Temples and Monuments
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Assam has been a centre for Shakti worship for centuries. The ancient name Pragjyotishapura refers to the region as a center of astrology. The various temples and monuments, spread almost all over Assam, bear silent witness to the glorious past of Assam.
Temples and Monuments in and around Guwahati.
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| The Kamakhya Temple, one of the most venerated Shakti shrines. | | | |
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The Kamakhya Temple, is one of the most sacred Shakti shrines in India, and is regarded as one of the Shakti Peeth's associated with the legend of Shiva and Daksha Yagna. It is said that the reproductive organ of Sati, (the Yoni) has fallen here. Kamakhya is located on top on Neelachall Parvat or Kamagiri near the heart of the city. According to the manuscripts Kamakhya is described as the yielder of all desires, the young bride of Shiva, and the giver of salvation. Devotees from all over India converge on this holy place during Ambubashi (Ameti) and Manasha Puja.
| | | | The Navagraha Temple or The temple of the Nine Celestial Bodies. |
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As the name suggests, the Navagraha Temple or the temple of the nine celestial bodies is located in the south eastern part of Guwahati, and on top of the Citrachal hill. The temple was built by the then ruler Rajeswar Singh, in late 18th century. It is believed to be the nodal centre of astronomy and astrology during the period. This is also one of the reasons why Guwahati is referred to as Pragjyotishpur or the city of eastern Astrology.
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| People throng the Umananda Temple, situated on the Peacock island, during Sivaratri. | | | |
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The great Shiva temple situated on the Peacock island (also known as Bhasmachala Hill or the Hill of ashes)in the middle of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati attracts devotees from all over the country during Shiva Ratri. Shiva - Umananda or Bhayananda is worshipped with fanfare on full moon days especially on Mondays. This temple was built during the reign of the Ahom ruler Gadadhar Singh in late 17th century.
| | | | The main gate of Aswaklanta Temple. |
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The Aswaklanta Temple situated in North Guwahati, is an important Vaishnava shrine. The temple has interesting carvings enshrining a reclining image of Vishnu.
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| A Sakta shrine, Ugratara. | | | |
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Located in the eastern part of Guwahati is an important Sakta shrine is the UgraTara Temple.This important Sakta shrine dates back to the 18th century.
| | | | Dirgeshwari Temple. |
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The Dirgeshwari temple, situated in North Guwahati, is also an important shakti shrine. The temple has interesting carvings enshrining a wide range of devi and devta.
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Sukleswar Temple:
In the Hastigiri hills of Guwahati lies a temple dedicated to Shiva which is believed to have been worshipped by sage Sukra. And so gets its name Sukleshwar. This temple with a large Shivalingam was built by the Ahom ruler Pramatta Singh of the Ahom dynasty in late 18th century CE.
Bashistha Ashram:
This place is situated at the southern most part of Guwahati on the footsteps of Sandhyachal hill. Three rivulets named Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta meet here and flow perenially adding scenic grandeur to the place. The place inherits it's name from the great sage Bashistha, who is said to have lived here.
Doul Govinda Mandir:
The temple located on the northern banks, is perfectly placed at the beautiful foot hills of Chandrabharati hill at Rajaduar. The copper plates and rock inscription scattered around suggest a glorious heritage in and around North Guwahati. The temple has two idols i.e. of Lord Shyamaray and Lord Govinda. 'Dol' utsav is celebrated with much funfair.
This sacred places are located in and around the city and which can be reached by city buses, taxi or auto-rickshaw.
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Temples and Monuments outside Guwahati.
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