Situated in the heart of Guwahati city in the state of Assam Maa kamakhya temple is a frevered Shakti Peethas in India. At the top of the Neelachal hills, dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, a form of Shakti, this ancient temple is a symbol of divine femininity and fertility.
Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati throughout the year to experience its spiritual energy and architectural grandeur. The temple’s intricate carvings and sculptures reflect its historical significance and artistic brilliance, dating back to the 8th century.
A Sacred Abode of Shakti
The temple consists of four chambers: — garbhagriha and three mandapas locally called calanta, pancharatna and natamandira.
The garbhagriha is small, dark and reached by narrow steep stone steps. Inside the cave, there is a sheet of stone that slopes downwards from both sides meeting in a yoni-like depression some 10 inches deep. This hollow is constantly filled with water from an underground perennial spring. It is the vulva-shaped depression that is worshiped as the goddess Kamakhya herself.
Legend has it that it is here the ‘Yoni’ of the mother fell after Shiva danced with her dead body. Shiva was not invited to the Yajna ceremony at Sati’s paternal house by her father Daksha, and this had angered her. Also Daksha had insulted Shiva and Sati felt insulted and jumped into the pyre. When Shiva saw the dead body of Sati, he could not stay still any longer and started dancing with her corpse in his hands. Vishnu jee fearing destruction ran his Sudarshan Chakra and cut Sati’s body into pieces, and each of these 108 pieces fell in what is today known as ‘Peethas’. There are 51 such Shakti Peethas.
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Ambubachi Mela
One of the most significant events at Kamakhya in Assam is the Ambubachi Mela, celebrated in June. This annual festival marks the menstruation period of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing the creative power of nature. The temples are closed at this time of the year for three days. Devotees and sadhus from across the country gather in large numbers, creating a vibrant and deeply spiritual atmosphere. It is also considered inauspicious to dig Mother Earth during the period or perform any religious functions.
Thorough cleaning of the temple happens on the fourth day after which the doors of the temple are opened to the devotees. This period is known as ‘Ambubachi’ and being the centre for Tantra worship this temple attracts thousands of tantra devotees from different parts of the country.
The other times of the year when the pilgrims flock to the temple to seek blessings are during both the autumn and the spring Navratras. The autumn Navratra when Durga Puja is celebrated sees scores of devotees rushing in to offer their prayers. On the Ashtami day, ‘kumaris’ or little girls are worshipped. They are believed to be the embodiment of the Mother. Girls are beautifully dressed and taken around the temple before and after the Puja.
The ‘Pandas’ or priests have been the official caretakers of all the ceremonies and take care of all the rituals.
Kamakhya temple is an ode to Mother Nature’s power to create, nurture and sustain life.
Temple Timings:
The Kamakhya Temple is open to devotees during the following timings:
- Morning: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM
- Evening: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
- The temple opens early in the morning for Mangala Aarti at 5:30 AM.
- The main sanctum remains closed from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM for rituals and the goddess’s afternoon rest.
- The temple resumes darshan from 2:30 PM until it closes at 5:30 PM.
It is advisable to visit early in the morning or in the evening to avoid long queues and fully experience the spiritual ambience.
There are other temples of various Goddesses in the Kamakhya temple complex and five temples of Lord Shiva in the temple complex. There are also several ‘kundas’ or ponds scattered across the Nilachal Hills.
Visitors are also drawn to the temple for its scenic location, offering breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River and the city of Guwahati. Kamakhya Temple is not just a place of worship but a spiritual journey that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Tips for Visitors:
- It’s advisable to arrive early, to avoid long queues as the temple experiences a surge of devotees.
- Respect the temple customs, and dress modestly while visiting.
- During busy periods, darshan queues may take time, so plan accordingly and carry water and light snacks if necessary.
By being mindful of these timings, you can ensure a fulfilling and serene spiritual experience at Kamakhya Temple.
