About Kamakhya Devi Temple

Overview

The Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple, situated in the heart of Nilachal Hills in Assam, is one of the Shakti Peethas. This sacred temple is also known by the name of Kamrup Kamakhya Temple. It is also interesting to know that there is no conventional idol of Maa Kamakhya or any other deity, but the yoni of Sati is worshipped. This place is known as the womb of tantric vidya.

Goddess

The Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple is devoted to Goddess Kamakhya or Goddess Shakti. She is also known as Maa Kameswari.

Kamakhya Temple History

Numerous stories revolve around Maa Kamakhya Temple. The first structure of Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple was named Anandakhya Temple by Kamadeva, who first constructed the temple. Later, it came to be known as “Manobhab Guha” because Manobhab was the other name of Kamadeva and Guha is an Assamese word for “cave.” However, this original structure can’t be seen anymore as it was destroyed.

The next complex was constructed by the king of Pragjyotishpur, Narak, who Lord Bishwakarma helped. In the year 1565, Naranarayan, the king of Koch, rebuilt the temple under the supervision of Chilarai. The temple was believed to be destroyed by Kalapahar who was a general of Suleiman Karrani during the 16th century. Again, the structure was rebuilt during the Ahom reign under the rulers Rudra Singha, Shiva Singha, Rajeshwar Singha and Gaurinath Singha in the 17th century. The temple has gone through a lot of renovations in historical times.

Kamakhya Temple Architecture

Originally built around 2000 years ago, the Maa Kamakhya Temple has undergone multiple restorations and modifications over time. However, the current structure dates back to the Ahom dynasty. The design of the temple following the Nilachali armature is the first of its kind. The design, also known as the Nagara style, is a key feature of North-Eastern temple architecture. The present structure depicts characteristics from the medieval period.

The present complex of the temple has four primary sections: the Nata Mandira, Pancharatna, Calanta and Garbhagriha or Vimana. The Nata Mandira, which serves as the entryway to the main temple, has six doors leading inside. The roof here is shaped like an elephant’s back, which is called Gajapristha. At its centre, the roof features a sculpture of Garuda. The next area, Pancharatna, has a square layout with five dome-like structures on the roof, also called Shikhara. These Shikharas have elongated spires, kalasha and finial, reflecting the influence of medieval Islamic design. The top of the Shikhara is adorned with a Trishul. After walking through the Pancharatna, one will reach the Calanta. It is a hall supported by twelve pillars, each topped with beautiful Shikhara-like designs.

The sacred peetha sthan of the Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple is housed in the Garbhagriha, which is located below ground level. To reach it, you need to descend a few stairs from the Calanta. Vimana is divided into a few sections like the Shikhara, which is the upper part, and the Varanda and the lower part is the Bada. The outer walls of the temple are beautifully adorned with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses and mythical characters, as well as floral and geometric designs.

The temple has a total of three gates: Shakti Smridhi Dvara, Moksha Dvara, and Annapurna Dvara. Devotees enter through the Moksha Dvara, while offerings to the goddess are made through the Annapurna Dvara.

Significance

The temple is known for its immense feminine energy and for being a crucial centre for tantric worshippers. Among all the 51 Shakti Peethas, the Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple is believed to be the most powerful. That’s the reason it is called Adipitha, which means “the primordial seat.” It symbolises the union of two powerful Shaktis: Purusha (masculine energy) and Prakriti (feminine energy). These powers create “life,” also known as Prana, where the feminine energy is believed to take the lead.

This is also the place where her genitals or yoni fell. The Goddess Maa Kamakhya is also known as the Goddess of desire, prosperity and fertility.

During the Ambubachi Mela, a festival observed in the temple, the goddess undergoes a menstrual cycle every month. During this time, the main river of Assam, Brahmaputra, turns red.

Key Insights into Kamakhya Devi Temple

Best Time to Visit Kamakhya Temple

The best time to visit Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam is from October to April. At this time of the year, the weather in Assam is moderate and quite serene to explore temples and other sightseeing places.

However, if you want to experience the religious feel of this place, visit this Temple during the month of June, also known as Ahaar in the Assamese calendar.

Kamakhya Temple Festivals

A lot of festivals are celebrated here, with the most renowned being the Deodhani Mela, Durga Puja, Ambubachi Mela and Kumari Puja. Let's learn about these festivals in more detail.

The Ambubachi Mela is one of the largest Maa Kamakhya Mandir festivals in the state of Assam. Ambu means water and bachi means flow. It is believed that during the monsoon season, which falls during the month of June, Mother Earth menstruates. During the time of menstruation, which happens for three days, the temple remains closed.

