PM Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped 524-year-old Tripura Sundari temple in Udaipur on September 22. Developed under the PRASHAD scheme at ₹52 crore, the temple’s revival highlights Tripura’s cultural heritage and boost to tourism, says CM Manik Saha.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tripura on September 22 to inaugurate the redeveloped Tripura Sundari temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines and among the revered 51 Shakti Peethas. The historic temple, situated in Udaipur of southern Tripura, has undergone a major beautification and redevelopment drive under the Union Tourism Ministry’s flagship PRASHAD scheme.
While addressing the closing ceremony of the Neermahal Jal Utsav at Melaghar in Sepahijala district, CM Saha said that the Prime Minister will personally offer prayers at the 524-year-old temple, located around 65 km south of the state capital Agartala.
“I had earlier invited the Prime Minister to inaugurate the redeveloped Tripura Sundari temple, and now it is confirmed that he will arrive on September 22. This is a matter of great pride for Tripura,” Saha said.
Redevelopment of Tripura Sundari Temple
According to an official of the Tourism Department, the redevelopment of the temple has been completed at a cost of over ₹52 crore, funded through the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism. In addition, the Tripura government has contributed ₹7 crore towards the project.
As part of the state’s cultural and spiritual development, a 51 Shakti Peethas Park is also under construction at Banduar in Gomati district at a cost of ₹97 crore. The park will feature replicas of all 51 Shakti Peethas, further boosting pilgrimage tourism in Tripura.
Neermahal Jal Utsav and Cultural Promotion
The announcement about the Prime Minister’s visit was made during the closing of the Neermahal Jal Utsav, a three-day annual festival that attracts large numbers of visitors from both within and outside the state.
Neermahal, popularly known as the “Water Palace,” is an architectural marvel located in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake, about 53 km south of Agartala. Built in 1930 by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya as a summer residence, the palace is a rare blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles.
Highlighting its cultural significance, CM Saha said, “Such a water palace like Neermahal cannot be found anywhere in eastern India. The government is working to highlight the importance of Neermahal among the people of the country and abroad. Social media must be used to promote Neermahal’s culture and traditions so that more people are aware of it. When tourism grows, the local economy will also improve.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the palace reflects a blend of diverse cultures, showcasing Tripura’s unique history. He further revealed that under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the Union Tourism Ministry would also take up the development of Raj Ghat near Neermahal to improve tourism facilities.
Focus on Development and Cultural Preservation
Reiterating the government’s commitment to development, CM Saha said that the initiatives taken under PM Modi’s leadership are ensuring the preservation of age-old cultural heritage while also strengthening economic growth.
“PM Modi is working to preserve our old culture and traditions. In the Northeast, Tripura ranks second in per capita income and GDP. We are working for the betterment of rural areas, and our collective vision is to build ‘Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura,’” Saha said.
The Chief Minister also stressed that the BJP government in Tripura is committed to developing tourist destinations across the state, including spiritual, historical, and cultural sites.
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The event was attended by senior officials and political leaders, including Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, Sepahijala Zila Parishad Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Datta, MLA Taffazal Hossain, District Magistrate Sidharth Shiv Jaiswal, and Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma.
With the inauguration of the redeveloped Tripura Sundari temple by Prime Minister Modi, Tripura is set to gain national and international attention as an important pilgrimage and cultural tourism destination, further enhancing its status in India’s tourism landscape.
