Chaturdasha Devata Temple
A historic Hindu temple in Agartala, renowned for its unique idols of fourteen deities and the vibrant annual Kharchi Puja festival.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Experience the grand festival
Chaturdasha Devata Temple
Best Time
Experience the grand festival
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Hindu temple in Agartala, renowned for its unique idols of fourteen deities and the vibrant annual Kharchi Puja festival.
"Experience the unique blend of Hindu and tribal traditions at this historic temple, especially during the lively Kharchi Puja."
🎯 Visit During Kharchi Puja
Experience the temple's most vibrant time during the annual Kharchi Puja festival for a unique cultural immersion.
💧 Respect Rituals at the Pond
A beautiful pond is near the temple; many bathe here after rituals. Observe respectfully.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Fourteen Deities
Worship the unique idols representing fourteen deities, each depicted as a head, symbolizing a blend of Hindu and tribal traditions.
Kharchi Puja Festival
Experience the vibrant annual festival dedicated to the fourteen deities, featuring grand celebrations and a lively fair.
Tripuri Dome Architecture
Admire the distinctive temple dome, patterned after traditional Tripura village huts with a stupa-like structure.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Kharchi Puja
Understanding the Deities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit During Kharchi Puja
Experience the temple's most vibrant time during the annual Kharchi Puja festival for a unique cultural immersion.
💧 Respect Rituals at the Pond
A beautiful pond is near the temple; many bathe here after rituals. Observe respectfully.
👑 Understand the Deities
The temple honors 14 deities, represented by heads only, a unique aspect of local worship.
🏛️ Check Temple Access
The central sanctum might be closed outside festival times; check local information.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit During Kharchi Puja
Experience the temple's most vibrant time during the annual Kharchi Puja festival for a unique cultural immersion.
💧 Respect Rituals at the Pond
A beautiful pond is near the temple; many bathe here after rituals. Observe respectfully.
👑 Understand the Deities
The temple honors 14 deities, represented by heads only, a unique aspect of local worship.
🏛️ Check Temple Access
The central sanctum might be closed outside festival times; check local information.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Chaturdasha Devata Temple historically significant, particularly for its unique iconography of fourteen deities represented by heads only. The annual Kharchi Puja festival is a major highlight, drawing large crowds for its vibrant celebrations and cultural immersion. However, some note that outside of festival times, the temple might appear less engaging, with limited access to certain areas.
"Chaturdasha Temple is a Hindu temple in Agartala, Tripura, India, and features the Tripuri dome patterned after the roofs of village huts in Tripura. The dome is surmounted by a stupa-like structure which reveals traces of Buddhist influence. This temple was built in honour of fourteen deities, together called the Chaturdasha Devata. Devotees visit the temple for the kharchi festival.
It was built by King Krishna Manikya of Tripura in 1760, when Agartala became the capital city.
In May 2023, the Tripura government began refurbishing the temple and capital complex.
Old Agartala is 6km away from the present Capital City of Agartala where the Temple of fourteen Gods is located. Before 1770 A.D the images of Fourteen Gods were in Udaipur in two Temples beside Tripureswar Bhairab Temple. In 1770 A.D Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya being defeated by Shamsher Gaze, shifted his capital from Udaipur to Old Agartala and the images of Fourteen Gods were also taken to the capital and installed in a new Temple. Capital was once more shifted to the present Agartala in 1840 A.D. but the images of Fourteen Gods remained in the same Temple at Agartala.
On the occasion of the special puja of the Fourteen Gods known as ‘Kharchi Puja’, a grand mela or fair is held for 7 days in and around the Old palace. It is a popular religious shrine where thousands of devotees across the country assemble to celebrate Kharchi Festival with great pomp.
The worship of the Fourteen Gods has an old history and legend associated with it. During the time of Mahabharata, Trilochana, a contemporary of Yudhisthira, was the king of Tripura who used to worship these Fourteen Gods as Royal deities. The tradition continued with all the subsequent Kings of Tripura. Kharchi Puja observed during the month of Ashar (July) is very famous in Tripura. Animal sacrifices offered by the devotees are an integral feature of Kharchi puja. Inside the temple the images of Fourteen Gods do not consist of full body- only the images of heads of the Gods are there.
