Revamped Tripura Sundari Temple almost ready, PM likely to inaugurate as government pushes to position state as a Spiritual Tourism Hub
In a significant cultural and religious development, the Tripura government has extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the newly redeveloped Tripura Sundari Temple, a sacred Shakti Peetha and a historical icon of the state’s spiritual heritage. Located in Udaipur town in southern Tripura’s Gomati district—around 65 km from Agartala—the temple is considered one of the holiest Hindu shrines in eastern India.
According to senior officials from the Tripura Tourism Department, the temple has undergone a comprehensive redevelopment under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme initiated by the Union Ministry of Tourism. Over ₹52 crore has been invested in the transformation, with an additional ₹7 crore contributed by the Tripura state government. The redevelopment work is in its final stages and is expected to be completed very soon, officials confirmed.
Built in 1501 AD by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, the Tripura Sundari Temple is more than 500 years old and holds a prominent position among the 51 Shakti Peethas—the revered sites scattered across the Indian subcontinent believed to be spots where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell, as per Hindu mythology. It is especially venerated in eastern India alongside the Kalighat temple in Kolkata and the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.
“The Prime Minister’s inauguration of the redeveloped temple would not only be a huge honour but also a testament to the temple’s historic and religious importance,” a senior official said. The state government, particularly Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, is keen to showcase Tripura’s cultural legacy on the national map and has taken proactive steps to secure PM Modi’s presence for the ceremony.
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Legacy of the Temple and Heritage Projects
The temple, known locally as ‘Tripureshwari Mandir’, has long been a symbol of Tripura’s composite heritage and a site of syncretic worship, where tribal and non-tribal devotees alike offer their prayers. Set amidst scenic hills and serene surroundings, the temple draws thousands of pilgrims during major Hindu festivals like Diwali and Navaratri.
To build on this legacy and expand Tripura’s religious tourism circuit, the Union Tourism Ministry has recently approved a ₹97.7 crore project to establish a 51 Shakti Peethas Park in Banduar, a peaceful village just four kilometres from the temple. The park, envisioned as a spiritual-recreational space, aims to educate visitors about all the Shakti Peethas and create a meditative environment amidst nature.
“The site in Banduar is lush, serene, and ideal for spiritual tourism. We expect this initiative to further boost footfall to the Tripura Sundari temple and surrounding destinations,” said the tourism official.
Rising Tourist Influx and Broader Tourism Push
Despite setbacks due to regional tensions—such as reduced foreign tourist inflow following episodes of violence in neighbouring Bangladesh—Tripura is witnessing a steady rise in domestic tourism. According to Tripura Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, more than 7.5 lakh tourists visited the state during the 2024-25 tourism season, generating revenue of ₹5.85 crore.
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Under the combined support of the PRASHAD scheme and financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), tourism projects worth over ₹350 crore are currently underway. These include initiatives in eco-tourism, infrastructure development, and heritage preservation.
To further elevate Tripura’s tourism profile, the Chief Minister has also proposed launching a seaplane service at Dumboor Lake, one of the state’s premier water tourism destinations. Located 115 km south of Agartala at the confluence of the Raima and Sarma rivers, the lake is a picturesque retreat featuring boating and a scenic island called ‘Narkel Kunja’, which has already been developed as a top-tier tourist spot.
Chief Minister Saha presented the seaplane project idea during a recent meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Tourism in the Northeast, chaired by Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma. He urged the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to provide funding for the service, which could significantly cut travel time and add to the allure of Tripura’s natural offerings.
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A Spiritual Gateway
With the redeveloped Tripura Sundari Temple soon ready for public unveiling, the state government’s twin goals are clear: to revive and honour Tripura’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions, and to position the state as a vital destination on India’s religious and cultural tourism map.
Should Prime Minister Modi accept the invitation, it would mark a significant moment for Tripura, intertwining tradition, development, and national attention in a powerful tribute to one of India’s most sacred sites.
