Main Info
A Brief Summary of Umananda Temple
Umananda Temple can be found on an island that spreads across the Brahmaputra River. This serene habitat of adulation is called after and consecrated to Lord Shiva. The name ”Umananda” was coined from two Hindi words, namely ”Uma” which was another name for Lord shiva’s spouse and ”Ananda” which signifies happiness. In truth, this island is one of the densely populated and probably one of the vastly stunning too. The surrounding areas of the sanctuary and immense beauty makes it an oasis for nature enthusiasts.
The temple is located on a highland called Bhasmakala or Bhasmakuta. This masterpiece was created in 1694 A.D. by the great King Gadadhar Singha. Nonetheless, it was obliterated by a massive tremor in 1897 and was hardly reconstructed by a rich local dealer. The Umananda place of worship was formulated and well crafted by the competent Assamese workmen. There are so many idols that can be found in this temple, one of which is Lord Shiva. There are also ten additional Hindu gods and they are kept in the crypts.
Aside from being an area of adulation, the Umananda temple is also a comforting peculiarity to the normal places of adulation. Bereft of the racket of powerful religion, this place has a quiet atmosphere which makes you want to relax and assimilate the elegance of the place.
Narrative of Umananda Temple
The Umananda sanctuary was before recognized as Umananda Devaloi meaning ”The residence of Lord Shiva”. As the name implies, it was committed to Lord Shiva. The structure of the Umananda Temple was constructed by Bar Phukan Gadadhar in 1694 and opened by King Gadadhar Singha a great ruler of the Ahom Tribe.
Myth has it that, Lord Shiva lived on the isle as Bhayananda. It was speculated that from inception, Lord Shiva poured ashes here and imparted the supreme proficiency to his wife, Parvati. The temple’s real chronology is clouded by many such myths. It was at a point felt that the Goddess Urvasi visits the isle and sends nectar to Goddess Kamakhya. Reason why the island is named Urvasi. The Bhasmakuta cliff where the temple stands have a tale. According to folklore, Kamadeva offended Lord Shiva during one of his ruminations, and enraged Lord Shiva turned Kamadeva into ashes, thus attaining the name of Bhasmakuta.
When Mughal Of Kamrupa was on the throne , the Umananda sanctuary earned stipends and allowances from the Mughal emperors Jahangir and Aurangzeb. But unfortunately, the great sanctuary was destroyed in an earthquake in 1897. It was refurbished a few years later by a wealthy dealer who was an ardent worshipper of Lord Shiva.
The Structure of Umananda Temple
Though the sanctuary is committed to Lord Shiva, it boast of other Hindu shrines that consist of different gods and goddesses, Shiva idols, Devi, Ganesha and Surya and the manifestations of Vishnu are realized in the Umananda sanctuary. The well decorated sanctuary can be reached by a threads of stairs. The temple is an embodiment of the proficiency of the Assamese craftsmanship and designs. The temple encircles the rock on which Lord Shiva dwelled on.
Celebrations at Umananda Temple
Maha Shivrati is always commemorated in this sanctuary with great parade and pageantry. The sanctuary is committed to Lord Shiva, the celebration is of absolute significance here. Monday’s are seen as the best days of the week for worship and worshippers from far and near gather together to give their admiration on this special day.
Worship at Umananda Temple
The Umananda Temple is a religious worship temple and it is easily accessible at the dawn of a new day.
Road Guide On How To Locate The Umananda Temple.
The sanctuary can be reached effortlessly from Guwahati and Northern part of Guwahati by Trucks. Trucks are accessible from the Sukleshwar ghats and the Bazaar ghats. Though it cost a fortune, traveling on trucks is quite an experience. Visitors get to encounter the amazement and dexterity of the Brahmaputra River, and the view is astonishing and extraordinary. There are other convenient and cheaper means of movement, you may choose to link up with the inland water transport located along the peacock island lines, a straight road that leads to Guwahati from the Uzan Bazaar Ferry Ghat.