Kamakhya Temple

The Kamakhya Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, one of the forms of the mother goddess Shakti. It is located in the city of Guwahati in the Indian state of Assam. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Tantric worship and is considered one of the most important Shakti shrines in India. The temple complex includes several smaller temples dedicated to other deities and is an important center for the performance of Tantric rituals and ceremonies. The temple is also known for its annual Ambubachi Mela, a major festival celebrated in June/July, during which thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and participate in various ceremonies.

Kamakhya Temple Timings

The Kamakhya Temple has different timings for different rituals and ceremonies. Typically, the temple opens early in the morning, around 4:00 AM or 5:00 AM, and closes in the evening, around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. The temple remains closed for a few hours in the afternoon for the “aarti” ceremony. The timings for the temple may change on special occasions such as festivals.

The temple is open for the Darshan from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. During this time, devotees can offer prayers and perform rituals.

It is always recommended to check the official website or contact the temple authorities for updated timings before planning a visit.

Significance of Temple

The Kamakhya Temple is considered one of the most important Shakti peethas in India and is an important pilgrimage site for Tantric worship. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, who is one of the forms of the mother goddess Shakti. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is built on the site where the yoni (female genitalia) of the goddess Sati fell, after her body was cut into 51 pieces by Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to be a powerful center of Shakti energy and is believed to grant blessings and fulfill the desires of devotees who worship there.

The temple is also known for its annual Ambubachi Mela, a major festival celebrated in June/July, during which thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and participate in various ceremonies. The festival is considered one of the most important festivals of the Shakti cult and is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by the devotees.

The temple also holds a special significance for Tantrics and devotees of the Shakti cult, where various tantra rituals and ceremonies are performed regularly. The temple also attracts scholars, researchers, and spiritual seekers for its unique blend of temple architecture, tantra practices, and cultural heritage.

Kamakhya Temple History

The history of the Kamakhya Temple is closely tied to the mythology and legends of the goddess Kamakhya. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is built on the site where the yoni (female genitalia) of the goddess Sati fell, after her body was cut into 51 pieces by Lord Vishnu. Sati was the consort of Lord Shiva, and her father, the king of Daksha, had organized a yagna (fire sacrifice) and did not invite them. Sati, who felt humiliated, went to the yagna and threw herself into the fire. This made Lord Shiva so angry that he carried her dead body and went on a Tandava dance, which threatened to destroy the world. To stop him, Lord Vishnu cut the body of Sati into 51 pieces, each of which fell to the earth at different places. The place where the yoni of Sati fell is believed to be the site of the Kamakhya Temple.

The temple is believed to be built in the 9th century AD by the kings of the Koch dynasty, and it was later renovated and expanded by the Ahom kings in the 17th century. The temple has undergone several renovations and repairs over the centuries, and it has been an important center of Tantric worship and a major pilgrimage site for centuries. The temple is also an important center of the Tantra tradition, and it has been visited by many scholars, mystics, and spiritual seekers throughout its history.

During the British Raj, the temple was desecrated, and the British officials took away many valuable items from the temple, but later in 1891 the temple was renovated by the then-king of the Koch dynasty.

The temple continues to be an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Shakti and Tantra, and it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

Things to do & See in And Around

There are several popular things to do and see in and around the Kamakhya Temple:

1. Visit the temple: The temple is the main attraction and is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Shakti and Tantra. Visitors can offer prayers and perform rituals at the temple.
2. Attend the Ambubachi Mela: This is a major festival celebrated in June/July, during which thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and participate in various ceremonies.
3. Explore the temple complex: The temple complex includes several smaller temples dedicated to other deities and is an important center for the performance of Tantric rituals and ceremonies.
4. Visit the Nilachal Hill: The temple is situated on the Nilachal Hill which offers a panoramic view of the city of Guwahati and the Brahmaputra River.
5. Visit the Guwahati Museum: The museum is located near the temple and has a collection of artifacts, sculptures, and other items related to the history and culture of Assam.
6. Take a cruise on the Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra River is a major attraction in Guwahati and taking a cruise on the river is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
7. Visit nearby tourist attractions: The temple is situated in Guwahati which is a hub of many other tourist attractions such as Umananda Temple, Assam State Museum, etc.
8. Try the local street food: Guwahati is known for its delicious street food, and visitors can try a variety of traditional Assamese dishes such as fish curry, dosa, and momos.

How to Reach Kamakhya Temple

The Kamakhya Temple is located in the city of Guwahati in the Indian state of Assam and there are several ways to reach there:

1. By Air: The nearest airport is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport which is well connected to major cities in India, visitors can easily find taxis or buses to reach the temple.
2. By Train: Guwahati railway station is well connected to major cities in India, visitors can take a taxi or bus from the railway station to reach the temple.
3. By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Assam and neighboring states to Guwahati, from where visitors can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
4. By Car: Visitors can also drive to Guwahati and then take a taxi or bus to reach the temple.

It is always recommended to check the official website or contact the temple authorities for updated information on transportation and parking before planning a visit.

Festivals

The Kamakhya Temple is known for several festivals throughout the year, some of the major festivals include:

1. Ambubachi Mela: This is a major festival celebrated in June/July, during which thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and participate in various ceremonies. It is believed that during this time, the goddess Kamakhya goes through her menstrual cycle and the temple remains closed for 3 days.
2. Durga Puja: Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals in Assam and it is celebrated in the month of October. During this festival, the temple is decorated with lights, and various cultural programs are organized.
3. Navaratri: Navaratri is a nine-day festival celebrated in September/October, during which the temple is decorated with lights, and various cultural programs are organized.
4. Manasha Puja: Manasha Puja is a festival dedicated to the goddess Manasha, who is believed to be the sister of Kamakhya. The festival is celebrated in the month of June/July and is an important festival for the local community.
5. Sivaratri: Shivaratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is celebrated in the month of February/March. During this festival, the temple is decorated with lights, and various cultural programs are organized.

It is always recommended to check the official website or contact the temple authorities for updated information on festivals and timings before planning a visit.

Where to Stay

If you’re planning to visit Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, there are several accommodation options available for visitors.

1. Hotels: There are several hotels in Guwahati that offer a range of amenities and services for tourists. Some popular options include Hotel Dynasty, Hotel Rialto, Hotel Gateway Grandeur, and Hotel Shoolin Grand.
2. Guesthouses: There are also many guesthouses and homestays available in the surrounding areas of Kamakhya Temple. Some popular guesthouses include Assam Guest House, The Lily Guest House, and Serenity Guest House.
3. Dharamshalas: There are several dharamshalas or religious guesthouses available near Kamakhya Temple that are operated by religious organizations. These dharamshalas provide affordable accommodation for pilgrims and devotees. Some popular dharamshalas include the Kamakhya Temple Trust Dharamshala and the Bhawanipur Anchalik Krishak Co-operative Union Dharamshala.
4. Airbnb: Another option for accommodation is to check for Airbnb listings in the area. This can be a good option if you are looking for a more local and authentic experience.

It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. It’s also important to check the location of your accommodation, as Kamakhya Temple is situated on a hill and some areas may require a bit of a hike to reach.