The Deodhani or Devadhwani Mela, which is also known as Manasa Puja, features the Deodhani Nritya. It is a spiritual dance performed by people who are believed to be possessed by divine powers. These dancers are named Ghora, Joki and Deodhas.

During the time of Navratri, Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple celebrates Durga Puja, also known as Pakhua Puja. Unlike the grand Durga Puja, which can be seen elsewhere, this celebration starts with Mahasnan, which involves bathing the Goddess.

In Kumari Puja, young girls, also called Kumaris, are worshipped. At Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple, the Kumaris who will be worshipped are dressed in red sarees adorned with garlands, jewellery and sindur.

The temple is crowded during the months of October and November, just after Navratri during the time of Diwali. This is the time when the temple is known to radiate its strongest divine energy, for it is the time of Devi Puja.

How To Reach Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple Dress Code

The preferred dress code for the temple would be decent traditional clothes. However, if someone cannot manage to wear ethnic, they can opt for other comfortable clothes to maintain the decorum of the temple. Clothes like mini skirts, shorts, crop tops, sleeveless tops, or inappropriate dresses are not encouraged. For traditional clothes, a woman can wear a saree, mekhela sador (Assam’s traditional attire), salwar kameez with dupatta and men can wear dhoti, pyjamas and kurta.

Do’s & Don’ts

• When you go inside the sanctum of the Kamrup Kamakhya Temple, carry a small bottle and ask for the sacred water.
• Inside the main temple, photography or videography is strictly prohibited.
• As the place is known for divine power, only positive thoughts are appreciated.
• Before going to the temple, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
• Tobacco products or alcohol are not allowed inside the premises of the temple.
• Shoes cannot be worn inside the temple premises.

Darshan/Pooja/Seva

Maa Kamakhya Temple Timings

The gates of Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple open at around 5:30 am and close around 5:30 pm. The temple is open on all days from Monday to Sunday.

Kamakhya Temple Darshan Timings

The morning temple timings are from 5:30 am to 1:00 pm and evening timings are from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. At the price of Rs 501, you can also opt for VIP Darshan.

Sevas and Poojas

Note - Before visiting the temple, it is recommended for the visitors to contact the temple authorities for the exact timings and prices. For any other additional information too, kindly contact the temple.

Mythological Legends

Kamakhya Temple mystery surrounds several stories and myths, with many of these legends being mentioned in ancient texts like the Devi Purana, Devi Bhagavat, Yogini Tantra, Kalika Purana and Hevajra Tantra. Let’s learn two of the famous legends.

The Story of Sati and the Sacred Yoni

One popular legend is about Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. When her father, Prajapati Daksha, held a yagna, which is a sacrificial ritual, he insulted Lord Shiva in front of the whole crowd who attended the yagna. Despite Shiva asking Sati not to go there, she went and, feeling humiliated, took her own life. When Lord Shiva learned of her death, he was filled with anger and began performing the Tandava, which is a fierce dance, while carrying Sati’s body on his shoulders.

To calm Lord Shiva down, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember Sati's body into many pieces. Those body parts fell in various locations, now known as Shakti Peethas. At the place of the Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple, it is believed that Sati’s female genitalia, or yoni, fell, making the area holy. This place became known as Kubjika Pitha.

The Curse of Kamadeva

According to another legend, Kamadeva, who is known as the god of love, was cursed by Lord Brahma to be burned by Lord Shiva's third eye. After this happened, Kamadeva's wife pleaded for his life, and Shiva granted him life again, but he became bodiless, known as Ananga. To regain his lost beauty, Kamadeva was told to worship Sati's yoni at the site where it had fallen. After doing so, his beauty was restored, and he built a temple over this sacred site. The area became known as Kamarupa, and the peetha Kamadeva worshipped came to be called Kamakhya in honour of his devotion.

Places to Visit Near Kamakhya Temple

Temples

Adventure

Sightseeing

FAQs

1. Why is Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati famous?

Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple is famous for being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple is also known as the hub of tantric worship.

2. How to reach Kamakhya Temple from Guwahati airport?

To reach Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple, one can book a cab or a taxi or can travel by the city buses provided by the government.

3. Is it safe to visit Kamakhya Devi Mandir, Assam?

Of course, it is safe to visit Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple. However, in the Temple, animal sacrifices are done as “Bali” during rituals and festivals, so the weak-hearted people must be careful on their voyage.

4. Are men allowed in Kamakhya Temple, Assam?

Yes, men are allowed in Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple. However, during the days of her menstruation, the doors of the temple are closed for three days for devotees.

5. Who should worship Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati?

It is believed that people who desire good health, wealth, power, etc., can visit the temple. The people pursuing Tantric Vidya also go there to seek her blessings, as she is known for being the goddess of Tantric Vidya.