Matabari Temple

One of the most important and much venerated attractions of Tripura is the ancient temple of Matabari or Tripurasundari located on a hilltop 3 km from Udaipur. Matabari (Mother Goddess) is regarded as one of the 51 piths (holy sites) of Hindu pilgrimage. Goddess Tripurasundari is an avatar of Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva, the principal deity of the state.

A curious legend surrounds its origins. Tripura’s King Dhanya Manikya of the 15th century is said to have had a dream ordering him to establish Tripurasundari at this hilltop temple. But the king knew that it was already dedicated to Lord Vishnu and he knew he could not obey the signs in the dream, because Lord Vishnu and the consort of Lord Shiva could not share the same abode. But the divine command was repeated to him the next night. Giving in the king did as he was bid.

The Kalyansagar Pond that he built close by, is home to tortoises that are deeply revered by the devotees of the temple. This venerable temple is also referred to as the Koorma (tortoise) Pith. The temple s 500 years old. Diwali is celebrated with great pomp here.