The Bhubaneswari Temple stands on the bank of the Gomati river at Rajnagar in Udaipur, Gomati district, Tripura, a seventeenth-century brick shrine that the Archaeological Survey of India now protects as a Monument of National Importance. Writers know it best as the temple that Rabindranath Tagore wove into his novel Rajarshi and his play Bisarjan. This guide is for travellers planning a day around Udaipur’s old royal town.
The Bhubaneswari Temple is a 17th-century riverside temple at Rajnagar, Udaipur, in Tripura’s Gomati district, built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya around 1660–1676 CE beside his palace on the Gomati. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is famous as the setting of Tagore’s Rajarshi.
Key takeaways
- The Bhubaneswari Temple sits at Rajnagar in Udaipur, Gomati district, Tripura, about 55 km south of Agartala (per Tripura Tourism and Wikipedia, 2026) — not the Bhubaneswari temples in Guwahati or Odisha.
- It is an Archaeological Survey of India Monument of National Importance, listed as N-TR-5 (ASI list, accessed November 2026).
- Maharaja Govinda Manikya built it beside his palace around 1660–1676 CE in the Charchala (chala, or hut-roof) style of Bengali brick temples.
- Tagore set his novel Rajarshi and play Bisarjan here; Tripura’s government holds an annual Rajarshi Utsav on the temple premises.
- The best months to visit are the dry, cool weeks from roughly October to March; the monsoon from June to September is heavy across Tripura.
- Combine the visit with the Tripura Sundari (Matabari) temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, a short drive away in the same town.
About the temple and quick facts
The Bhubaneswari Temple is a small seventeenth-century brick temple at Rajnagar, on the eastern side of Udaipur town, standing close to the Gomati river and the ruins of the royal palace. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) lists it among Tripura’s Monuments of National Importance as entry N-TR-5, and Tripura Tourism describes it as being under ASI control and supervision.
On first mention it helps to be exact, because the name is shared. This is the Bhubaneswari Temple in Tripura — not the Bhubaneswari temple on the Nilachal hill in Guwahati, Assam, and not the Bhubaneswar temples in Odisha. The temple here is tied to the Manikya dynasty and to Tagore’s writing.
| Full name | Bhubaneswari (Bhuvaneswari) Temple, Rajnagar, Udaipur |
|---|---|
| District and state | Gomati district, Tripura (historically South Tripura) |
| Built by | Maharaja Govinda Manikya, c. 1660–1676 CE |
| Setting | Bank of the Gomati river, next to the palace ruins |
| Protection | ASI Monument of National Importance (N-TR-5) |
| Architecture | Charchala / chala (hut-roof) Bengali brick style |
| Approx. coordinates | 23°31′44″N, 91°30′18″E (per Wikipedia) |
| From Agartala | About 55 km (roughly 1.5 hours by road) |
History: Govinda Manikya, Tagore and the Gomati
The temple was built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya of Tripura, most sources placing it between about 1660 and 1676 CE. Wikipedia gives 1660–1675 AD; Tripura Tourism material gives 1660–1676. It stands next to the palace that Govinda Manikya built, on the Gomati at Udaipur, which was then the capital of the Manikya kingdom.
Udaipur itself was the seat of the Manikya dynasty before the capital moved to Agartala. The town is the headquarters of Gomati district and is often called the “lake city” of Tripura for its many tanks and reservoirs. The Gomati river runs through its heart.
The temple’s lasting fame comes from literature. Rabindranath Tagore used this shrine and the story around it in his novel Rajarshi and his play Bisarjan (also written Bisharjan), works that turn on the question of animal sacrifice before the goddess. In Tagore’s honour, the Government of Tripura holds an annual “Rajarshi Utsav” on the temple premises; the 19th edition was held in 2023, inaugurated at the site by the Chief Minister, according to local press. Treat the sacrifice story told by guides as the literary and legendary backdrop that Tagore drew on, not as documented temple practice today.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Bhubaneswari Temple is the cool, dry stretch from roughly October to March, when Tripura’s subtropical weather is most comfortable for walking around Udaipur’s open riverside sites. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rain from about June to September, and the Gomati can run high. The table below is a general seasonal guide; for exact rainfall and temperature figures, check the India Meteorological Department before you plan.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | November–February | Cool and mostly dry; the most pleasant time for sightseeing and photography. |
| Pre-monsoon / spring | March–May | Warming and humid; occasional thunderstorms. Still workable early in the day. |
| Monsoon | June–September | Heavy, frequent rain; high humidity; the river runs full. Carry rain gear. |
| Post-monsoon | October | Rain easing, greenery at its best; a good shoulder window. |
Time your trip around the Rajarshi Utsav if you want the temple at its liveliest, but expect larger crowds and reconfirm the dates with Tripura Tourism, as they vary year to year.
How to reach the Bhubaneswari Temple
The quickest route is to fly into Agartala and drive about 55 km south to Udaipur, then on to Rajnagar by the river. Udaipur has its own railway station on the Lumding–Sabroom line, so trains are a practical option too.
