Assam with its rich heritage and culture is home to a lot of hindu temples and some famous mosques too. These Assam temples are an epitome of Hindu culture and history that has the entire world spellbound. These places have acquired worldwide fame for their beautiful and grand architecture, customs and rituals, heritage and with their mythological association. In this short article we will cover some important tourist destinations and places of worship in the state of Assam.
8 Famous Places of Worship in Assam
1. Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya temple is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is situated in the Nilachal Hills of Guwahati in Assam. As per fables, Sati’s ‘Yoni’ or Vagina and womb fell in this particular area and both the parts represent the female power of procreation. Inside the Maa Kamakhya temple the goddess is present as an idol in the shape of a vagina with a small spring of water near it to keep it moist.The main temple is dedicated to mother goddess Kamakhya and the remaining individual ten temples are dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas. The annual festivals of the Kamakhya temple attract millions of tourists from across the country.
2. The Asvakranta temple
The Asvakranta temple is located in north of Guwahati in Assam. The temple is one of the important and the greatest Vishnu shrines of Assam. This temple is located on a rocky stratum touching the waterfront of the Brahmaputra. One can visit this temple to worship the great lord Vishnu.
3. The Dab Parbatia temple
The Dab Parbatia temple is located near the Tezpur town of Assam. The town of Tezpur is about 180 km from the capital of Assam that is Guwahati. Da-Parbatia Temple in Tezpur Assam is the oldest and finest representation s of sculptural or iconoclastic art in Assam which is in the form of the ruins of the door-frame of the Da-parbatia temple. One should definitely visit this temple to see its architecture which is different from other temples.
4. Maha Vairab Temple
The ancient Mahabhairav Temple is located at a hillock on the northern part of Tezpur town, Assam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built by King Banasura. The Shiva linga of this temple is said to be made of 'Living Stone' which grows over slowly by the years. Some people believe that Bana attained prosperity by worshipping Lord Shiva in this temple. This famous temple is located over a magnificent landmark and adds a magnetic charm and beauty of its own to the enchantingly beautiful town.
5. The Navagraha temple
The Navagraha temple is situated in the southeastern part of the Guwahati town on the crest of a hill known as "Citracala". The Navagraha temple contains nine phallic emblems of Lord Shiva covered with cloths of different colours which are sacred to the nine planetary gods. The temple is made of stones and are very beautiful to look at and are dedicated to the 9 celestials namely the Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). This temple has astrological significance.
6. The Umananda Temple
The Umananda Temple in Assam is situated on the Pea cock Island in the midst of the river Brahmaputra at Guwahati. The Umananda Temple is located on the Pea cock Island which has been named by some poetic British Administrator in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. Shiva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to the Kalika Purana, in the beginning of the creation Siva sprinkled ashes (bhasma) at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvati (his consort). It is said that, when Siva was in meditation on this hillock, Kamadeva interrupted his yoga and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Siva’s anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala. The presiding deity of the temple is Umananda (Tatrasti bhagavan sambhu- ruma- nandakarah Prabhu). It is believed that, worship here on the Amavasya day when it falls on Monday brings the highest bliss.
7. The Sukresvara temple
The Sukresvara temple in Assam is located in Guwahati which is on the bank of the river Brahmaputra in Assam. The hillock in where the temple resides is called Hasti which is being named in the the Kalika Purana, and is described as the ashrama (hermitage) of the sage Sukra. Tourists visiting the temple can have a sit on the steps of Sukreswar ghat and enjoy the scenery of sun setting on the river, boats moving across the river, people performing puja in honour of their relatives who have left this world, children and older people bathing, far removed from the din and noise of the city.
8. Powa Haj
Powa Mecca Hajo Assam
Hajo is a town which has religious places of different faiths, such as Hindus, Muslims and the Buddhists. The Muslim place of pilgrimage in Hajo is Powa Mecca Mosque. The name of the mosque means one quarter of Mecca, which is the holiest city for the Muslims situated in Arab. It is said that by offering prayers in this mosque, devotees gain one fourth of the good grace that they would have gotten in the real Mecca. On the top of Garurachal hill, the Powa Mecca mosque stands.
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