Today, people across India are celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with joy, devotion, and festivities. Diwali, one of the most beloved and vibrant Hindu festivals, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Among the countless celebrations held throughout the country, the state of Tripura stands out for its unique cultural tradition: a grand fair held every year on Diwali at the revered Mata Tripura Sundari Temple.
Today, people across India are celebrating Diwali
The Tripura Sundari Temple: A Legacy of Faith
The Mata Tripura Sundari Temple, located near Udaipur in the state of Tripura, boasts a long and captivating history rooted in devotion, mysticism, and tradition. The origins of the temple date back to the 15th century when King Dhanya Manikya, who then ruled Tripura, reportedly experienced a divine vision. Legend has it that one night, the Goddess Tripura Sundari appeared to him in a dream, instructing him to establish a shrine in her honour on a hilltop near Udaipur. Upon further exploration, King Dhanya discovered an existing temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu already present on the hill.
However, the king chose to heed the goddess’s instruction. By the following night, he established a temple dedicated to Tripura Sundari, understanding that both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Shakti are expressions of the same supreme deity, Brahman. Thus, around the year 1501, the grand temple of Tripura Sundari was completed, becoming a major site of Shakti worship and a prominent symbol of devotion for centuries to come.
The Annual Fair and Celebrations
In Tripura, the Diwali festivities are infused with local customs and age-old traditions, with the Tripura Sundari Temple fair being a central attraction. Thousands of devotees, not only from Tripura but also from across India, converge at this temple to offer prayers, light oil lamps, and participate in the large fair. The fairgrounds bustle with vendors, traditional artisans, cultural performances, and food stalls, creating an atmosphere of both reverence and festivity.
The Eternal Flame and Priestly Heritage
A distinctive feature of the Tripura Sundari Temple is the Akhand Jyot (eternal flame), which has been continuously burning for around 71 years. This eternal flame, carefully tended by priests, symbolises the goddess’s unending power and divine presence. The priestly heritage itself is unique, with roots tracing back hundreds of years to the time of the Maharajas. The king’s family reportedly brought priests from Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, specially to conduct the rituals, and their descendants continue to serve in the temple today.
A Sacred Diwali Tradition
For the people of Tripura, the Diwali celebration at Mata Tripura Sundari Temple is more than a cultural event; it is a deep-seated tradition that unites the community, blending devotion, history, and festivity. The annual fair on Diwali not only celebrates the victory of light but also keeps alive a centuries-old heritage, allowing both locals and pilgrims to immerse in a spiritual journey that reflects the rich cultural fabric of India.
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