Main Info
Navagraha Temple, Guwahati
Navagraha Temple can be found sitting somewhere at the top of the Navagraha Hill which is also known as Chitrachal Hill. The temple is a holy Hindu place of worship and is also dedicated to the nine different celestial bodies.
The temple is said to be the abode of the greatest of all celestial bodies – which is the sun, nine Shiva lingam are preserved in the temple and clothed in various colors which stands for different Gods of the planets: Mangala- Mars, Brihaspati- Jupiter, Shani- Saturn, Chandra- Moon, Keri- South Lunar Node, Budha- Mercury, Rahu- North Lunar Node, Shukra- Venus and Most Surya- Sun which encloses the centre.
The temple which has lived through several terrible earthquakes was constructed sometime ago late in the 18th century by Rajesvar Raja Singha.
The building of the temple is done like the aged shikhara type of construction.
Thousands of devotees and tourists come to the temple on a daily basis. The structure of the temple can be likened to that of a beehive, it also makes use of a dome as opposed to a normal styled roof. Pilgrims also come to the temple to pray because of how revered it is.
The temple is also used for research purposes and it serves as a research centre for astrology and astronomy. Inside the temple, you can gaze at the mighty Brahmaputra river, enjoying the view as inside the temple offers one of the best views. The design of the temple is simply magnificent.
Extra Information about Navagraha Temple
Navagraha Temple History
The Asom King Raja Singha constructed the temple late in 1752, after its construction, the temple was hit by earthquake and dome was destroyed in the process. After sometime, the reconstruction of the dome commenced but this time it was done with galvanized sheet iron. Although during the reconstruction, the inner sanctuary was not touched as it still maintains its original structure.
King Rajesvar’s Silpukhuri Tank;The little water tank. Apart from building a Temple, King Rajesvar Raja Singha saw the need to make provision of water for the devotees who come to the temple, hence, he built a little water tank for this purpose. The tank would continue to provide water for an infinite time. After construction, the tank was called ‘Silpukhuri’. People still take water from the tank as of now. At the top part of the tank, there is a stone with inscriptions which reads the name of the king and the sculpturist who built it
Pointers to Note When Visiting Navagraha Temple
The Temple surroundings has lots of monkeys that are attracted to several things, it is advisable you keep close watch of your belongings.
Best Way to Get to Navagraha Temple
Guwahati is a city whose roads are linked very good. Places are easy to get to and stress free as well. To get to the Navagraha temple, there are options available; you can drive to the temple yourself or you can pay. For a taxi. There is also the option to ride on a public bus, the bus will stop you at Cenikuthi Bus stop then you can take a short walk to the temple. If you don’t own a car and you want to drive, you can rent one at any of the numerous car rental services available.