals may double to around 5000-7000 persons. This project will give direct and indirect employment to the local communities, hotels, guides, taxi owners and other stakeholders, officials said.