Kamakhya Temple – History and Location: Kamakhya Temple, situated atop the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, approximately 5 kilometers from the city center, is a sacred pilgrimage site with a rich history and cultural significance. Accessible by autos and private vehicles, cars are permitted to a specific point on the hill, beyond which visitors embark on a scenic walk through steps leading to the main temple.
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The view of Guwahati city from the hilltop enriches the spiritual experience, offering a breathtaking perspective. Kamakhya Temple holds a prominent position among the 51 Shakti Peethas associated with the cult of Sati, making it one of the foremost Shakta temples globally and a crucial Hindu pilgrimage destination.
The deity Kamakhya is portrayed as a youthful Goddess, aged 16, adorned with twelve arms and six heads of diverse colors, symbolizing her omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. Dressed ornately in a red sari, adorned with rich jewelry and red flowers like hibiscus, Kamakhya holds various symbolic items in her multiple hands, reflecting her powerful and multifaceted nature. Seated on a lotus emerging from Lord Shiva’s navel, who rests atop a lion, Kamakhya is flanked by Brahma and Vishnu seated on lotuses on either side.
Referenced in the Kalika Purana as the preeminent Goddess of Tantric worship, Kamakhya is known as Mahamaya, the “great Goddess of Illusion,” assuming different forms based on her mood. Devotees also revere her as Kameshwari, the “beloved Goddess of desire,” identifying her with Maha Tripura Sundari or Shodashi. Kamakhya’s association with Kali is underscored in texts such as the Kalika Purana, Yoginitantra, and Kamakhya Tantra.
The Kamakhya Kamarupa Temple holds significance as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas (out of a total of 51 Shakti Peethas). The mythology surrounding Daksha yaga and Sati’s self-immolation played a pivotal role in shaping ancient Sanskrit literature and influencing Indian culture. This narrative led to the establishment of the concept of Shakti Peethas, thereby strengthening Shaktism.
History of Kamakhya Temple
The Kamrup Kamakhya Temple, situated on the Nilachal hills, stands as one of the oldest Hindu temples in Guwahati, Assam, and the broader subcontinent. It is dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. According to Sanatan Dharm, the temple’s origin is linked to Hindu Goddess Parvati’s directive to Lord Shiva to construct a shrine for her meditation until she found a suitable husband. The location corresponds to where the Ambubachi Mela is annually celebrated, honoring the Goddess’s periods.
Dating back to the 8th or 9th century, the Kamakhya Temple’s structure has undergone multiple reconstructions, culminating in its final hybrid style called Nilachal. Recognized as one of the 51 pithas in the Shakta Hindu tradition, the temple gained prominence during the 19th-century British colonial rule, emerging as a powerful pilgrimage site for Bengali Shakta Hindus.
Initially focused on local worship of the Goddess Kamakhya, the main worship at the temple revolves around the aniconic yoni set in natural stone. As a Shakti Peetha dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sati and Parvati, it remains a crucial pilgrimage destination for tantric worshipers.
Worship in Three Special Phases
The evolution of worship at the Kamakhya temple is believed to have occurred in three stages: the Yoni under the Mlechchhas, the Yogini under the Palas, and the Mahavidyas under the Kochs. The main temple and its surroundings house smaller temples devoted to the ten most significant goddesses in Shaktism, with Tripurasundari, Matangi, and Kamala residing in the main temple.
In July 2015, the Supreme Court of India entrusted the Border Samaj with the responsibility of managing the temple, succeeding the Kamakhya Devi Debutter Board.
Location Details
The Kamakhya Temple stands as one of India’s most sacred Hindu shrines, perched on the Nilachal hills, a mere 40 kilometers from Assam’s capital, Guwahati. Another tale associates the temple with Goddess Sati’s Yoni (vagina), which fell here after her self-immolation, earning the temple the name Yoni-Sthana. This ancient pilgrimage site, with an underground portion housing a natural cave where Kamakhya Devi resides, has been revered for thousands of years. Erected by the Koch king Naranarayan in 1565, the temple has encountered destruction and reconstruction, harboring many secrets and staying a sacred place for Shakta Hindus.
A visit to the Kamakhya Temple is highly recommended, given its status as a Maha Shakti Peetha. While mornings witness heavy footfall, visiting in the later part of the day can offer a serene darshan. Special Darshan tickets are available for those seeking a quick darshan, particularly during peak hours.