An amazing amalgamation of cultures

Temples and deities have always left an imprint on our culture and society. Old or new the celebration of Gods has never stopped in our nation from older to newer times. Another celebration of Gods is held at the Shukleshwar hillock near the beautiful Shukleshwar Ghat, which is located along the Brahmaputra River, flowing from Tibet to the Bay of Bengal. This is none other than the Janardana Temple in Guwahati.

Located on a hillock, this temple is no ordinary temple, with Buddha as the main deity located in the centre, the legend of this temple is immensely popular. The belief that Buddha is the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu creates a beautiful blend of Buddhist and Hindu cultures. This reflects the idea that the gods are similar and lead us all to the path of enlightenment. This Buddhist reincarnation of Lord Vishnu is known as Janardana, from which the name of the temple is also derived.

The temple's existence is said to be very old while it's believed that it was renovated in the 17th century by Swargdev Paramatt Singh, making it one of the most exceptional temples in the state of Assam.

Architectural elegance

The architecture of this temple is a mix of the Hindu and Buddhist styles. Built with stone, providing durability and stability on a hillock, the temple is done in intricate designs and has beautiful structures of deities inscribed and carved into the walls and pillars of the temple.

The Hindu influence in architecture comes from the mandap: the hall for devotees, Garbhagirah and shikhara house the deity, while the Buddhist influence comes from the carved stupas, lotus motifs and Buddhist statues sculpted around the Hindu deities.

The temple's elevation makes it stand out amongst the other things in its surroundings and its classic rectangular floorplan with the door facing eastwards gives a hint of old traditions and beliefs. The temple is located on a hillock, providing viewers with a stunning view of the surrounding nature, including lush greenery and visible tea gardens, creating a picturesque scene.

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Timings

Opening time - Sunrise

Closing time - Sunset

Beyond the walls and mandapa

Visit the Shukleshwar Ghat to gaze at the breathtaking sight of the Brahmaputra River flowing by, washing over the surroundings with its tranquil waters. Take in the scenic beauty and capture the picturesque views. Afterwards, explore the Assam Museum, where you can delve into the history and view captivating artefacts that narrate the story of Assam and its people, providing a fascinating history lesson.