Five Days among the Tipperans - Days 3 (Tripureshwari , Chabimura)

Bhubaneswari Temple, Udaipur

Covering a distance of about 250 km in over 7 hours, on entering Udaipur in the Gomti District, only about 60 km from Agartala, we visited the Bhubaneshwari Temple. It was built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya and was the backdrop of the famous story Rajarshi and play Bisarjan by Rabindranath Tagore - on abolition of human sacrifice.The temple is in a typical hut (char-chala) structure which is a common sight in rural Bengal. It is said, that in its heyday, human sacrifice was a common occurrence in this temple. The original idol has now been removed and the temple structure is now ASI preserved. The adjoining ground is let out to local groups for picnics and a new temple where a new Bhubaneswari idol is worshipped.

Overnight stay was at Gomti Tourist Lodge - a nondescript place with very basic facilities.

Kalyan Sagar, Matabari

Fishes in Kalyan Sagar 

We commenced next morning at around 8.30. First visiting the Tripura Sundari temple, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India. It is said that Sati's right foot fell at this spot. In the sanctum sanctorum are two idols - one of Chhoti maa, about 2 ft in height and a 5 ft idol of Tripureswari. Legend has that the trident to the right of Tripureswari, was asked of Maharaja Dhana Manikya in a dream. Devotees may offer brown sweetmeats , pedas, to the Goddesses.The temple is on a raised ground. There is a huge pond the Kalyan Sagar, adjacent to the temple, where live numerous multi-colour fishes, which the visitors may feed. The place is locally known as Matabari (house of the Mother).

Having offered Puja, we had breakfast of kachori-sabji and tea at a local stall.

Chabimura river ride

Chakrak Ma, Deotamura

"Surreal", "Looks like right out of an English adventure movie!" - an hour's drive from Matabari through jungles and village roads Chhabimura. Though the drive to this place is still very uncomfortable, as there is only a mud-road which at places passes over bamboo bridges - the trip is worth its while! A boat ride along the Gomti river enthralls all - the untouched tropical forested mountain sides on either bank - the sun shining in through the dense foliage indeed makes it surreal! About forty minutes boat-ride along the river brings us to the famous mural of the Goddess , locally known as Chakrak Ma, adorn the mountain wall. She has  fierce expression and snake-like hair and is fabled to be protecting the tribal king's treasures stowed away in a cave. There are motor as well as manual boats - chose one depending on your adventure appetite!

We had spoken to the concerned person beforehand for arranging a boat. Contact : Shri Padma Kumar Jamatiya (09436325013). Cost per boat is Rs. 1500/= (sharing or exclusive).

It is highly recommended that you take this 40 km detour from Matabari - else one would be missing out on a natural wonder of Tripura!