Tripura
Sundari Temple, Udaipur – The Temple
The temple is built on a
small hillock which is convex shaped, almost like a hump of tortoise (thus also
referred as Kurmapitha). The temple was constructed on the top location of the
tortoise shaped hillock. The temple is facing towards west. Though the main
entrance is in the west, there is a small entrance also in the north side. The Sanctum is a cubical edifice with a
three-tier roof with a finial, is constructed in the Bengali Ek-Ratna style.
There
are two similar, but different sized black stone idols of the Goddess can be
found in the sanctum. The larger idol, about 5 feet height is of
Goddess Tripura Sundari and the smaller one,
called as Choto-Ma (literally, Little Mother), is 2 feet tall and is
an idol of Goddess Chandi. Folklore says that the smaller idol was
carried by the kings of Tripura to the battlefield. Goddess Tripura Sundari is
also called as Tripureswari / Shodasi.
Devi
Tripura Sundari has 4 hands, face is a bit longer, and eyes are comparatively
small, standing on the chest of Lord Siva, crowned with golden crown and have a
gridlock. The Mudra signs of the four hands of the goddess is beyond
recognition as the upper layer of the stone has been worn out. The nose is
pressed, and the lips are small and thick. The Goddess is served by traditional
Brahmin priests.
Bhairava
associated with this Shakthi Peeth is Tripuresh. The Natmandir was of recent
construction. It follows Orissa-style of architecture. These are inscription slabs
found on the walls of Tripura Sundari temple. One is in the north and two each
in the east and South. There is a Shrine
for Lord Vishnu in the Temple premises. The Idol is made of Saligrama Stone.
Vishnu Shrine in Shakthi Peeth is very rare and unique feature.
Kalyan Sagar:
Kalyan
Sagar lies on the eastern side of the temple. The pond spread over 6.4 acres,
with a length of 224 yards and width of 160 yards. The pond date back
to the period of Maharaja Kalyan Manikya (1625 - 1660 AD). This pond has
varieties of aqua species. Kalyan Sagar is famous for very rare species of
tortoise in large numbers. The lake is considered sacred and devotees worship
the fishes and tortoises present here. Devotees feed them with Muri and
biscuits. Fishing is not permitted in the Kalyan Sagar.
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