In Depth
The temple's main sanctum contains nine Shivalingas representing Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu. Each Shivalinga is associated with a particular celestial body and is traditionally identified with a different coloured cloth. The central representation is associated with Surya, the Sun. This unusual arrangement makes Navagraha Temple different from many other Shiva temples in Assam and attracts devotees interested in both spiritual worship and traditional astrology.
History of Navagraha Temple
The present Navagraha Temple is associated with the reign of Ahom King Rajeswar Singha and is generally dated to the 18th century. Assam Tourism identifies the temple as having been built during his reign, while other historical accounts place the existing structure in 1752.
The temple has also experienced damage from earthquakes over the centuries. The major earthquake of 1897 caused substantial damage to the structure, after which restoration work was undertaken. The historic inner shrine and its religious character were retained while parts of the upper structure were repaired.
Navagraha Temple is also connected with the long tradition of astronomy and astrology in the region. The temple is popularly associated with the ancient identity of Guwahati as Pragjyotishapura, although this connection is part of the historical and cultural traditions surrounding the city rather than something that can be established solely from the temple's surviving structure.
Religious and Astrological Significance
The word Navagraha refers to the nine celestial bodies recognised in Hindu astrological tradition. At Navagraha Temple, these are represented through sacred Shivalingas rather than conventional sculpted planetary figures.
The nine representations are:
- Surya - Sun
- Chandra - Moon
- Mangala - Mars
- Budha - Mercury
- Brihaspati - Jupiter
- Shukra - Venus
- Shani - Saturn
- Rahu - North Lunar Node
- Ketu - South Lunar Node
Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and perform rituals associated with planetary worship and spiritual well-being. The temple's connection with astrology has also contributed to its reputation as a place associated with traditional astrological learning in Assam.
What to See at Navagraha Temple?
The main attraction is the sanctum containing the nine Shivalingas. Their arrangement and coloured coverings provide the temple with its distinctive identity.
Visitors can also appreciate the historic character of the temple, its hilltop surroundings and views across the Guwahati landscape. The elevated location on Chitrasal Hill provides a different perspective of the city and makes the visit interesting for both pilgrims and travelers exploring Guwahati's heritage.
The nearby Silpukhuri area is another point of historical interest. Government of Assam information records the connection of Silpukhuri with the temple and identifies it as a historic water tank associated with the Ahom period.
Architecture and Setting
Navagraha Temple stands on Chitrasal Hill, also known as Navagraha Hill, giving the shrine a distinctive elevated setting within Guwahati. The temple's architecture reflects its historic Assamese character, while its circular religious arrangement and nine planetary representations make the interior particularly interesting.
The combination of a historic temple, hill landscape and panoramic city surroundings makes Navagraha Temple a worthwhile stop for travelers interested in Guwahati's religious heritage.
How to Reach Navagraha Temple from Guwahati?
Navagraha Temple is already located within Guwahati, so it can be reached conveniently by road from different parts of the city. Taxis, app-based cabs and auto-rickshaws are practical options for reaching the Chitrasal Hill area.
From Guwahati Railway Station, visitors can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw towards Chitrasal Hill and the Navagraha Temple area. Guwahati Railway Station is also the nearest major railway connection for travelers arriving by train. Incredible India identifies Guwahati Railway Station as the nearest railway station and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport as the nearest airport.
Travelers arriving by air can take a prepaid taxi, airport cab or app-based cab from Guwahati Airport to the temple. The exact travel time depends on traffic and the starting point within Guwahati.
Local buses can also be used to reach nearby areas such as Chandmari or Chenikuthi, followed by a short local journey towards the hill.
Visiting Navagraha Temple
Visitors should allow around one to two hours to explore the temple and its surroundings comfortably. As this is an active place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and follow instructions from temple authorities.
The hilltop approach may involve walking and steps, so comfortable footwear is useful. Visitors should also be careful with their belongings around the temple premises, particularly where monkeys are present.
Photography should be carried out respectfully, especially inside areas where photography may be restricted or during religious rituals.
Navagraha Temple Timings
Published visiting hours for Navagraha Temple vary between sources. Incredible India currently lists the temple as opening at 4:00 AM and closing at 9:00 PM, while other visitor sources publish shorter morning and evening sessions.
Because timings can change during festivals, special rituals or other temple activities, visitors planning an early-morning or late-evening visit should confirm the day's schedule locally before traveling.
Early morning is generally a comfortable time for devotees who prefer a quieter atmosphere. Festival days can be considerably busier.
Best Time to Visit Navagraha Temple
October to March is generally a comfortable period to explore Guwahati because temperatures are more pleasant for sightseeing and walking around the hill. Early mornings can be particularly suitable for visitors who prefer cooler weather and a relatively peaceful temple environment.
Maha Shivaratri and other important religious occasions can bring increased devotional activity and larger crowds. Travelers visiting specifically for festivals should plan additional time for traffic and queues.
