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According to hindu mythology agnigarh is the site of the fortress which was surrounded by fire at all times so that nobody could go in or out of the perimeter without permission. It was built by Bana (also called Banasura), in Hindu mythology, he was a thousand-armed asura and son of Bali. Banasura was a powerful and terrible asura. All people, even the king of earth and Devas of heaven, were afraid of him. Bana was a prime devotee of Lord Shiva. Bansura built this to keep his daughter Usha in isolation.
There is a legendary story behind such an exceptional name. Usha, the daughter of King Banasura once saw a very handsome man in her dreams and fell in love with him and he was Krishna's grandson, Aniruddha. She did not even see him before he appeared in her dreams. Usha's companion Chitralekha was a master painter and she drew a portrait of Aniruddha using Usha's descriptions only. She was remarkably successful with the drawing and helped Usha to identify him. However King Bana was not happy with this relationship. Chitralekha spirited away the prince using her magical powers and secretly married him to Usha, under Gandharva rites. King Bana was not happy with this relationship and threw Aniruddha into a prison and built the fort at Agnigarh, to keep Usha from meeting him. On knowing this, Lord Krishna came to the rescue of Aniruddha. Not much time later, a very fierce battle ensued Between the Lord and the Asura king. In fact, it is believed that the battle between Lord Krishna and the Asura king was fought in this very place in Tezpur during the great Mahabharata War and thus lord Krishna saved them to unite the loving couple.
Study from the history also says that the vicinity of the town has historical ruins of the 8th-9th century like Bamuni Hills. The ruins of Da Parbatia is a shining example of the architecture around the 4th Century AD. Modern Tezpur was founded by the British colonial administration in 1835 as the headquarters of Darrang district.
The present day Agnigarh only a hillock facing the Brahmaputra, provides a panoramic view of the great river and Tezpur. A circular stairway, which leads to the peak, is a good trekking option. Sculptures depicting the scenes relating to the story have been constructed much later, enhancing the beauty of the way to the hillock. The hillock has been developed into a park and recreational area by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation and it is one of the popular tourist spots in Tezpur. The entire town and the lovely scenery around it can be seen from the viewpoint, built within the fort complex.
Best Time To Visit Agnigarh : Throughout the year
How to reach Agnigarh : Agnigarh is at a distance of 5 kms south of the Tezpur city-centre, on the banks of River Brahmaputra. Follow the Chowk bazaar road to reach Agnigarh. Tezpur college and Chitralekha Udyan are very close by. Local buses, autos and taxis are available for transport within the city.
Where to stay in Agnigarh : There are both 3-star luxury hotels as well as budget hotels to stay at in Tezpur within few kilometres from Agnigarh. |
