Manidvipa

Description

Manidvipa is described in the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Mahabhagavata Purana, and Tripura Rahasya. In the goddess-centric tradition, at the dawn of creation, the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra—were unaware of their identities and purpose. A flying chariot appeared before them, and a disembodied voice instructed them to board.

The chariot traveled at the speed of thought, carrying them to a gemstone island encircled by an ocean of nectar and untouched forests. When they disembarked, the Trimurti were astonished to find themselves transformed into women. Exploring the island, they discovered a fortified city protected by nine enclosures, guarded by fierce Bhairavas, Matrikas, Kshetrapalas, and Dikpalas. Inside, they marveled at its wealth and towering structures, eventually reaching the imperial palace called Chintamani griha, guarded by yoginis.

This city is known as Śrīpūra, or Devipattana, the capital of Tripura Sundari, who rules Manidvipa as the abode of Adi Parashakti. Within the palace, Brahma describes the goddess seated on the left lap of Shiva Mahadeva. Shiva has a white complexion, wears white garments, and is adorned with ornaments.

His matted hair is decorated with a crescent moon and the river Ganga. He has five faces, each with three eyes, and four arms holding a trident and a battle-ax while displaying varada and abhaya mudras. Before creation, the Devi divided her body into two parts, creating Sadashiva from the right half. The divine couple sits on Panchapretasana, a throne with Sadashiva as the plank and Ishvara, Rudra, Vishnu, and Brahma as its four legs.

Yoginis serve them: some fan the couple, some hold mirrors, some offer betel leaves with camphor, and some present a drink of honey, ghee, and coconut water. Others dress Tripura Sundari’s hair, apply makeup, string garlands, or sing and dance for her entertainment. In the Tripura Rahasya’s Jnana Khanda, Tripura Sundari states that Manidvipa is the home of her material form.