Chaturdasha Temple
The Legacy of Old Agartala: The Chaturdasha Temple, also known as the Fourteen Gods Temple, is a monument of immense historical and religious importance located in Old Agartala, the former capital of the Manikya kings. Built in 1761 by King Krishna Manikya, this temple is the spiritual heart of Trip ura, housing the fourteen deities that the royal family and the indigenous people have worshiped for centuries. The temple represents a unique syncretism of Hindu traditions and local Tripuri culture, making it a focal point for the identity of the state. It is the primary venue for the world-famous Kharchi Puja, a week-long festival where the deities are bathed in the holy waters of the Howrah River. The atmosphere within the temple complex is one of profound serenity and ancient mystery, with the scent of incense and the sound of bells echoing through the halls. The deities—comprising gods like Hara, Uma, Hari, Bani, Kumar, and others—are represented by brass heads, which are kept in a secluded sanctum and brought out only during special occasions. The temple stands as a silent witness to the shifting of the state's capital and the evolution of its socio-political landscape. For any visitor, the Chaturdasha Temple offers a deep dive into the theological roots of Tripura, where the divine is perceived not just as a religious entity but as a protector of the land. The complex also houses the Haveli Museum nearby, which preserves the living cultural heritage of the region. Visiting this temple is like stepping back in time, where every stone and ritual tells a story of royalty, devotion, and the enduring spirit of the Tripuri people. It remains a must-visit destination for those who wish to understand the soul of Northeast India, providing a peaceful sanctuary where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
Estimated Visit Time: 1. 5 to 2 Hours.Place Type:
Category: Religious & Historical Site.Entry Fees:
Free Entry: No ticket is required to enter the temple for worship or sightseeing.
Donations: Visitors are welcome to contribute to the temple's upkeep through the donation boxes. ...Free Entry: No ticket is required to enter the temple for worship or sightseeing.
Donations: Visitors are welcome to contribute to the temple's upkeep through the donation boxes.Special Events:
Kharchi Puja: A massive 7-day festival in July where the fourteen deities are worshiped by the entire state.
Ker Puja: A traditional tribal ritual held after Kharchi Puja to protect the area from evil spirits. ...Kharchi Puja: A massive 7-day festival in July where the fourteen deities are worshiped by the entire state.
Ker Puja: A traditional tribal ritual held after Kharchi Puja to protect the area from evil spirits.Best Photo Spots:
The Three-Tiered Dome: A low-angle shot captures the unique architecture of the temple against the blue sky.
The Main Entrance: The colorful gate with its traditional motifs is a great spot for portraits.
The Ho...The Three-Tiered Dome: A low-angle shot captures the unique architecture of the temple against the blue sky.
The Main Entrance: The colorful gate with its traditional motifs is a great spot for portraits.
The Howrah River Ghat: Provides a serene, natural background for spiritual and landscape photography.
Kharchi Puja Crowds: For those who love street photography, the vibrant energy of the festival offers endless opportunities.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Worship and Prayer: Offer flowers and prayers to the fourteen deities, following the local customs and rituals.
Witnessing Kharchi Puja: If visiting in July, participate in the grand week-long festival and witness the holy bathing ceremony.
Historical Exploration: Walk through the temple complex and the nearby ruins of the old capital to understand the royal history.
Visiting Haveli Museum: Explore the museum to see the artifacts and documents that tell the story of the Manikya kings.
River Ghat Visit: Walk down to the Howrah River to see where the sacred rituals are performed.
Interacting with Priests: Talk to the 'Chantai' (head priest) to learn about the unique tribal-Hindu traditions of the t...
Information
-
Why Famous:
The Fourteen Deities: It is the only place in the world where these specific fourteen gods are worshiped together as the royal protectors of a former kingdom.
Kharchi Puja: The temple is the center of Tripura's most important festival, attra...The Fourteen Deities: It is the only place in the world where these specific fourteen gods are worshiped together as the royal protectors of a former kingdom.
Kharchi Puja: The temple is the center of Tripura's most important festival, attracting thousands of pilgrims and showcasing the state's vibrant cultural heritage.
Royal History: As part of the Old Agartala capital complex, it carries the weight of the Manikya dynasty's 500-year history.
Spiritual Aura: The temple is famous for its powerful spiritual atmosphere, where ancient rituals are still performed with absolute precision. -
Architecture:
Tripuri Temple Design: The Chaturdasha Temple is a classic example of the indigenous Tripuri style, which mimics the structure of traditional village huts.
Building Dimensions: The main temple is a cubical structure with base dimensions of a...Tripuri Temple Design: The Chaturdasha Temple is a classic example of the indigenous Tripuri style, which mimics the structure of traditional village huts.
Building Dimensions: The main temple is a cubical structure with base dimensions of approximately 25x25 feet.
Roof and Dome: The most striking feature is its three-tiered roof, which culminates in a dome inspired by the 'Chala' style of Bengal but with a distinct Tripuri twist. The dome is surmounted by a stupa-like finial, standing 30 feet tall from the ground.
Materials and Motifs: Built primarily with bricks and lime mortar, the exterior is relatively simple but features subtle floral motifs. The interior sanctum is a small, dark room where the fourteen brass heads are kept on a raised platform. The temple complex is surrounded by a large courtyard and a boundary wall that encloses an area of about 1. 5 acres, providing ample space for thousands of devotees during festivals. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Agartala Airport (10 KMS away), then a short taxi ride to Old Agartala.
By Train: Agartala Railway Station is just 8 KMS from the temple.
By Road: Located on the outskirts of the capital; tak... -
Near Tourist Places:
Nearby Attractions: Ujjayanta Palace (8 KMS), Heritage Park (6 KMS), Jagannath Temple (7 KMS), Akhaura Border (10 KMS).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the temple; keep your belongings safe in crowds.
Packing: Carry a small bag for your shoes and a scarf to cover your head if required.
Accommo...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(487+) of Tripura Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Kalyanpur River View PointLaxmilunga Tea GardenMelaghar Boat Festival AreaNabinagar LakeNeermahal Local Jetty PointNeermahal Water Festival SiteOld Agartala Kali BariRaima WaterfallRangamati ParkSagar Mahal Tourist LodgeSurjoy Dey BakeryTepania Eco ParkThum Hatai ViewpointTripura University CampusVeeramma Kali TempleAmbassa Town CentreAtharomura WaterfallBarmura Eco ParkMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Bhubaneswari Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Charilam Picnic Spot
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chaturdasha Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chowddo Devotar Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gomati Tea Estate
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Green Island
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jampuijala Tribal Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kali Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kalyanpur River View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Laxmilunga Tea Garden
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities