The jewel of Nilanchal Hills

Seated atop the Nilanchal Hills, on the outskirts of Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple beckons you with its mystical ambience. As one of India's most sacred sanctuaries devoted to Goddess Shakti, it stands as a timeless testament to the power of faith.

As you approach the temple, you can't help but marvel at the breathtaking panorama created by the temple's majestic dome against the backdrop of the Nilanchal Hills. At the main entrance, you'll be welcomed by intricately carved motifs adorned with vibrant blooms, an ode to the temple's blend of natural and artistic beauty. Within its ancient walls resides the revered Goddess Kamakhya, whose divine presence exudes an aura of unmatched grace and strength. The temple is steeped in centuries-old Tantric traditions, where animal sacrifices are made as part of the rituals.

The temple is also said to be the place where Goddess Sati’s womb and genitals fell, marking it as one of the revered 51 Shakti Peeths. It holds a unique celebration honouring the goddess's menstruation every year, called the Ambubachi Mela. During this event, the river near the temple is said to turn red – symbolising the goddess’s menstruation. You must visit the Kamakhya Temple during this festive time and experience it first-hand for an unforgettable mystical sojourn!

Legend of the Shakti Peeth

The Kamakhya Temple is filled with ancient legends that capture people's imaginations. According to legend, Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva's first consort, attended a yagna (ritual) organised by her father, King Daksha. At the event, Lord Shiva and Sati were insulted by her father. Unable to take the insults anymore and to protect her honour, she sacrificed her life by jumping into the yagna fire. Lord Shiva was so grief-stricken that he unleashed a dance of destruction while holding Sati's body. To stop Shiva, Lord Vishnu dismembered Sati's body into 51 pieces, which were scattered across various locations on Earth and came to be known as Shakti Peeths. It is said that Kamakhya Temple grants women fertility blessings as it is the place where the goddess’ reproductive organs fell, making it a famous spot for childless couples to visit.

One legend concerns a captivating tale of a divine encounter between Lord Kamdev, the embodiment of love, and Lord Shiva, the formidable god of destruction. As the story goes, the location of the fallen genitalia and womb was unknown until Kamdev went in search of them as part of his penance. After finding the missing parts, he was freed from the curse given to him by Brahma. As a result, the place where the parts were found came to be known as Kamakhya. In another legend, the temple is believed to be the place where Shiva and Sati first encountered each other.

PHOTO OF KAMAKHYA TEMPLE DECORATED WITH FLOWERS DURING DURGA POOJA; Shutterstock ID 1563170251; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 07:00 PM

Intriguing origins

The origins of the Kamakhya Temple can be traced back to the 8th and 9th centuries when it emerged amidst the flourishing tantric traditions of the Mleccha dynasty. However, its early history was marred by a storm of destruction during invasions, leading to its rediscovery in the 1500s by the visionary founder of the Vishwasingha Koch Dynasty. With unwavering dedication and meticulous care, the shrine was revived, ushering in a new era in its storied history, where its significance continues to thrive amidst the tapestry of myth and legend.

Beyond the temple

Elevate your experience by visiting the ten temples surrounding Kamakhya Temple, each dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas – Kali, Tara, Sodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamalatmika that will enrich your spiritual journey.

The Kamakhya temple is a spiritual landmark and a treasure trove of fascinating tales from India's legendary past. If you are in Guwahati, don't miss the chance to visit this wonder for an experience like no other.