What is So Special About Kamakhya Temple?
The Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati is one of the oldest prehistoric temples in India. In ancient times, the temple was known for tantric practices, human and animal sacrifices and various other occult practices which later shifted to Mayong in Assam. People of Assam still believe that Maa Kamakhya has divine power to fulfil one’s wishes, ward off evils and bless her devotees with happiness and prosperity.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about Kamakhya temple: its history, folklore, architecture, temple complex, daily prayer, timing to visit the temple, festivals, how to book tickets, accommodation and hotels near the Kamakhya Mandir etc.
Mythological Story Behind Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati
The story of the Kamakhya temple of Guwahati is related to Lord Shiva. According to mythology, Lord Shiva married Devi Sati against the wishes of Sati’s Father, King Daksha. During a religious prayer (yagya), disagreements erupted between Sati and his father. Out of remorse, she sacrificed her life by jumping into the Yagya fire (religious fire). The news of Sati’s demise made Lord Shiva very furious. Lord Shiva beheaded Sati’s father King Dakshya and destroyed the whole religious ceremony.
After the destruction, Lord Shiva full of grief carried the dead body of Sati on his shoulder and roamed the whole universe without having any purpose or destination. The places where the decaying body parts of Sati fell were all turned into holy places for worshipping her. It is believed that out of the fifty-one body parts, one of them namely the female sexual organ (yoni meaning vagina) fell above the Nilachal hill of Kamrup.
Subsequently, a temple was established at the place in the name of Mahamaya Kamakhya or Maa Kamakhya. It became one of the holiest temples of Guwahati, Assam.
History of Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati
Kamakhya Temple Timing for Visit
Read this blog to learn travel guidelines and tips before you visit Maa Kamakhya Mandir
Festivals in Kamakhya Temple
Being the centre for Tantra worship this temple attracts thousands of Tantra devotees in an annual festival known as the Ambubachi Mela held in June every year. Another annual celebration is the Deodhani or Devadhwani Mela (Manasa Puja) held in August. Durga Puja is also celebrated annually at Kamakhya during Navratri (September/October,) in the autumn. This five-day festival (Durga Puja) attracts several thousand visitors. The Shivratri festival held in March attracts a large number of devotees.
The Kamakhya Temple Complex
The Kamakhya temple is one of the biggest temples of Guwahati and the most famous one. While the main temple is dedicated to Maa Kamakhya, the other ten temples are dedicated to other Hindu tantric Goddesses.
The architectural layout of Kamakhya temple is mesmerising and quite advanced even by today’s standards. Engraved upon the walls of the temple are various Gods and Goddesses that add the minuteness of detailing in the architectural design.
Sacred Places Within The Kamakhya Temple Complex
The Kamakhya Temple complex is expansive and includes various shrines and sacred places dedicated to different deities and aspects of the divine.
The Garbhagriha
It is noted that there is no image of Maa Kamakhya inside the main temple. At the heart of the Kamakhya Temple is the Garbhagriha, the sanctum sanctorum. Instead of a traditional idol, it houses a yoni-shaped stone representing the goddess Kamakhya. A natural spring keeps the stone moist. The devotees touch the stone, draped with a silk sari, and offer flowers and Bilwa Patra (Bel Pat in Assamese) on it. Devotees offer their prayers and seek blessings in this central and most sacred part of the temple.
The Saptamatrukas
The Kamakhya Temple complex includes a separate shrine dedicated to the Saptamatrukas, the seven mother goddesses. These goddesses are considered manifestations of the divine feminine energy and play a crucial role in Tantric worship.
Dasha Mahavidyas or The Ten Mahavidyas
Another significant shrine within the complex is dedicated to the Dasha Mahavidyas, the ten forms of the goddess. Each form represents a different aspect of the divine feminine, and devotees pay homage to these manifestations.
The Bhairavi Temple
Bhairavi is one of the forms of the goddess associated with the fierce and protective aspect of Shakti. There is a separate temple within the complex dedicated to Bhairavi, attracting worshippers seeking strength and protection.
The Navagraha Temple
The Navagraha Temple within the complex is dedicated to the nine celestial bodies or planets in Hindu astrology. Devotees believe that worshipping the Nava Grahas can mitigate the influence of planetary positions on their lives.
The Yajna Shala
The Yajna Shala is a place within the complex where sacred fire rituals, known as yajnas, are performed. These rituals are part of the Tantric practices associated with the Kamakhya Temple.
Besides the main shrines mentioned above, there are smaller temples within the complex dedicated to various deities and forms of the divine. These may include temples for Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha and other gods and goddesses.
The Kamakhya Temple complex features sacred pools and water bodies, where devotees perform ablutions before entering the main sanctum. Various religious ceremonies are performed beside the lake. The lake named Soubhagya Kunda (Fortune Pond) is one of the two. It is believed that the waters of this lake bring fortune. There is another pond Bhairab Kunda where giant turtles are found.
Daily Puja Rituals at Kamakhya Temple
The daily pujas at the Kamakhya Temple are conducted by a team of dedicated priests who have inherited the knowledge and responsibilities associated with the temple’s worship.
Mangala Aarti
The day begins with Mangala Aarti, a pre-dawn ritual that involves waking up the deity and offering the first prayers of the day. This ritual is accompanied by the sound of traditional instruments and the chanting of sacred hymns.