HAVELI MUSEUM: the additional for the tourist attraction at Old Agartala is a museum of living cultural heritage i. e. Haveli Museum.
The temple is fondly called the Chaudda Devata Mandir. The fourteen deities worshipped at the Chaturdasha temple Tripura are called Burasa, Lampra, Bikhatra, Akhatra, Thumnairok, Sangroma, Bonirok, Twima, Songram, Mwtaikotor, Mailuma, Noksumwtai, Swkalmwtai and Khuluma in Kokborok. These deities are the local forms of Hindu Gods and Goddesses who are Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, Kartikeya, Saraswati, Ganesha, Samudra, Prithvi, Agni, Ganga, Himadri and Kamadeva respectively. These deities and the Gods represented here have completely influenced the people of this state which is called the Country of Fourteen Gods and Goddesses. People from the neighboring states also come here in large numbers every year to pray for peace, happiness and prosperity.
All fourteen are the presiding deities of this temple as they are the Gods and Goddesses that were originally worshipped by the royal family of Tripura. The ritual of worshipping all of them together has been handed down from the days when kings used to rule this region. Each of them represents a God or Goddess who is very important in the Hindu religion and therefore, they all have equal stature as far as the worship at the temple is concerned and are worshipped with equal reverence during the festivals. The idols were originally tribal but were later inducted into Hindu customs. The typical characteristics of the idols that distinguish them from other temples are their form that signifies tribal influence. The deities are worshipped in the form of heads only i.e. none of the idols have any trunk with hands and legs. The formations of the idols start from the shoulder upwards up to the crowns that sit on the top of their heads. The idols are made of alloy except one which is made of silver. This idol is of Lord Shiva.
The fourteen deities make up the main attractions of the temple.
Tripura is called the land of the fourteen Gods"
BISHAL BHOWMIK
"I have visited the temple during the 'Kharchi Puja' and it was a really great experience.There are fourteen gods and goddesses, That's why It's called ' Chaturdash Devta' Temple. When you enter the road to the temple,you will see a beautiful pond, people were usually bathing there after the rituals of puja, the inside of the temple was very quiet and peaceful. A must visit place if you come from another state."
Suchismita
"Chaturdasa Devata temple is in Agartala city which means
fourteen Gods and Goddesses temple.Temple was built by the Tripura king and is now a famous place for the tourists.Fourteen Gods and Goddesses are worshipped here by the Tripuris. Kharchi puja is a mela which is organised once in a year and is attended by lakhs of people. There is a pond near the temple for bathing and other rituals. A tree called Krishna Bat can be seen near the temple. Krishna Bat means Krishna’s butter cup. It is said Krishna used to hide the butter in this leaf by rolling it up. A very nice temple to be visited by all."
Navin Kumar Sharma
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chaturdasha Devata Temple is located in Old Agartala, about 6 km from the present capital city. You can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from Agartala city to reach the temple. The journey is relatively short and convenient.
While direct public buses might be limited, local auto-rickshaws and shared taxis are readily available in Agartala and can take you to the temple. Negotiate the fare beforehand.
Hiring a local auto-rickshaw or a taxi is the most common and convenient way to travel from Agartala city to the Chaturdasha Devata Temple. It offers flexibility and comfort.
The temple is situated near a beautiful pond, which is a prominent landmark. It's also located in Old Agartala, which can be used as a general reference point.
The travel time from Agartala city to the Chaturdasha Devata Temple is typically around 15-20 minutes by road, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is generally no entry fee to visit the Chaturdasha Devata Temple. It is a place of worship, and entry is usually free for devotees and visitors.
The temple's opening hours can vary, especially outside of festival times. It's advisable to check locally or visit during daylight hours. The central sanctum might be closed outside festival weeks.
Kharchi Puja is a major festival celebrated in July. Visiting during this week offers a unique cultural experience, but expect large crowds.
As a religious site, visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Photography might be restricted inside the main sanctum.
