Sri Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati, Assam, India

Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati

Sri Kamakhya Devi Temple is a famous temple (one among the 51 shakti peeths) situated at Guwahati, the capital town of the north-east state of Assam, India. The distance from Guwahati town is 18 km north on Neelanchal Hill. 

Every year in the month of June, a traditional fair named Ambubasi Parv (festival) is celebrated in which the Tantriks from all over the world participate for accomplishment of Mantras. Here the Goddess Bhagwati’s statue is in posture of Mahamudra. The Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of power and it is among the 51 Shakti Peethas related to Sati Cult in the form of YONI (female Generative Organ).

How to Reach

The place is well connected by many trains of North Eastern Railways to Guwahati Railway station. The temple is about 8 kms from the railway station. The airport of Guwahati is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport which is 22kms from the city. 

History of Kamakhya Devi Temple

A devil name Narkasur wanted to marry Bhagwati Kamakhya. Devi understood that the death of this devil is very near. So, she told the devil that this night if you construct four steps of the stairs on this hill (Neelacnhal) and a rest house near my temple then only I will be marrying you, otherwise I will kill you. During the construction of stairs and rest house, a Kukkut (Murga) appears by the power of Goddess and reported of being morning. The devil then killed that Kukkut near Brahmaputra River. Later on by the request of Devi, God Vishnu killed that devil. 

After the death of Narkasur, his son Bhagdutta become the king of that area called Kaamrup. It is believed that before the Darshan (visit) of Kamakhya temple, it is necessary to visit Madyanchal Parwat (hill) in the middle of Brahmaputra river. On this hill, the Lord Shiva burnt the God of Desires – KAMDEV for disturbing his meditation. Again the KAMDEV got life by the grace of Goddess Bhagwati on the Neelanchal hill.

Kamakhya devi is also known to be as the bleeding goddess. It is believed that the mythical womb and vagina of Shakti are in the 'Garvagriha' or sanctum of the temple. The goddess bleeds or menstruates in the month of Ashaad (June) for three days, and the Brahmaputra river near the temple turns red. During these days, the temple remains to be closed and holy water used to be distributed among the devotees.

Where to Stay

Being the capital town of Assam, hotels of all budgets are available in the town.

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