Nearby Places to Visit
Navagraha Temple can be included in a Guwahati sightseeing itinerary along with several other attractions. Depending on the time available, travelers can explore:
- Kamakhya Temple
- Umananda Temple
- Assam State Museum
- Silpukhuri
- Ugratara Temple
- Guwahati Planetarium
- Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden
Assam Tourism also lists Navagraha Temple alongside other major Guwahati attractions such as Kamakhya, Umananda and Ugratara temples.
Where to Stay in Guwahati?
Since Navagraha Temple is located within the city, visitors have a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and other accommodation options in Guwahati. Staying around Paltan Bazaar, Pan Bazaar, Chandmari, Zoo Road or other central parts of the city can be convenient depending on the rest of the sightseeing itinerary.
For travelers arriving by train, accommodation around the railway station and central Guwahati can make transportation easier. Those planning to explore several attractions may prefer a hotel with convenient road access rather than staying solely based on proximity to the temple.
Whom to Contact for Navagraha Temple?
For temple-specific information such as current visiting hours, special pujas, festival arrangements or ritual requirements, visitors should confirm details directly with the temple management or through local authorities before visiting.
The commonly published phone number +91- 361-2547102 also appears in online tourism-related listings, but current sources do not clearly establish it as a dedicated Navagraha Temple management number. Therefore, it should not be treated as a confirmed temple contact without verification.
For general tourism assistance, travelers can also refer to Assam Tourism's official information resources.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Wear comfortable footwear for the hill approach.
- Dress respectfully because the temple is an active religious site.
- Keep food and personal belongings secure around monkeys.
- Avoid making excessive noise inside the temple premises.
- Follow instructions regarding photography and rituals.
- Check current temple timings before visiting.
- Allow extra time during Maha Shivaratri and other major religious occasions.
- Carry drinking water, especially during warmer months.
- Avoid leaving plastic or other waste around the hill.
- Combine the visit with other Guwahati attractions to make better use of your sightseeing time.
Navagraha Temple is an important part of Guwahati's religious and historical landscape. Its nine planetary Shivalingas, Ahom-era heritage, association with traditional astrology and hilltop location give it a distinctive identity among the city's attractions. Whether you are visiting as a devotee or exploring the cultural heritage of Assam, the temple offers an opportunity to experience an important part of Guwahati's spiritual history.
Quick Info About Navagraha Temple
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Tourist Place | Navagraha Temple |
| Location | Chitrasal Hill, Guwahati, Assam |
| District | Kamrup Metropolitan |
| Main Significance | Temple dedicated to the nine Navagrahas |
| Main Deities | Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu |
| Representation | Nine Shivalingas |
| Historical Period | 18th century |
| Ahom Ruler Associated | King Rajeswar Singha |
| Established/Rebuilt | Commonly dated to 1752 |
| Entry Fee | No regular admission fee reported |
| Suggested Duration | 1-2 hours |
| Nearest Railway Station | Guwahati Railway Station |
| Nearest Airport | Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport |
| Best Season | October to March |
| Suitable For | Pilgrimage, history, culture and sightseeing |
FAQs About Navagraha Temple
1. Where is Navagraha Temple located in Guwahati?
Navagraha Temple is located on Chitrasal Hill in Guwahati, Assam. It is a hilltop temple dedicated to the nine Navagrahas and is situated within the city.
2. What is Navagraha Temple famous for?
Navagraha Temple is famous for its nine Shivalingas representing the nine celestial bodies of Hindu astrology. The temple is also known for its Ahom-era history and hilltop setting.
3. Who built Navagraha Temple in Guwahati?
The present Navagraha Temple is associated with Ahom King Rajeswar Singha and is commonly dated to 1752. Assam Tourism identifies the temple with his reign.
4. What are the nine planets in Navagraha Temple?
The nine Navagrahas represented at the temple are Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu.
5. Is there an entry fee for Navagraha Temple?
There is generally no regular admission fee for entering Navagraha Temple. Visitors may, however, have separate expenses for offerings, rituals, parking or other services.
6. What are the timings of Navagraha Temple?
Published timings vary between sources. Incredible India currently lists the temple from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, while other sources report separate morning and evening sessions. Visitors should confirm the day's timings locally before visiting.
7. How can I reach Navagraha Temple from Guwahati Railway Station?
You can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi or app-based cab from Guwahati Railway Station towards Chitrasal Hill and the Navagraha Temple area. The journey time depends on traffic and road conditions.
8. What is the best time to visit Navagraha Temple?
October to March is generally a comfortable period to visit because of the pleasant weather in Guwahati. Early morning can be a good option for visitors seeking cooler conditions and a quieter temple experience.
9. How much time is required to visit Navagraha Temple?
Most visitors can explore the temple and its immediate surroundings in around one to two hours, although devotees attending rituals may choose to spend longer.
10. What are the places to visit near Navagraha Temple?
Nearby attractions include Silpukhuri, Assam State Museum, Ugratara Temple and other Guwahati attractions. Kamakhya Temple and Umananda Temple can also be included in a broader Guwahati sightseeing itinerary.
