Chaturdasha Devata Temple: Abode of Fourteen Gods

The Chaturdasha Devata Temple, also known as the Temple of Fourteen Deities, is situated near Old Agartala, approximately 8 kilometers from the city center. This Hindu temple is dedicated to the worship of fourteen deities, collectively known as the Chaturdasha Devata, who were the ancestral gods of the Tripura royal family.The temple was constructed in 1761 by King Krishna Manikya Debbarma of Tripura. The architecture is a blend of Tripuri and Bengali styles, with a Tripuri dome resembling the roofs of village huts in Bengal. The dome is topped with a stupa-like structure, showing traces of Buddhist influence. The temple's design reflects the cultural synthesis that occurred in the region.The fourteen deities enshrined in the temple are Burasa, Lampra, Bikhatra, Akhatra, Thumnairok, Sangroma, Bonirok, Twima, Songram, Mwtaikotor, Mailuma, Noksumwtai, Swkalmwtai, and Khuluma. These deities are considered local forms of Hindu gods and goddesses, including Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and others. The idols are unique, consisting only of heads made of alloy, except for the Shiva idol, which is made of silver.The temple is most vibrant during the Kharchi Puja, a week-long festival celebrated in July. This festival is dedicated to the worship of the Chaturdasha Devata and involves elaborate rituals, including the bathing of the deities in the Howrah River. The festival attracts thousands of devotees from Tripura and neighboring regions.