Tripura CM unveils restored ‘Parasundari’ temple, recalls forgotten history
Agartala Aug 29: An unknown historical fact unfolded as Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha inaugurated the newly renovated ‘Parasundari Kali temple’ at the Kashari Patti in Agartala today. Amidst developmental activities and elevation of surroundings, the temple linked with Tripura’s royal period was in abject precarious and pitiable condition.
Oblivious to historical relevance, residents of the area including corporator Ratna Dutta urged the Chief Minister to restore the temple from being ruined. After CM’s intervention, Agartala Municipal Corporation using modern technology lifted the temple by 8.6 feet and restored the spiritual and historical glory.
In his inaugural speech, Dr Saha revealed that the place where the temple is located at present was in fact , a crematorium for the descendents of Goswami Bipin Bihari Prabhupad who was honoured as the Guru of Maharaja Ishan Chandra Manikya ascended to throne in around 1850 AD. The kind also donated a land to Prabhupad to be used as a crematorium for the descendants of the Prabhupad.
As the audience deeply immersed as Dr Saha was revisiting the past, the Chief Minister said, with population growth in the area, over time, the crematorium was shifted to Battala and the land remained unused and uncared for a long time.
Referring to folklore, Dr Saha revealed one Ishan Chhetri received a divine order in his dreams to set up a temple in this unused place. It was Ishan Chhetri who installed a Brass idol of Kali deity. However, three years after the installation, Chhetri disappeared leaving behind a legacy steeped in folklore.
“Whether one believes the story or not, it reflects the enduring beauty of Sanatan tradition and dharma,” Dr. Saha remarked.
Shifting his focus to recent past, Dr Saha “But the previous government did not take any initiative to renovate or maintain the gradually decaying temple. However, our government has renovated this temple in accordance with the demands of the local people. The previous government did not believe in pujas. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, there has been a public awakening. The level of faith in God has increased significantly. The civilization of India remains intact because of Sanatan Dharma,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that the city of Agartala was beautifully decorated during the time of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur.
“Along with Agartala, efforts were made to beautify Tripura as a whole—be it markets, schools, or colleges. Although the previous government denied the contributions of the Maharajas, we must remember history. The Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of ensuring that our country’s money does not go abroad, as India has many beautiful tourist places. Similarly, our state also has many attractive tourist centers. But instead of visiting them, people often prefer to go abroad. So, I urge everyone to explore our own tourist centers,” said Dr. Saha.
Mayor and MLA of Agartala Municipal Corporation Dipak Majumdar, Chairman of the Central Zone of the Municipal Corporation Ratna Dutta, Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation D.K. Chakma, and other prominent persons were present as distinguished guests at the event.
