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10 Famous Temples in Assam
Guwahati, the gateway to north-eastern India, is bounded on one side by the Shillong Plateau and on the other by the Brahmaputra River. Assam is a charming city rich in historical value, with several temples, religious shrines, stone carvings, traditional festivals, caves, and other attractions.
The gorgeous temples attract visitors from all around the world who are either spiritually inclined or looking for a tranquil location to unwind.
Here are ten such one-of-a-kind temples in Assam that every traveller should see at least once in their lives.
Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, is located on Nilanchal Hill’s crest. It is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas, and it is one of the oldest. The temple’s main entrance is magnificently built with carvings, and it includes a massive dome with three mandapas.
Inside the temple, there are four Garbhagrihas and three mandapas, and the walls are ornamented with numerous sculptures.
Ambubachi Mela is the temple’s most prominent event, which lasts four days each year. During the evening Aarti, the temple appears stunning.
The months of October through February are ideal for visiting Kamakhya Temple. It is not permitted to take photographs within the temple.
Navagraha Temple
The Navagraha Temple, located on a hill in the south-eastern section of Guwahati, is reported to be over 1000 years old. The inner sanctum of the temple contains 9 lingams of Lord Shiva representing the planets – Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukara, Shani, Rahu, and Ketu, as the name suggests.
The current temple was established in 1752 A.D. by Ahom ruler Rajeswar Singha. This is one of Guwahati’s most popular religious sites. The months of October to February are ideal for visiting the Navagraha temple.
Umananda Temple
The enchanted Umananda Temple is located in the midst of the Brahmaputra River on a small island known as Peacock Island or Umananda Island.
It was established in 1694 by the Ahom ruler Gadadhar Singha and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The primary celebration here is Shivaratri, and the gorgeous temple attracts a great number of visitors and devotees to rejoice in its beautiful surroundings. The religious and archaeological significance (the rock sculptures), natural beauty, and views from the island will captivate you.
The winter months of October through February are ideal for a visit.
Doul Gobinda Temple
The Doul Gobinda Temple is located in Northern Guwahati, near the foothills of the Chandrabati Hills. Lord Krishna is honoured in this temple.
Aside from Janmasthmi, another important event is observed here.
During Holi, the temple receives the most visitors. For five days, the festival of colours is held in this city.
The temple is located near the Brahmaputra River. The banks of the river are a perfect picnic spot too.
The colder months of October through February are ideal for a visit.
Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple
The Tirupati Balaji Temple, one of Guwahati’s most magnificent temples, is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. This temple is built in the South Indian style and bears a striking similarity to the original Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tamil Nadu. The temple’s architectural architecture is highly beautiful. It was constructed in 1998.
When visiting the Balaji Temple, make sure to stop by the Ganesha temple at the entrance.
The months of October to February are ideal for a visit.
Aswaklanta Temple
Aswaklanta Temple is an old temple in Assam that is well-known as a Hindu pilgrimage site devoted to Lord Vishnu. The temple’s two primary deities are Lord Anantasai Vishnu and Lord Janardana.
The temple is famous for its picturesque splendour, and the walls are intricately etched with fascinating cravings. People have a widespread idea that persons who commit sins can be saved if they go to the temple.
The temple was devastated in the Great Earthquake of 1897, but it was rebuilt in 1901 under the patronage of Lord Curzon, the then-Viceroy of Assam.
The prominent festivals observed here are Janmashtami and Ashokasthami. The temple is best visited between October and February.
Ugratara Temple
The Ugratara Temple in Guwahati, built in 1725, is devoted to Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva’s first lover. Siva Singha, the Ahom monarch, erected the temple. It is located in the eastern section of Guwahati, in the Uzan Bazaar.
It is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Guwahati that every visitor should visit since, like the Goddess Kamakhya, there is no idol of the Goddess Ugratara.
This is the well-known Jor Pukhuri temple. The weather in this location is lovely all year. Animal sacrifices are still performed at the Durga Puja and Kali Puja.
The temple is best visited during the Durga and Kali Pujas.
Basistha Temple
When planning a trip to Guwahati, don’t forget to include the Basistha Temple in your itinerary. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is housed within the Vedic-era Basistha Ashram.
It was built in 1764 by the Ahom king Rajeshwar Singha. The name is taken from a sage who used to reside and meditate in a cave nearby. The temple is located in the city of Guwahati’s south-east corner.
Visitors are met by spellbinding mountain streams that flow from the hills of Meghalaya.
The months of October to February are ideal for a visit.
Lankeshwar Temple
The Lankeshwar Temple is located on a hill near Guwahati University. The temple is well-connected by several forms of transportation and receives a significant number of devotees during Maha Shivratri.
The surroundings are fantastic, with the location being peaceful and surrounded by picturesque splendour.
The optimum months to visit the temple are between October and February.
Sukreswar Temple
The Sukreswar Temple is located in Guwahati on the hamlet of Sukreswar hill on the southern side of the Brahmaputra River. It is a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is said to have been built in the 18th century by Ahom King Pramatta Singha.
Sukra, the great sage, is reported to have his ashrama near the shrine. Sukresvara Linga remnants have also been discovered.
Assam is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with several temples that should be visited with your spouse and family. The temples in Guwahati cast a mystical spell on visitors, exciting the atmosphere with their aura and providing the ideal setting to begin their journey through North East India.