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
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