Tripura Sundari Temple, Udaipur – The Temple

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.