The capital city of Assam, Guwahati, which is often considered to be the gateway to the Northeast is home to several places of interest that span religion, culture and wildlife. Unarguably the most famous of them all is the temple of Kamakhya, also called the Kamrup-Kamakhya temple.
Situated on Nilachal Hill in the western part of the city, the temple is one of the famous destinations for Shaktism as it is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas in the country. The temple in its present form has been in existence since the 16th century while history traces its origins to as early as the 6th century AD. Built in what is known as the Nilachal type of architecture, the temple consists of 4 chambers including the ‘Garbhagriha’ coupled with a with a hemispherical dome.
Flocked by devotees throughout the year, it is considered as one of the most holy and historic places of Goddess worship and is highly revered by Tantric worshippers.
The main temple has several sub temples within the main complex and is replete with sculptures all through its exteriors. The most striking of them all is the sculpture of Lord Ganesha which is smeared with bright red vermilion.
The path leading to the temple is a picture of colour, hustle-bustle and effervescence with several interesting shops lined on both sides. Below are a few captures.
The temple market scene is totally vibrant.
The Ambubachi Mela, the temple’s most famous festival is celebrated annually and witnesses lakhs of devotees congregating together. The temple and the city are all geared up to celebrate this festival this year from today, i.e June 22. The festival goes on till 25-Jun-2019.
Gorgeous pictures, Rashmi! I loved how the temple was decorated with flowers. I visited the temple last April and was stunned by the structure. If you get a chance, read my post. It’s a different take but I have tried to be honest with how I felt. http://www.happinessandfood.com/kamakhya-temple/
Thanks so much Parul, ya the flowers look so pretty right? It was Navratri when I visited and hence the decoration. Your post is great, just read it. Yes, I also did see the animal sacrifice place and my guide told me that even if I took that Rs. 500/- ticket it will take 3 hours! But yes, that is the reality in most temples these days.
It is so nice to see such a beautiful flower decoration in this temple. By the way, is there any significance of using red flowers/cloth in this temple?
Thanks Megala! Yes you are right, red is the main colour here as it is the colour of the Goddess of “Shakti” for it indicates power.
Looks so colourful and interesting. Beautiful photos!
Thanks so much Priya! Glad you liked the post:)
Thanks so much Priya! Appreciate your positive comments:)