Tripura Sundari Temple’s Tradition of Clay Pots Faces Extinction
The Tripura Sundari Temple in Agartala, Tripura, is one of the revered 51 Shakti Pithas. For centuries, the temple has been known for its unique prasad, ‘Pera’, traditionally served in clay pots. This practice is integral to the temple’s heritage and spiritual significance. However, modernization and economic challenges are threatening this age-old custom.
Clay pots, once abundant and essential, are becoming scarce. The advent of plastic containers is pushing the traditional earthen pots to the brink of disappearance. Plastic is more readily available and cost-effective, making it the go-to replacement for many shopkeepers who supply Pera to devotees.
Pera shop owner Subrata Roy said, “We have been in this business for decades. I am the third generation to run this shop. This temple has a century-long tradition of serving prasad in clay pots to offer to Mata. But nowadays it’s very difficult to get such clay pots. The reason is that the potters are not able to meet the huge demand as the number of potters has gradually decreased. And the younger generation is not interested in such clay-related businesses. Eventually, we had to shift towards plastic containers to serve the prasad. It’s the way of extinction of tradition but we are helpless.”
The decline in the use of clay pots highlights a deeper socio-economic issue. Potters find it increasingly difficult to sustain their craft, and the younger generation is reluctant to continue in this line of work. This generational shift further endangers the continuity of this cultural practice.
Efforts to preserve this tradition are being discussed among community leaders and temple authorities. Some propose initiatives to support local potters, including subsidies and training programs aimed at reviving interest in pottery among the youth. Environmentalists also emphasize the benefits of retaining clay pots, as clay is biodegradable and eco-friendly, unlike plastic.
As the Tripura Sundari Temple grapples with these changes, the community remains hopeful that a balance can be struck between preserving tradition and embracing modernity. The clay pots of Tripureshwari Mata are more than mere containers; they are vessels of history, culture, and spirituality.
