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This temple honors the Mother Goddess Kamakhya, the essence of female energy. Kamakhya is one of the 51 Hindu 'Pithas' where as per the mythology the genital organ of the Sati (Parvati) - the eternal wife of Lord Shiva - had fallen down after death in one of her incarnations. It is considered as one of the most important centers of Shakti worship and Tantric Hinduism.
The temple was built in first millennium during the time of Kamarupa. Allahabad rock inscriptions of Samudragupta mentioned about it. Temple was destroyed during the middle of second millennium and revised temple structure was constructed in 1565 by Chilarai of the Koch dynasty in the style of medieval temples. The temple is a natural cave with a spring. Down a flight of steps to the bowel of earth, is located a dark, mysterious chamber. Here, draped with a silk sari and covered with flowers, is kept the "matra yoni". There are images of Ganesha, Chamundeswari, dancing features etc. Other temples on the Neelachala hill include those of Tara, Bhairavi, Bhuvaneswari and Ghantakarna.
A unique festival observed here is the Ambubasi (Ameti) fertility festival. It is believed that, the Goddess (mother Earth) undergoes her menstrual period during this period. At that time the temple is closed for three days and opened with great festivity on the fourth day. It is believed to be inauspicious to till the ground or to plant seeds, during this period. Group of devotees arrive each morning with goats to offer to Shakti. It attracts pilgrims from all over India, especially during the Ambuchi Festivals. This is a celebration of the end of the earth's menstrual cycle.
Durga Puja is celebrated annually during Navaratri (Durga Puja in West Bengal) in the month of September- October. It is a three day festival attracting several visitors.
Staying in Kamakhya Temple : As the temple is located in Guwahtai, accommodation is not a problem. One can find all categories of accommodation here. The accommodations here ranges from luxury to budget.
How to reach Kamakhya Temple :
Airport : The temple is located at Guwahati. Guwahati has it own airport. Hence, reaching Kamakhya Temple by air is not a problem. Guwahati airport is well connected with rest of the country.
Railhead : Guwahati has it own railway station. It is well-connected to all the parts of the country. Before reaching Guwahati station a station called Kamakhya where all the major trains stopped for a while (Rajdhani Ex. Usually doesn't stop).
Road Transport : Guwahati has well-defined roads connecting it to all the parts of the state and the copuntry.
For more details visit website : https://allaboutassam.in/2019/05/kamakhya-temple |