The temple is generally open daily, but specific rituals or access to certain areas might be limited on particular days or outside festival periods.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temple is famous for its idols of fourteen deities, where only the heads are depicted, showcasing a blend of Hindu and tribal influences. The main idol is silver, others are alloy.
A beautiful pond is located near the temple, often used for bathing after rituals. The temple's architecture, with its Tripuri dome, is also noteworthy.
These fourteen deities are the tutelary deities of the royal family of Tripura, with each representing important Hindu gods and goddesses.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to check on-site for any restrictions, especially within the inner sanctum.
The Krishna Bat is a tree near the temple, said to be where Lord Krishna used to hide butter. It's a local legend associated with the temple premises.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might not be formal restaurants directly adjacent to the temple, especially in Old Agartala, you can find local food stalls during the Kharchi Puja festival. For more options, head back to Agartala city.
Agartala offers a taste of Bengali and Tripuri cuisine. Expect dishes with rice, fish, and local vegetables. During festivals, street food is abundant.
Street food can be a delicious part of the festival experience, but it's always wise to choose vendors who appear hygienic and ensure food is cooked fresh.
Yes, vegetarian dishes are common in Bengali and Indian cuisine. Look for rice-based meals, lentil preparations (dal), and vegetable curries.
Bottled water is generally available from local shops and stalls, especially during the festival. It's recommended to stay hydrated.
📸 📸 Photography
The temple's unique Tripuri dome architecture and the pond offer great photographic opportunities. During Kharchi Puja, the vibrant fair and rituals provide dynamic scenes.
Photography might be restricted inside the inner sanctum of the temple. Always be respectful and check for signage or ask locals before taking pictures of deities or religious ceremonies.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light for photography. However, the lively atmosphere during Kharchi Puja is also a unique photographic subject.
Photography of the idols may be prohibited inside the temple. Focus on the exterior architecture, the pond, and the general ambiance, especially during festivals.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both architectural details and wider scenes. A wide-angle lens can be good for the temple's exterior and the pond.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the Kharchi Puja for a more vibrant experience, but be mindful of crowds. The pond near the temple can be a point of interest, though supervision is crucial. For a calmer visit, explore the temple's architecture and learn about the unique iconography of the fourteen deities, which can spark curiosity in young minds. Pack snacks and water, as dining options directly at the temple might be limited outside festival times.
🕉️ Devotees and Spiritual Seekers
Witnessing the rituals, particularly during the Kharchi Puja, offers a deep dive into local religious practices. The blend of Hindu and tribal traditions provides a unique spiritual perspective. Visitors are encouraged to approach the temple with reverence and an open mind to fully appreciate its sacred significance and the devotion of its followers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Iconography of the Fourteen Deities
The fourteen deities worshipped here are local forms of prominent Hindu gods. For instance, Burasa represents Brahma, Lampra is Vishnu, Bikhatra is Shiva, and Akhatra is Durga. Other deities like Thumnairok (Lakshmi), Sangroma (Kartikeya), Bonirok (Saraswati), and Twima (Ganesha) are also part of this pantheon. This unique assembly highlights how local deities were integrated into the broader Hindu framework over centuries, making the temple a significant cultural and religious site.
This tradition of worshipping the Chaturdasha Devata together has been passed down through generations, originating from the time when kings ruled Tripura. The idols' form, starting from the shoulder upwards, is a clear indicator of tribal influence, setting them apart from conventional temple sculptures. This blend of cultural elements makes the Chaturdasha Devata Temple a compelling destination for those interested in religious art, history, and the evolution of spiritual practices in India.
Experiencing the Kharchi Puja Festival
Animal sacrifices are an integral part of the Kharchi Puja, a practice that reflects the deep-rooted traditions associated with this festival. While this aspect might be confronting for some, it is a significant ritual for the devotees. The fair offers a glimpse into local life, with stalls selling traditional crafts, food, and religious items. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, witness unique cultural performances, and experience the community's spiritual fervor.
Planning a visit during Kharchi Puja offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the cultural and religious heart of Tripura. However, it's essential to be prepared for large crowds and potential logistical challenges. Booking accommodation in advance and being patient are key to enjoying this spectacular event. The experience provides a profound insight into the local customs and the enduring faith of the people.
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