In the shrine, situated in a cave in the Nilachal hills in Assam, celebrating the power within women is Goddess Kamakhya, the yielder of all desires. Here, in the Shakthipeetha where the womb of Sati devi is believed to have fallen, the crevice which symbolises the 'yoni' of the Goddess is worshipped. The temple is venerated especially by the tantrik sadhus who believe in her formidable power. The earliest shrine is believed to have been constructed around 2000 years ago by the Mlechchha dynasty, though it was destroyed and rebuilt over various eras. During the 10th-11th centuries the shrine became an important seat of Tantrik activities. The temple was renovated during Koch dynasty rule. The current final structure has been rebuilt during the Ahom rule.

Location Assam, Kamrup, Guwahati

Legend

Mythology considers the Kamakhya temple as one of the Shaktipeethas. When Lord Shiva's wrath at the death of his wife Sati manifested as the Tandava which would destroy the Universe, Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan chakra cut her corpse into pieces which scattered around the subcontinent.  It is believed that the Goddess' womb and genitals fell where the temple of  kamakhya stands today.

This temple is part of the famous Shaktipeethas.

Architecture

The shrine has been destroyed and renovated over eras, that it is a melange of various types of architecture. It has a beehive like shikara and the shrine has three chambers. The inner sanctum is a cave. It doesn't have any idol but a rock fissure that is filled with water from a perennial spring. Sculptured panels and images of various Gods adorn the temple complex. There are shrines for 10 Mahavidyas around the temple.

Culture

Guwahati is the focal point of the cultural activities in Assam and known for its rich traditional heritage. Dance, theatre, arts and music are entrenched in the culture of Guwahati. Many fairs, festivals etc are conducted in the city. Bihu is the major dance form of the area.

Darsan Info

Kamakhya Temple opens from 8.00 AM to 1.00 PM and from 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM

Different entry tickets, free as well as paid are available. There is a separate line for defence, police and para military forces.

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Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear lean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

June - Ambubachi Mela

October - Durga Puja

Temple Rituals

The priests perform the daily rituals to the deity. The temple has no idol. A rock fissure is worshipped as the vagina of the Devi.

Special Rituals

The temple is closed for three days, on Ambubachi during the month of June, when it is believed that the Goddess menstruates. Brahmaputra river is believed to turn red during this period. On the fourth day, the temple is opened, rituals performed and animal sacrifices offered. The holy water and the red cloth are distributed among the devotees. People come from far off places for this festival and to meet the tantric sadhus. This is also known as the 'Kumbhmela of the east'

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Kamakhya Temple

Mangala murthy restaurant, Baba Loknath hotel

 Supermarket : Available