Temples in Guwahati

Snuggled between blue hills alongside the foothills of the Himalayas, the history of Assam traces to the Vedic Age where Saivism, Trantrik Shaktism, and, later on, Vaishanvism flourished. With the dawn of new religions many temples were built all over the state of Assam and most of architectural splendors belong to the medieval period that symbolizes the architecture of the Ahom, Koch and Kachari rulers. These temples are the quiet spectator of the splendid past of the state. Some of the important temples of the state are listed below.past of the state. Some of the important temples in the city of Guwahati are listed below.

Kamakhya Temple

Revered as one of the most important Shakti Peethams in India, the Kamakhya Temple is situated on the top of the Nilachal Hills  by the Brahmaputra in Guwahati. Kamakhya is known to be the ‘granter of desires'. This temple also finds its mention in the inscriptions present in the Allahabad Pillar, which was built by Emperor Samadragupta. During the Ambubachi Mela and Manasa Puja, a huge crowd of devotees from all over nation visit the temple. It is believed that the uterus of Sati fell in this place and it is also known as the menstruating Goddess.

Nabagraha Temple

The Navagraha Temple or the temple of the nine planets is located on the Citrasaala Hills in the heart of Guwahati. It is a centre of astrological research and like other parts of India worship of Sun God has been a ritual since ancient times in Assam. This is also one of the reasons why Guwahati is referred to as Pragjyotishpur or the city of eastern Astrology.

Dol Gobinda Mandir

Dol Gobinda Mandir or temple is another prominent temples situated on the banks of the mighty river Brahmaputra. This place is considered to be one of the most revered places and is thronged by thousands of devotees from all over the state. Dedicated to lord Krishna, this temple is situated on foot hills of Chandrabharati hill at Rajaduar, a place of the east of North Guwahati and this natural ambience enhances its sacredness.

 

Basisthashram

Basisthashram is situated in Guwahati on the Sandhyachal hill. It is named after the sage Bashistha, who is said to have lived here. Three rivulets namely, Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta merge in this place and flow perennially adding to its picturesque. It is one of the most visited temples in the city.

Ugratara Temple

Ugratara Temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara, an incarnation of Adi Shakti. It is situated in the  eastern part of Guwahati and is one of the most revered  Sakta Shrines of the state. It is believed that once sage Bashistha cursed the Goddess seeing her having meat and since then, Ugratara is worshipped according to ‘Vama cara' rites. During the festival of Durga Puja, this temple is thronged by devotees from various parts of the state and animal sacrifice is a common ritual that is followed here during that period. It is believed that the naval of Goddess Sati fell in this place and is also known as “navi peeth”.