Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati

The Kamakhya Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. It is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Situated on the Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati, Assam, it is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus.

History

The origins of the Kamakhya Temple are shrouded in mystery. The temple is believed to have been built during the Mleccha dynasty in the 8th-9th century. It was later rebuilt in 1565 by Chilarai of the Koch dynasty after being destroyed by Kala Pahar.

Architecture

The temple is an example of Nagara architecture, characterized by a beehive-shaped shikhara. The main temple is surrounded by individual temples dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas: Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshvari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamalatmika.

Deity

The primary deity of the temple is Kamakhya, an incarnation of Parvati. The temple is particularly known for its annual Ambubachi Mela, which celebrates the menstruation of the goddess.

Festivals

The most important festival celebrated at Kamakhya Temple is the Ambubachi Mela, held in June. Other significant festivals include Durga Puja, Manasa Puja, and Pohan Biya.

Significance

Kamakhya Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for followers of the Shakta sect of Hinduism. It is also a center for Tantric worship.

Access

The temple is accessible by road from Guwahati, which is well connected by air, rail, and road to major cities in India. The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

See also

• Shakti Peethas
• Ambubachi Mela
• Guwahati
• Nagara architecture