Main Info
Kamakhya Temple
An Overview
Kamakhya Temple is one of the major temples in India and situated somewhere on the Nilanchal Hill which is in the western part of Guwahati in Assam State. The temple belongs to the goddess Shakti in India.
In Hindu scriptures, there are up to four very important Shakti Peethas(these are temples with the Highest divinity powers) in India, Kamakhya. Temple happens to be one of the four important Shakti Peethas. Kamakhya Temple celebrates the power of the feminine fruitfulness and is seen as very successful and favourable amongst followers of the Tantrik sect of Hinduism.
In the 8th to 17th century, it was recorded that the temple was rebuilt countless times and its awe to behold.
The major pathway into the Kamakhya temple is one that is designed with simple, Majestic and lovely carvings which are beautifully decorated with some colourful flowers. Although the design is simple, the major entrance into the temple is extremely beautiful to behold.
Overlooking the quaint Nilanchal Hills in the background is a very enormous dome of the temple. When it is time For the Ambubach festival which is often held between 3 – 4 days in the month of June, the temple is usually beautifed.
The Kamakhya Temple and the Ambubachi Festival
This festival is one of celebration of the goddess’ Fertility. The main essence of the celebration hints on the belief of the people that kamakhya who is the mother goddess, Young bride of Shiva is menstruating during this period. When this period starts, the temple will be closed and the goddess will also be bathed after three days. Regular activities will commence at the temple once this is over. The belief during this time is that, when the monsoon starts which is the time of the festival, the rain nurtures the womb of mother earth, hence, she is at her most fertile period.
The Visitation Schedule of the Temple
On normal days, the temple is usually open from 08:00 AM – 01:00 PM and 02:30 PM- 05:30 PM. But on exceptional days, like Durga Puja, the time of the temple will change as follows:- 5:30 AM – Snana of the Pithasthana 6:00 AM – Nitya puja 8:00 AM – Temple door open for devotees 1:00 PM – Temple door becomes closed for food offerings to the goddess.
Kamakhya Temple History
This temple has been in existence for decades, it is arguably one of the oldest temples in India and as a result of that, it doesn’t go without a history.
Legend has it that the temple was built sometime between the 8th century and the 9th century in the Mleccha dynasty.
At the time of the Kamarupa kings who originated from Indra Pala to Dharma pala, the Kamakhya Temple grew to become a core place for Tantrikism due to the fact that the Kamarupa kings were core devotees of the Tantrik cult.
The importance of the temple which is as a chair for Tantrik sorcery and sacrifices was accentuated during the 10th when the Purana was composed.
A good number of Buddhist professors from Tibet belonged to Kamakhya and around that time, Vajrayana also called Mystic Buddhism also came into light.
Later on in the invasion of Kamata (Hussein Sha’s invasion), the temple was damaged and destroyed. The ruins of the temple weren’t discovered until later in the 1500s, a time when Vishwasingha who is the founder of Koch Dynasty discovered the temple and revived it to become a place of worship.
In 1565, when Vishwasingha’s son ruled, the temple was rebuilt and the shrine has since then become a core center for religion for all Hindus who are scattered all over the world
The Kamakhya Temple is believed to be structured like Nilachal, which is a word used to describe buildings that have domes like hemisphere and a base like cruciform.
There are four parts of the temple fused together from east to west and they are described below:
* Garbhagriha; this is also called the major part or major sanctum. It sits on fold with a statue of Ganesha and some other Hindu gods. Stones make up the lower part of Garbhagriha and the top part is shaped like an octagon which is made with bricks. Garbhagriha which is the main part of the temple is located underground(beyond ground level). The Garbhagriha can be accessed using the rocks cut like stairs. Upon entrance, Kamakhya is represented as a rock made to look like a vulva depression and is also worshipped. Water from a spring beneath the earth fills up the vulva shaped depression and its the same pattern in other Garbhagrihas seen in this temple.
* The Clanta: the Clanta is shaped to look like a square and its located westward of Kamakhya temple. Inside the Clanta are mini idols which can be moved around that represents Gods and Goddesses. The inner walls of the Clanta has some inscriptions and some images written and drawn on it.
* Pancharatna: this part is located at the west part of the Clanta and it is a rectangle. The Pancaratna roof is flat and has five spires that protrudes from it.
* The Natamandir: this part of Kamakhya is located at the west part of the Pancharatna.it is the end part of the structure of Natamandir. It’s roof is styled typical like the Ranghar type(rigged roof). Just like the Clanta, Natamandir walls also have inscriptions but they are from Rajewas Singha and Gaurinath Singha which are inscribed on them.
Mystery behind Kamakhya Temple
It is a well known fact that Kamakhya Temple Very revered place for those who are Hindu worshipers. It is often told that when it is June, the month of Ashadh which in line with the Gregorian Calendar, the river, Bramhaputra which flows by the temple will turn red. The belief here is that, the river turning red means the goddess is menstruating and it is a divine happening. Some others will dismiss this and tag it a myth. Their claim is that there is high iron and Cinnabar deposited into the water. This theory might work for them but for the rest, it is a miracle from above. Because of this belief of a divine miracle, tens and thousands of people troop into the temple year in year out for the Ambubachi Mela.
What to Do when Visiting Kamakhya Temple
It is very important that you adhere to all instructions as this has helped over time to preserve the temple.
1. You can take in a camera but you aren’t allowed to snap in certain places like; inside the inner shrine
2. There is no room for alcohol or tobacco as they are strictly prohibited
3. Don’t wear clothes other than the ones allowed.
4. Maintain a quiet and peaceful environment at all times.
Best way to get to Kamakhya Temple
The temple is located far up on the hills of Nilachal. There is an option to use a taxi or hire autp rickshaw from various areas of Guwahati.
The department of tourism, Assam State have buses that go to the Temple from different areas of the City. From the Kachari bus stop, you can board ASTC Bus to the Kamakhya Temple.
The bus time is 8:00 AM up until 6:00PM. There is also a one hour time gap in between every hour.
To enter Kamakhya Temple, you have to use a two rock-cut stairs which starts from below the Nilachal Hills and leads straight to the temple.