AGARTALA, Sep 17 (TIWN): Politics hungry BJP Govt’s ill conceived plan to construct Lotus shaped structures around Udaipur Matabari Temple likely to damage the main structure and alter the 518 years old sacred Temple’s iconic religious heritage. World famous 518 years old Tripura Sundari temple in Udaipur, coated in deep red colour like fed- hibiscus flowers, constructed by erstwhile Tripura King Dhanya Manikya in 1501 is being suffered under existential crisis now, as the newly formed BJP led State Govt is planning to change the structure of the temple premise into lotus-shape and likely also to change the colour of the temple, which was displayed in a meeting at the Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister Biplab Deb on Sept 17,2019.

This move of the Govt once again erupted a fresh controversy against its party’s ideology which always attempts to impose own culture and language on various state’s people not even bothering for state’s individual choices, identity and history. Mata Tripura Sundari is not only worshipped by Hindus but also by Buddhist, Tripura’s Mog Community.  Matabari is located on a top of a hill and people believes that this hill which is known as “Kurma” (tortoises) has a life and if any construction is done, the hill suffers.  Maa Kali is worshipped in her ‘Soroshi’ form in this temple.   There are lots of tortoise in the temple-lake and many tortoises died after climbing till the temple premise.  There are also memories of tortoises inside the temple premise, which are wroshiped till today. This hill is not having much big shape and if massive constructions are done, the whole temple itself may collapse which was built before 518 years.  Indeed, BJP Govt doesn’t need to change the shape of the temple. It is already world-wide famous place for which Tripura is known. 

As per mythology, Lord Vishnu had cut off the body of Mata Sati into 51 pieces using the Sudarshana Chakra and all these places where the pieces fell came to be known as pithasthans. It is said that the ‘right foot’ of Mata Sati fell at Matabari. It is believed, whoever tried to make any loss to the temple was devastated.  Public have slammed Govt’s attempt of revenue generation from Matabari, which is a peaceful temple and also crowded all the time. Thousands of devotees everyday visit the Matabari temple to see a glimpse of her.  It is believed the Goddess Tripura Sundari came in the King Dhanya Manikya’s dream and the King carried her on his shoulder from Chittagong. 

Tripura has lost of historical places which are on the verges of destruction and many historical places have been smashed inside various markets in Udaipur, Pilak, Unakoti like places. Govt easily can fund those spots to discover the lost history.

Udaipur has a Jagannath temple, which could be a tourist spot, built with rare slate-stone, but attempt of changing Matabari’s shape have triggered anxiety among the masses.  BJP led State Govt came under severe controversies centering Matabari including missing jewelries of the Goddess, starting annual ‘homage’ on the “Kurma” hill which was not a part of Tripuri culture.  On April 8, 2019, Prime Minister Modi broke 518 years ritual tradition of Tripura Sundari Temple by opening Temple door from 1.30 to 3pm. Tripura Sundari Temple was kept open during ‘Goddess rest-time’ for PM’s visit defying ancient tradition for which the State BJP Govt is responsible.