Government Sanctions ₹97.70 Crore Initiative to Establish 51-Shakti Peethas Park in Tripura

Agartala, Dec 4 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance and preserve the spiritual heritage, the Union Tourism Ministry has given the green light for a ₹97.70 crore initiative to construct a 51-Shakti Peethas Park in Banduar, located in southern Tripura.

The planned park holds great religious significance as it is situated just 4 km from the Mata Tripura Sundari temple, established by the former king 523 years ago.

The Tripura Sundari temple, founded in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, is located in Udaipur, approximately 65 km south of Agartala. It is recognized as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and is the third such temple in eastern India, following the Kali temple at Kalighat in Kolkata and the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.

A government representative informed IANS that the proposed site for the 51-Shakti Peethas Park in Banduar is a peaceful village within the Gomati district, enveloped by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere.

The region provides a serene backdrop.

Udaipur, the administrative center of Gomati district, is famous for its religious importance, cultural heritage, and historical value, largely due to the Tripura Sundari temple, which draws pilgrims from across India and beyond.

The temple is positioned alongside a large lake known as Kalyan Sagar.

During the royal era, Udaipur briefly served as a headquarters and is commonly referred to as the “lake city,” boasting many picturesque lakes, including Bijoy Sagar, Jagannath dighi, and Amar sagar.

The city is also home to a national library named Nazrul Granthagar, honoring the illustrious poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Under the new initiative, replicas of the 51 Shakti Peethas will be constructed within the park, alongside various other facilities.

“The 51 Shakti Peethas Park represents an ambitious religious tourism initiative aimed at Banduar village. This unique project intends to provide an immersive experience for visitors by displaying replicas of the 51 Shakti Peeth temples from across the Indian sub-continent, symbolizing the rich cultural and spiritual heritage associated with Shakti (Devi) worship in Hinduism,” stated the official.

He added that the park will include a wide range of amenities designed to improve the visitor experience, such as a food court with ample seating, a souvenir shop, drinking water stations, well-constructed roads with parking, public conveniences, guest accommodations, landscaped gardens, museums dedicated to mythology, and various entertainment options.

Another official mentioned that the Union Tourism Ministry had previously allocated ₹37.80 crore under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme for the comprehensive development of the Mata Tripura Sundari temple.

“The development work of the Tripura Sundari temple complex is advancing swiftly, with around 80 percent already completed. The remaining construction is anticipated to conclude within the current financial year,” the official informed IANS.

Following 517 years of rule by numerous kings, on October 15, 1949, the former princely state of Tripura came under the governance of the Indian government after a merger agreement was signed between Kanchan Prabha Devi, the then regent Maharani, and the Indian Governor General.