Will PM Modi Inaugurate the Revamped 524-Year-Old Temple in Tripura?

Synopsis
The Tripura government has formally invited PM Modi to inaugurate the newly refurbished Tripura Sundari temple, a historic site that represents the state's cultural heritage and spiritual significance. With substantial investments and significant redevelopment underway, this event promises to highlight the temple's importance to the region.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura Sundari temple is a significant spiritual site in Udaipur.
- Over Rs 52 crore invested in redevelopment.
- Inauguration by PM Modi promises to enhance cultural heritage.
- New 51-Shakti Peethas Park project approved nearby.
- Tourism initiatives worth Rs 350 crore underway in Tripura.
Agartala, June 12 (NationPress) The government of Tripura has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to officially inaugurate the revitalized Tripura Sundari temple, an esteemed site among the 51 Shakti Peethas revered by Hindus, located in the Gomati district of Udaipur town, officials reported on Thursday.
A high-ranking representative from the Tripura Tourism Department indicated that the 524-year-old Tripura Sundari temple has undergone significant redevelopment as part of the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) initiative launched by the Union Tourism Ministry, with a financial investment exceeding Rs 52 crore.
The state government has also contributed Rs 7 crore towards this project, with Chief Minister Manik Saha striving to secure the Prime Minister's presence for the temple’s inauguration, which is located approximately 65 km south of Agartala.
The Tripura Sundari temple is a landmark structure in the Gomati district of southern Tripura, representing the rich cultural legacy of the state. The Prime Minister's presence during the inauguration would highlight the temple's importance.
Established in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, the Tripura Sundari temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and ranks as the third such shrine in eastern India, following the Kali temple in Kolkata’s Kalighat and the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.
According to the official source from IANS, the redevelopment of the Tripura Sundari temple is nearing completion, with final touches expected to be finished shortly.
After a rule of 517 years by various monarchs, the former princely state of Tripura was integrated into India on October 15, 1949, following a merger agreement signed by Kanchan Prabha Devi, the regent Maharani, and the Indian Governor General.
To preserve and enhance spiritual heritage, the Union Tourism Ministry has recently approved a Rs 97.7 crore project aimed at developing a 51-Shakti Peethas Park in Banduar, located just four kilometers from the Tripura Sundari temple.
This proposed park holds religious significance and is set in a tranquil village in the Gomati district, enveloped by lush greenery.
Tripura Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury noted that due to unrest in Bangladesh, the influx of foreign tourists to the northeastern states has declined in 2023-24.
During the tourism season of 2023-24, approximately 6.5 lakh tourists visited Tripura, while in 2024-25, the number is projected to exceed 7.5 lakh, generating a revenue of Rs 5.85 crore.
Various tourism initiatives, including eco-tourism projects worth Rs 350 crore, are being implemented in Tripura under the PRASHAD scheme and with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The Chief Minister has previously requested financial assistance from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to enhance tourist attractions in the state, including the establishment of a seaplane service at Narikelkunja in Dumboor Lake, Gomati district.
Dumboor Lake, located 115 km south of Agartala, is a picturesque water body formed by the confluence of the Raima and Sarma rivers, offering boating facilities. One of its islands, 'Narkel Kunja,' has been developed as a prime tourist destination.