Agartala, Apr 04, 2025, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala, Apr 04. Started by the royal family of Tripura’s Manikya Dynasty, Durga Puja is organised twice a year in Durga Bari temple located in the heart of Agartala city.

The festivities on both occasions attract a massive crowd of devotees due to their cultural significance and traditional heritage. 

With the onset of Maha Saptami, the rituals of Durga Puja have begun at Durga Bari. Basanti Puja, as it is popularly known, is considered the original Durga Puja, whereas the Durga Puja observed in October is believed to have been initiated by Lord Ram. According to scriptures, Lord Ram invoked the Devi upon the counsel of Brahma when the prospect of war became imminent. 

In Tripura, the royal family has historically observed Durga Puja twice a year at the Durga Bari temple in Agartala. Basanti Puja is held in Chaitra, the last month of the Bengali calendar, while the main Durga Puja takes place in Ashwin, which corresponds to September–October in the English calendar. 

Unlike other temples, the Durga idol worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum of Durga Bari has a unique appearance. While Devi Durga is commonly depicted with ten arms, the idol at Durga Bari has only two visible arms. 

Explaining the reason behind this, head priest Jayanta Bhattacharjee said, “Maharani Sulakshana Devi, wife of Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya, fainted upon seeing the ten-armed depiction of Devi Durga. That same night, she received a divine message in a dream instructing that the Devi should be worshipped through an idol with only two arms.” 

Bhattacharjee further explained that the Devi does, in fact, have ten arms, but her eight arms remain hidden. This modification was made in accordance with the divine message received by the Maharani. 

The Maha Saptami rituals began in the morning, drawing hundreds of devotees to the temple. Bhattacharjee said, “As per tradition, animal sacrifice will be conducted to please the Devi on the occasion of Maha Saptami. The Ashtami and Navami Pujas will be held on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, while Maha Dashami falls on Monday.” 

Apart from Durga Bari, community Pujas are also being organized at various locations across the city.