While Assam is often referred to as a ‘green paradise’ one where Mother Nature has showered some choicest of blessings, it is also known for its share of myth and legends intertwined with the land! A land of not only scenic beauty, Assam is also known for its interesting temples showcasing some breathtaking architecture. Built by Assam’s ancient rulers, they are known for the interesting myths and legends that envelop them… if you’re one who can’t get enough of Indian mythology, then a tour of these temples is a must!
Situated on the hills of Neelachala Parvat near Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple is considered to be an important Shakti peeth in India. Mythology says when Lord Shiva heard of Sati’s death, he started performing the Tandava dance to destroy the earth. Unable to calm Lord Shiva, the Gods approached Lord Kirshna who cut the corpse into fifty one pieces. Each Shakti peeth on the earth represents a place where a part of the corpse fell. The Kamakhya stands at the place her reproductive organ fell. Though it was destroyed by invaders in the 16th century, the same was restored by King Nara Narayan and is a must visit for its fine sculptures.
Also showcasing some splendid sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses on its walls is the Umananda Temple on an island on the Brahmaputra called the Peacock Island. Mythology states that Shiva resided here in the form of Bhayananda with his wife Uma, which is why the place has been named Uma-Nanda. While the temple was built in 1694, an earthquake in 1897 left it damaged. It was later repaired by a merchant, and some more new inscriptions added. Another attraction on this Island are the Golden Langurs found here.
Located on the Chitrachal hills, the ancient Nabagraha Temple dating back to the 4th century is unique as it is associated with astrology! The centre of astrology / astronomy in the earlier days, the nine langas here represents the nine planets of the solar system. In-fact the name Nabagraha refers to the nine planets. Located near Guwahati, the city is also on an ancient site referred to as ‘Pragjyotishpur’ which means ‘city linked with astrology’. A pond by the temple is believed to house turtles that are over a hundred years old.
While legends claim the famous Mahabhairab Temple to be built by none other than the demon king Banasura himself who was the 1st worshipper of Shiva in the ‘ling’ form, archaeological evidence suggests otherwise, dating this temple between the 8th – 10th centuries. Believed to be one of the earliest of Shiva shrines, while the original temple was destroyed in the 1897 earthquake, it has been rebuilt by successive dynasties there.Though Shiva is the presiding deity as an incarnation in Mahabhairab, one can also find idols of Lord Ganesha, and Lord Hanuman here.
Perched atop the Sandhyachal Hills, the 18th century temple in Basisthashram is believed to be the last monument built by the Ahom kings, while the Puranas connect this temple to the legendary sage Basistha. Picturesque amidst hilly surroundings, the waters from the three streams found here are said to have medicinal value and also lead to longevity.
Another temple here amidst picturesque Itakhuri Hills is the Sukreswar Temple. Dating to the 18th century this temple once the dwelling place of Sage Sukra is said to house the largest phallic emblem (Shiva Lingam) in India. As it is positioned near the Brahmaputra, locals believe that any post death rituals conducted here will provide peace to the dead.
Also dating back to the 18th century is the Temple of Ugra Tara, built by King Siva Singh, it is dedicated to another form of Goddess Parvati, UgraTara. Here one can also find a famous tank known as Jorepukhuri. Navaratri is when this temple is beautifully decorated and draws most crowds.
Built in 1720, the Aswaklanta temple is one of the largest temples in Assam, situated on two hills, Kurmayanardan and Anantasayi. According to mythology, when Lord Krishna went in search of Narakasur (the demon king) to slay him, it was at this spot that his horse got tired. In Assamese, the word AswaKlanta, translates to Aswa meaning ‘Horse’ and Klanta meaning ‘Tired’! A sacrificial place that used to exist is no longer here. However the temple is home to a fine 11th century piece of art; Anantasai Vishni.
The Lankeshwar Temple is another ancient temple here, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lankeshwar being one of the forms of Lord Shiva, this temple is important as followers consider it one of the most sacred temples here.
Other attractions here include the Jaysagar Tank and Temples built by King Rudha Singha in memory of his mother Joymati, a warrior who laid down her life fighting for the country. While there are three temples here the tank is believed to be the largest manmade one in the country.
Dating back three hundred years, the Gaurisagar Tank and Temples built by Rani Phuleswari Devi is dedicated to Devi Durga, Gauri being another name for Durga Devi. While the tank covers over one hundred and fifty acres, the three temples surrounding it make it a great picnic area for tourists visiting the town.
Not just temples, but shrines of other religions too exist. While Hajo is a city with an extremely secular outlook where one can find shrines belonging to Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, another important place of worship for Muslims is Poa Mecca that is supposed to be a quarter of the holiness to Mecca. The name Poa literally meaning one fourth, this place is of major religious significance for Muslims.
Other important temples here include the Rudreswar Temple, Madan Kamdev, Satra, Nauka Mandir, Lankeshwar Temple & more!
Important not just for religious purposes, with each of them in their picturesque locales, dating back centuries tells us, but also for historic reasons as their ancient architecture takes you back in time! Visit them during various festivals, especially Maha Shivratri, for they certainly are of the state’s biggest attraction then!
