In the heart of Assam, nestled in the charming town of Tezpur, lies a place that is not only a testament to natural beauty but also shrouded in ancient legends and mythical tales. Agnigarh, a popular tourist destination of Tezpur, is more than just a picturesque hillock with a breathtaking view of the mighty Brahmaputra River; it is a place where history, love, and war converge to create an enchanting narrative.
Read this blog to know facts and stories about Tezpur
Agnigarh: The Enchanting Hillock
Agnigarh is a hillock that offers visitors a panoramic view of the meandering Brahmaputra River, with the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the backdrop. The lush green surroundings and the serene atmosphere make it a popular spot for nature lovers and tourists seeking solace in the lap of nature.
But what truly makes Agnigarh exceptional is its rich historical and mythological significance. The hillock has a tale to tell—a tale of love, sacrifice, and conflict that dates back to prehistoric times.
The Legend of Usha and Aniruddha
Centuries ago, during the reign of King Bana in Sonitpur, Assam, a captivating love story began. King Bana, who ruled over the region, had a beautiful daughter named Usha. One day, Usha had a dream that would change her life forever. She dreamt of a handsome prince, a dream so vivid and enchanting that she fell in love with him. However, the prince existed only in her dreams, and Usha longed to find him in the real world.
Enter Usha’s best friend, Chitralekha, who possessed mystic powers and was a talented artist. Usha shared her dream with Chitralekha and described the prince in detail. With her mystical abilities, Chitralekha painted a portrait of the prince, recognizing him as Aniruddha, the grandson of Lord Krishna and the ruler of Dwarka in Gujarat.
Chitralekha’s powers were not limited to artistry alone. At the request of her friend Usha, she embarked on a mystical journey to Dwarka and brought Aniruddha to Usha’s palace while he was sleeping. As Aniruddha awoke the next morning and laid eyes on Usha, he, too, fell deeply in love.
Agnigarh: The Fortress of Flames
Their love story was not destined to be easy, for King Bana, Usha’s father, was furious when he discovered his daughter’s love for Aniruddha. In a desperate attempt to keep them apart, King Bana held Aniruddha captive, using snakes to restrain him.
Usha, on the other hand, was imprisoned within a fort, surrounded by a wall of fire—a formidable barrier known as Agnigarh. That is why it is known as Agnigarh – fort of flames as in Assamese, ‘agni’ means fire and ‘garh’ means fort.
While the love between Usha and Aniruddha flourished, King Bana’s anger knew no bounds. He was determined to separate them, and the stage was set for a dramatic conflict.
The Divine Confrontation
In stark contrast to King Bana’s actions, Lord Krishna, the ruler of Dwarka and Aniruddha’s grandfather, approved of the union between his grandson and Princess Usha. Lord Krishna hoped that this marriage would reconcile the differences between the two kingdoms, but King Bana vehemently refused the proposal, further escalating the tension in this epic love story.
The situation escalated to the point where a war became inevitable. King Bana, a devout devotee of Lord Shiva, sought divine intervention. Lord Shiva had blessed him, promising help whenever he was in need. The conflict led to a battle of epic proportions—a battle known as the Battle of Hari-Hara, with “Hari” representing Lord Krishna and “Hara” representing Lord Shiva.
City of Blood
The Battle of Hari-Hara was devastating, and the rivers of the region flowed with blood, hence giving Tezpur its name, which means “city of blood” in Assamese.
However, this gruesome war didn’t last forever. Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, intervened, beseeching both sides to stop the conflict. In the end, love triumphed over war, and Usha and Aniruddha were reunited.
The story of Usha and Aniruddha’s eternal love has found expression in many forms in Assam, from stories and novels to dramas, dance-dramas, and movies. It has become an intrinsic part of the cultural and mythological heritage of Tezpur and the state of Assam.
Visiting Agnigarh Hill Today
Present day Agnigarh is a hill on the banks of the Brahmaputra which is one of the big tourist attractions in Tezpur. There is a circular stairway leading up to the crest of the hill where there are now sculptures depicting Usha’s abduction of Aniruddha the grandson of Krishna and the ensuing battle by Krishna to free them. There is a tall viewing platform from where the entire Tezpur town can be seen. We can also see the Kalia- Bhomora bridge which shines like a beautiful necklace over the vast Brahmaputra river. Visitors can explore the park, where various stone sculptures depict the history of Sonitpur, the love story of Usha and Aniruddha, and the epic war that arose due to their love.
It will take a quick 15-minute journey from Tezpur to Agnigarh which is almost 4.9 Km via NT Road/Tezpur Main Rd. For the most enchanting experience, visit in the evening with the majestic Brahmaputra River as your scenic backdrop.
