Agartala Chaturdasha Temple, Tripura

Address

Agartala Chaturdasha Temple, Tripura

Khayerpur, Old Agartala, Mekhlipara,

Agartala, Tripura 799008

Moolavar

Shiva (Fourteen tribal deities)

Introduction

The Chaturdasha Temple in Old Agartala, Tripura, is dedicated to the worship of fourteen tribal deities known as the Chaturdasha Devata.

Puranic Significance 

• The Chaturdasha Temple was built in honor of the Chaturdasha Devata (fourteen deities) by King Krishna Manikya Debbarma of Tripura in Agartala in the year 1761 CE.
• According to local legends, the tyrant King of Tripura was killed by Lord Shiva. After his demise, his widow, Harabari, played a significant role in assisting the fourteen gods in their battle against a maddened buffalo.
• As a token of gratitude for her assistance, these deities decided to visit the palace and made it their home. The annual Kharchi Festival is celebrated with buffalo sacrifices, in commemoration of this event.

Special Features

Architecture:

• The Chaturdasha Temple follows the Bengal Aatchaalaa architectural style.
• The dome-like structure around the temple shows traces of Buddhist architectural influence.

Deities:

• The fourteen deities worshipped at the Chaturdasha Temple are the local forms of Hindu gods and goddesses. They are called by names like Burasa, Lampra, Bikhatra, Akhatra, Thumnairok, Sangroma, Bonirok, Twima, Songram, Mwtaikotor, Mailuma, Noksumwtai, Swkalmwtai, and Khuluma in Kokborok.

Idols:

• The idols in the temple are unique in their tribal influence. They are in the form of heads only and don’t have trunks with hands and legs. The formations of the idols start from the shoulders upwards to the crowns.
• These idols are made of alloy, with one exception – there’s an idol of Lord Shiva made of silver.

Festivals

Worship and Festivals:

• The Chaturdasha Devata have equal stature in worship, and they are all revered together during festivals.
• These deities are ceremoniously worshipped during the Kharchi Puja.
• The temple is situated by a lake, making it a beautiful and tranquil place.

Century/Period

1761 CE.

Nearest Bus Station

Nagerjala

Nearest Railway Station

Agartala

Nearest Airport

Agartala

Location on Map

lightuptemple