By air
The nearest airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA) at Agartala, about 12 km from Agartala city. As of 2024–2026, press reports list direct flights linking Agartala with Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bengaluru and Bagdogra, among others; schedules change, so check the airline or the Airports Authority of India. From the airport, hire a taxi or reach Udaipur by bus.
By rail
Udaipur railway station sits on the Lumding–Sabroom section of the Northeast Frontier Railway, near Matabari, and is only a short hop from the temples. Agartala is the state’s main railhead. Check live train running and bookings on IRCTC/NTES before you travel.
By road
Buses and shared vehicles run frequently from Agartala’s Nagerjala bus stand to Udaipur, a journey of roughly 1.5 hours. From Udaipur town, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi the last couple of kilometres to the temple by the Gomati.
| From | Mode | Approx. distance / time |
|---|---|---|
| Agartala (city) | Road | ~55 km, ~1.5 hours |
| Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA) | Road | ~60–67 km (sources vary) |
| Udaipur railway station | Road | A few km; short auto ride |
| Tripura Sundari (Matabari) temple | Road | Same town; short drive |
What to see and do
Allow one to two hours at the Bhubaneswari Temple and its surroundings; it is a compact site rather than a large complex. The draw is the setting — a modest brick shrine in the Bengali chala style on the Gomati’s bank, beside the old palace ruins — and its literary history.
- The temple itself: note the hut-shaped (chala/Charchala) brick roof and the single-arch entrance to the inner chamber, raised on a low platform. The decoration is plain; the appeal is the form and the riverside location.
- The palace ruins and river frontage: the temple stands next to the remains of Govinda Manikya’s palace, with the Gomati alongside. It is an atmospheric spot for quiet photography in the morning light.
- The Tagore connection: read a little of Rajarshi or Bisarjan beforehand; standing at the site is far richer once you know the story it inspired.
Because specific entry fees and daily timings for this ASI-protected shrine are not published in a source I could verify this session, treat it as a living temple best visited in daylight hours and confirm timings locally on arrival.
| Place | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bhubaneswari Temple | 17th-century ASI-protected riverside shrine; Tagore’s Rajarshi setting | 1–2 hours |
| Tripura Sundari (Matabari) | One of the 51 Shakti Peethas; major pilgrimage temple | 1–2 hours |
| Kalyan Sagar | Large lake beside Matabari, known for its fish and tortoises | 30–45 minutes |
| Udaipur’s tanks | The “lake city” has several historic dighis (tanks) | As time allows |
A suggested day in Udaipur
A single full day from Agartala is enough to see the main sites comfortably.
- Early morning: leave Agartala by road or train; reach Udaipur in about 1.5 hours.
- Late morning: visit the Bhubaneswari Temple and the palace-ruin river frontage while the light is soft and crowds are thin.
- Midday: drive to the Tripura Sundari (Matabari) temple for darshan, then walk across to Kalyan Sagar lake.
- Afternoon: a simple local lunch in Udaipur, then time at one of the town’s historic tanks.
- Evening: return to Agartala, or stay overnight in Udaipur if you want a slower pace.
Where to stay
Most travellers base themselves in Agartala, which has the widest choice of hotels, and make Udaipur a day trip; Udaipur has simpler lodges and guesthouses for those who prefer to stay near the temples. The price bands below are indicative planning estimates for a double room as of November 2026 and should be reconfirmed at the time of booking; rates rise during festivals such as the Rajarshi Utsav and Diwali at Matabari.
| Type | Indicative range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹800–₹1,500 | Basic lodges and guesthouses in Udaipur or Agartala. |
| Mid-range | ₹1,500–₹3,500 | Standard hotels, mostly in Agartala; book ahead in peak season. |
| Upper / comfort | ₹3,500+ | Better-appointed Agartala hotels; limited in Udaipur. |
Tripura Tourism operates yatri niwas / tourist lodges in the state; check the Tripura Tourism site for current government accommodation and tariffs near Udaipur and Matabari.
Food to try
Udaipur and Agartala are good places to try Tripuri and Bengali-influenced food. On your first encounter, a few dishes to look for:
- Mui borok — the staple Tripuri style built around berma (fermented, dried fish used as a flavour base).
- Chakhwi — a mixed vegetable stew, often with bamboo shoot and berma.
- Bangui rice / bamboo-cooked preparations — rice and dishes cooked inside bamboo, a regional speciality.
- Bengali sweets — widely available, reflecting the state’s strong Bengali culinary influence.
Near Matabari, you will find simple vegetarian prasad-style and pilgrim food; vegetarians will manage easily across Udaipur.
