Fourteen Goddess Temple in Tripura: A Complete Location Guide
Fourteen Goddess Temple, which is a temple of religion and history, is one of the most prominent tourist spots in Tripura, India. Its unique structure and religious importance, the Fourteen Goddess Temple attracts tourists and pilgrims from worldwide to visit and see. This handbook includes all that you have to organize your trip to the Fourteen Goddess Temple, such as its address, history, festivals, travel advice, and so on. Let us find out the religious importance of Fourteen Goddess Temple and why it is a jewel in the heritage of Tripura.
Where Is Fourteen Goddess Temple Located?
Fourteen Goddess Temple is found in Old Agartala, 14 km away from the capital of Tripura, Agartala. Found in the West District, the temple is in a secluded locality by the name of Khayerpur, off the Assam-Tripura road. Fourteen Goddess Temple is surrounded by a serene environment, and an adjacent lake contributes to the aesthetic beauty of the location. In Old Agartala, the old capital of Tripura, Fourteen Goddess Temple is a cultural and historical landmark.
What Is the History of Fourteen Goddess Temple?
History of Fourteen Goddess Temple dates back to the 18th century. Maharaja Krishna Manikya of Manikya Kingdom constructed it in 1760 during the war against Shamser Gazi. The Maharaja relocated the capital to Old Agartala and ordered the construction of the Fourteen Goddess Temple as a temple of worship. The fourteen gods, who were originally known as Chaturdasha Devata, were originally worshiped at Udaipur together with the Tripureswar Bhairab Temple. These gods were brought to the Fourteen Goddess Temple at Old Agartala in 1770. History of the temple reveals intermixture of Hindu ritualism and tribal tradition since the gods have local names in Kokborok as well as Hindu gods such as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga.
Why Is Fourteen Goddess Temple Famous?
Fourteen Goddess Temple is very well known for housing the Chaturdasha Devata, fourteen goddesses and gods who are revered by the Tripura kings and people. They are titled according to their native Kokborok names, Burasa, Lampra, and Akhatra, but they are Hindu goddesses and gods. The distinctive tribal-idol form which only shows the heads of these gods makes it different from other Hindu temples. Fourteen Goddess Temple also sees popularity during the Kharchi Puja festival, a suave festival of thousands of devotees. Cultural significance and past history as a royal god temple render the Fourteen Goddess Temple as a prominent religious shrine.
How to Reach Fourteen Goddess Temple?
Fourteen Goddess Temple is easily accessible because Agartala is well connected by air, rail, and road.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (Bagdogra Airport), 12 km from the northwest of Agartala. You may travel by a local bus or you may rent a taxi from the airport to travel to Old Agartala where Fourteen Goddess Temple is located. The journey by road will take about 30-40 minutes.
By Train:
The closest railway head is Agartala Railway Station, located approximately 5.5 km from the city center. It is linked to major cities such as Guwahati and Kolkata. In taxi or auto-rickshaw, you can reach the Fourteen Goddess Temple at Old Agartala within approximately 20-25 minutes from the station.
By Road:
Fourteen Goddess Temple is reached via the Agartala bypass road to Baramura. Agartala city is linked with Silchar (460 km) and Guwahati (785 km) cities through NH44. Agartala city center residents, taxis, or auto-rickshaws will travel the distance to Fourteen Goddess Temple in less than 30 minutes.
What Are the Main Festivals Celebrated at Fourteen Goddess Temple?
The Fourteen Goddess Temple is the cultural center of festivals, the most famous of which is the Kharchi Puja. Celebrated every year in July, the Kharchi Puja festival worships the fourteen deities by conducting rituals, offering sacrifices, and organizing a grand fair. Thousands of followers go to the Fourteen Goddess Temple on Kharchi Puja day in an attempt to gain blessings and become part of the festive scene. The festival includes traditional music, dance, and offering, which are typical in the Tripura tribal tradition. Apart from those major rituals in a year, there are also smaller rituals throughout the year which are observed in the Fourteen Goddess Temple itself and maintain the spirituality of the temple.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Fourteen Goddess Temple?
October to March is the best time to visit the Fourteen Goddess Temple since the climate in Tripura is good during this period and the temperature will be between 15°C to 28°C. This is the best time to visit the temple as well as the surrounding areas in ease. Visiting in July during the Kharchi Puja is also worth it if you like festivals, but it’s crowded. Avoid the monsoon season June to September since heavy rainfalls interfere with travel to the Fourteen Goddess Temple.
What Are the Temple Timings and Entry Details?
The Fourteen Goddess Temple remains open for darshan from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily, though timings may be changed on festive days such as Kharchi Puja. It would be more advisable to ask locals or temple authorities about right timings as the temple may remain closed in afternoons. Tourists may be permitted inside the Fourteen Goddess Temple, but a maintenance donation is required. Special provision for devotees in the form of special lines and ritual fee during festival times may be there. No photography is permitted at Fourteen Goddess Temple. Follow the rules.
Travel Tips for Visiting Fourteen Goddess Temple
- Dress Modestly: Dress modestly to show respect to the religious feelings of the temple while visiting the Fourteen Goddess Temple.
- Festival Planning: To see Kharchi Puja, travel in July, but expect crowds near the Fourteen Goddess Temple.
- Bring Cash: Some of the small vendors near the temple may not accept cards, so bring some cash for offerings or local shopping.
- Be Respectful: Remove your shoes upon entering the temple and keep quiet to respect the holy environment of the Fourteen Goddess Temple.
- Combine with Nearby Attractions: Visit the Fourteen Goddess Temple together with a trip to Udaipur or the Haveli Museum in Old Agartala for a richer experience.
The Fourteen Goddess Temple of Tripura is not only a building of religion—it’s also a doorway to the state’s cultural and historic heritage. Right from its fascinating history in the era of Maharaja Krishna Manikya to the vibrantly celebrated Kharchi Puja festival, the Fourteen Goddess Temple has a religious experience to boot. Whether you’re a devotee seeking blessings or a traveler exploring Tripura, this guide ensures you’re ready to visit the Fourteen Goddess Temple with ease and appreciation for its heritage.