After Mangala Aarti, a symbolic bath or ablution of the deity is performed. Water, milk, and other auspicious liquids are used in this ritual to purify the deity’s representation and prepare it for daily worship. The deity is adorned with different clothing and jewellery each day. The decoration is a significant aspect of the daily pujas and is done with meticulous care, reflecting the devotion and reverence of the priests. The morning puja involves elaborate rituals, including the chanting of mantras, recitation of sacred texts, and the offering of various items such as flowers, fruits, and incense.
Additionally, a havan (fire ritual) may be performed to invoke divine blessings. Devotees offer food to the deity as a symbol of gratitude and devotion. The food, known as naivedya, is later distributed as prasad (sanctified offering) to the worshippers.
Madhyan Aarti
The Madhyan Aarti is performed around midday and involves the offering of prayers, flowers, and incense to the deity. This ritual marks the continuation of the day’s worship. The afternoon puja includes various ceremonies and rituals that maintain the continuous flow of devotion throughout the day. Priests may perform specific rituals associated with Tantric practices during this time.
Bhoga Aarti
As the day progresses, the evening Bhoga Aarti is conducted. Devotees gather to witness this ritual, which involves offering a variety of dishes and sweets to the deity. The Sandhya Aarti is performed during the evening hours as darkness descends. It is a serene and spiritually charged ceremony where lamps are lit, and prayers are offered to the goddess. The night rituals include the Shayan Aarti, which is the final prayer of the day offered to the deity before she retires for the night. The temple complex is then closed to the public.
Kamakhya Temple Tickets
There are three types of tickets to get the darshan of the deity i.e. to visit the inner sanctum sanctorum of the Kamakhya temple. The types of tickets offered at the temple are the general ticket, VIP ticket and VVIP ticket. There is a special ticket for defence personnel also. VIP ticket cost is Rs 501 and defence ticket cost is Rs 50.
Kamakhya Temple Online Booking
Hotels and Accommodation Near Maa Kamakhya Mandir
If you’re looking for accommodation near the Maa Kamakhya Mandir in Maligoan, there are several options available:
Maa Kamakhya Devalaya Guest House: This is the closest guest house to the temple and is run by the temple administration. It offers 12 rooms, both AC and non-AC.
Private Hotels and Guesthouses: Along the route from Maa Kamakhya gate at Maligoan up to the temple entrance gate, there are numerous private hotels and guesthouses. These provide a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences.
Places to Visit Inside Maa Kamakhya Temple Complex
The Kamakhya temple is not a standalone tourist destination. Many places near the Kamakhya mandir can be explored during your visit to Maa Kamakhya Temple. The Nilachal Hill, on which the Mandir is situated, offers various viewpoints.
Kamakhya View Point
Kamakhya View Point stands as a serene vantage point, offering visitors a breathtaking panorama of the majestic River Brahmaputra. Here, the gentle caress of the cool breeze blends with the spiritual ambience of the nearby temple creating a worthy atmosphere. Located along the route to the temple, reaching this scenic spot requires minimal effort. However, during busier hours, it’s not advisable to park your vehicle nearby.
Tortoise Pond
This pond is located at a distance of 500 meters from the main temple. You can visit this pond using the stairway. This iconic pond is the habitat of some rare tortoise breeds, some of them more than 100 years old. However, the surrounding environment is not properly managed by the authority.
Amrut Kund and Soubhagya Kund
This kund or pond is considered very safe by the people of the area. Various religious rites are done near the Kund. You can spend a few minutes here to get a glimpse of such religious ceremonies which happens almost every day.
Places of Attraction near Maa Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati
Art of Living- Guwahati Ashram
This place is 1.8 Km from the Kamakhya temple via Pandu Temple Ghat road. The thing about this place is that it is peaceful and not full of chaotic people. Let me state one unpopular opinion: The Kamakhya temple is full of chaos every day, every hour of the day. If you are going to Kamakhya temple, find a peaceful environment, there isn’t any. So, my advice is that after visiting the temple, go to this place. On the tranquil banks of the Brahmaputra, it’s a serene and sacred haven. The Yajnashala invites you to effortlessly practice meditation amidst its lovely ambience and welcoming people.
Chakreshwar Temple
This place is 4,5 Km from the Kamakhya temple via Kamakhya Mandir Road. Although this place is not as hyped as the Kamakhya temple, this place is worth a contender. Not many outsiders know about this place. The captivating natural beauty here is a must-see, with divine statues adorning every corner. The breathtaking Brahmaputra adds to the enchanting scenery, truly a sight to cherish.
Atal Udyan Park
This place is 6 Km from the Kamakhya temple via AT Road. It is one the most well-maintained and beautiful parks of Guwahati city. Spread across a sizable area, the park features a central pond and boasts an amphitheatre along with numerous meditation zones. Additionally, visitors can enjoy recreational facilities like playgrounds and exercise areas, making it an ideal destination for friends and family gatherings. With tickets priced from ₹20 and complimentary entry for children and senior citizens, it’s a must-visit spot offering something for everyone.
Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre
This place is 7.5 Km from the Kamakhya temple via MG Road. It is a newly developed area under GMDA. You are a photographer, you would want to visit it every day. Starbucks Coffee Store has been opened recently at this place. Visitors are supposed to pay a fee of Rs. 100 per person or Rs. 20 if you visit Starbucks and share the receipt of the order from Starbucks.
Inside this place, Experience charming pedestrian paths, an Art Garden, and a historic Heritage Bungalow celebrating Assam’s heritage. Embrace a serene outdoor ambience with cafes and river-facing viewing decks, all set against the majestic backdrop of the Brahmaputra River.
