Gunabati Group of Temples

This cluster of three temples, situated near the old capital Udaipur (formerly Rangamati) in Tripura's Gomati District, dates back to the 17th century and reflects the royal patronage of the Manikya dynasty. They are named after Maharani Gunabati, the pious wife of Maharaja Govinda Manikya (reigned c. 1660-1676). Constructed around 1668 CE, these temples stand close to the prominent Tripura Sundari (Bhubaneswari) Temple, forming part of a larger sacred complex patronized by the royal family in their then-capital. Architecturally, the Gunabati temples exhibit the distinctive regional style of Tripura temple building seen during this period, which blends Bengali influences with local traditions. Like the nearby Bhubaneswari temple, they feature curved cornice 'char-chala' roof elements typical of Bengali huts, adapted into brick structures. Each temple likely originally had a stupa-like crowning element above the sanctum, though these may be damaged or lost now. They are built on raised platforms and are relatively modest in scale compared to the main Tripura Sundari shrine. While specific dedications might vary, they were likely consecrated to major deities like Vishnu or Shiva, reflecting the prevailing Hindu traditions patronized by the Manikya rulers. Their construction by the queen highlights the role of royal women in religious patronage during that era. Today, the Gunabati temples, though perhaps less famous than the main Matabari temple, are important historical monuments representing the architectural style and religious landscape of 17th-century Tripura under the Manikyas, before the capital shifted to Agartala. They provide valuable context to the larger group of temples in Udaipur, showcasing the concentration of royal religious activity in the old capital.