Rajasthan’s Tripura Sundari temple is everyone’s favourite around election season

BANSWARA: Around election time, a temple in Rajasthan’s Banswara district becomes a favourite of politicians seeking some divine intervention.

Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje is said to be a firm believer of the temple deity, Maa Tripura Sundari, who the devout say helps people seeking power or an “empire” (samrajya).

And politicians across party lines, from village heads to ministers, are regular visitors to the Tripura Sundari temple in Umrai village.

“Maa Tripura Sundari blesses devotees who seek ‘samrajya’, which is visits by those wishing to contest the assembly polls has increased,” Nikunj Mohan Pandya, a priest at the temple, told PTI.

Polling in all 200 assembly constituencies in Rajasthan will take place on November 25 and counting will be held on December 3.

“Those wishing for ‘samrajya’ and success in politics visit the temple and pray to Maa Bhagwati (Tripura Sundari). Leaders from different political parties visit the temple. Some have immense faith, and regularly visit and offer prayers. Sadhna is performed at the temple,” he said.

Pandya said that erstwhile kings and rulers would offer prayers before every important battle.

Raje, who often visits the temple, had reportedly stayed inside the temple for the entire duration of the counting of votes of the 2013 assembly polls – which she won – and stayed there till the results were declared.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and several state ministers have also visited the temple this year.

Temple manager Jagesh Panchal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also visited the temple when he was the Gujarat chief minister.

Apart from him, former president Pratibha Patil, many union ministers, CMs of other states have also come for darshan.

On Thursday, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda offered prayers at the temple.

Pandya said that renovation of the temple has been done from time to time by Panchal samaj, who manage the temple.

Major development works outside the temple were also done during Raje’s tenure as CM.

Deputy leader of opposition Satish Poonia, who also frequents the temple, told PTI, “The place of Tripura Sundari is full of energy. People visit and pray to the goddess so that they can work with more enthusiasm in service of the people in society.”

He said the idol of Tripura Sundari inspires people and that he has strong faith in the deity.

Apart from politicians, a large number of regular devotees also offer prayers at the temple.