Budget breakdown
The figures below are indicative planning estimates per person for a one-day trip to Udaipur from Agartala, as of November 2026, assuming two people sharing a taxi and a mid-budget style. They are not quotes; reconfirm all fares and tariffs locally.
| Item | Indicative cost | Assumption |
|---|---|---|
| Return transport | ₹500–₹1,200 | Shared taxi/bus; higher if hiring a private car. |
| Meals | ₹200–₹500 | Local lunch and tea/snacks. |
| Local autos at Udaipur | ₹100–₹300 | Between the station, temples and lake. |
| Donations / small costs | ₹50–₹200 | Temple offerings, shoe stands, etc. |
| Rough total | ₹850–₹2,200 | Day trip; add a hotel night if staying over. |
Permits, photography and rules
No special permit is needed to visit Udaipur or the Bhubaneswari Temple. Tripura does not require an Inner Line Permit for Indian travellers, so this section is simple: carry a government photo ID as you would anywhere, and follow normal temple etiquette.
- Photography: the exterior and setting are fine for personal photos. As with any living temple and ASI site, respect any local restriction on photographing inside the sanctum, and ask before using a tripod.
- Drones: ASI-protected monuments and many public areas restrict drone flying; follow DGCA rules and seek permission before flying. Assume drones are not allowed at the temple unless cleared.
- Dress and conduct: dress modestly, remove footwear where required, and keep the riverside area clean. Avoid single-use plastic.
Practical tips
Udaipur is an easy, low-altitude town — average elevation about 22 m (72 feet) — so there are no altitude concerns.
- Connectivity: mobile coverage is generally reliable in Udaipur and Agartala; signal can weaken on rural stretches.
- Cash and UPI: carry some cash for autos, offerings and small eateries; UPI is widely accepted in towns, but do not rely on it at every roadside stall. ATMs are available in Udaipur and Agartala.
- Health: Udaipur is the Gomati district headquarters and has a district hospital; Agartala has larger hospitals. Carry basic medicines and drinking water.
- Solo women travellers: Udaipur is a well-visited pilgrimage town; the usual precautions apply — travel in daylight for the temple circuit and use registered taxis or buses.
- Packing: light cottons and a sun hat for most of the year; add a light layer for winter mornings and a rain cover in the monsoon.
If you are building a longer route through the state, see our Tripura travel guide for how Udaipur fits with Agartala, Unakoti and the rest of the circuit.
Nearby places
Udaipur rewards a combined visit, because its most important sites sit close together in and around the old capital.
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Tripura Sundari (Matabari) temple | Same town, short drive | One of the 51 Shakti Peethas; built 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya. |
| Kalyan Sagar lake | Beside Matabari | Large temple tank known for large fish and tortoises. |
| Agartala | ~55 km | State capital; Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal day trips, transport hub. |
| Udaipur’s historic tanks | Around town | The “lake city” of Tripura, with several old dighis. |
For the wider context of the state’s heritage and nature circuits, our Tripura travel guide maps out the main regions and routes.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Bhubaneswari Temple located?
The Bhubaneswari Temple is at Rajnagar in Udaipur, Gomati district, Tripura, on the bank of the Gomati river about 55 km south of Agartala. It is a 17th-century temple protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and stands next to the ruins of Maharaja Govinda Manikya’s palace.
Is this the same as the Bhubaneswari temple in Guwahati?
No. The Bhubaneswari Temple in this guide is in Tripura, at Udaipur in Gomati district. It is different from the Bhubaneswari temple on the Nilachal hill in Guwahati, Assam, and from the temples of Bhubaneswar in Odisha. The Tripura temple is tied to the Manikya dynasty and to Tagore’s writing.
Who built the Bhubaneswari Temple and when?
Maharaja Govinda Manikya of Tripura built the Bhubaneswari Temple around 1660–1676 CE, next to his palace on the Gomati at Udaipur. Sources vary slightly on the exact years, with Wikipedia citing 1660–1675 AD and Tripura Tourism material giving 1660–1676. It is built in the Bengali chala (hut-roof) style.
Why is the temple linked to Rabindranath Tagore?
The temple is linked to Rabindranath Tagore because he set his novel Rajarshi and his play Bisarjan around it, drawing on its history. In his honour, the Government of Tripura holds an annual Rajarshi Utsav on the temple premises; the 19th edition was held in 2023 according to local press.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the Bhubaneswari Temple is from about October to March, when Tripura’s weather is cool and mostly dry, ideal for the open riverside site. The monsoon, roughly June to September, brings heavy rain. Check India Meteorological Department data for exact conditions before planning.
What else can I see near the Bhubaneswari Temple?
Near the Bhubaneswari Temple you can visit the Tripura Sundari (Matabari) temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, and the adjoining Kalyan Sagar lake, both in the same town. Agartala, about 55 km away, adds the Ujjayanta Palace and more, making a comfortable one- or two-day circuit.
Last updated and sources
Go for the history and the quiet riverside setting rather than a grand monument; pair it with Matabari for a full day. The cool months from October to March are the easiest time to travel.
Last updated: 4 November 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia — Bhubaneswari Temple; Wikipedia — Udaipur, Tripura; Wikipedia — List of Monuments of National Importance in Tripura (ASI, entry N-TR-5); Tripura Tourism; eNewsTime — Rajarshi Utsav 2023 at Bhubaneswari Temple; Northeast Herald — Agartala flight connectivity. Accessed November 2026.
