It’s believed that the Kamakhya Temple of Assam is one of the most powerful and sacred temples in India. This temple is also known as Maa Kamakhya Temple or Kamakhya Devi Temple, located at the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. This temple holds immense spiritual and cultural significance which is not only famous in Assam but also across the country and the world. It is known as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. Since the last few years, Kamakhya Temple attracts millions of visitors not only from India but worldwide devotees are coming to seek blessings, and spiritual growth.
In this article, we will explore the Kamakhya Temple in detail, including its story, rituals, traditions, festivals, travel information and temple architecture to learn why it is such a revered destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
In this article, we will explore the Kamakhya Temple in detail, including its story, rituals, traditions, festivals, travel information and temple architecture to learn why it is such a revered destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
About Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya temple which is located at a distance of 7 km from Guwahati, is one of the biggest Shakti shrines in the country. This temple is an important pilgrimage centre for tantric worshippers and Hindus.
As you step into the powerful Kamakhya Temple, then you will experience its peaceful atmosphere. The Goddess Kamakhya, also known to her devotees as Kameshwari, is venerated as the one who fulfills all the desires of her followers. The Kamakhya Devi temple is a beautiful place surrounded by colorful temples dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya Maa, along with other deities like Shiva, Ganesha, and Vishnu. This ancient gem in Assam is all about preserving traditional worship and tantra rituals that have been followed for many years.
As you step into the powerful Kamakhya Temple, then you will experience its peaceful atmosphere. The Goddess Kamakhya, also known to her devotees as Kameshwari, is venerated as the one who fulfills all the desires of her followers. The Kamakhya Devi temple is a beautiful place surrounded by colorful temples dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya Maa, along with other deities like Shiva, Ganesha, and Vishnu. This ancient gem in Assam is all about preserving traditional worship and tantra rituals that have been followed for many years.
Kamakhya Temple Story
The Story About Sati
This Kamakhya Temple Story about Maa Sati & Lord Shiva. In ancient tales, Sati was the beloved daughter of Prajapati Daksha. She fell in love with Lord Shiva, even though her father didn't approve of their relationship. To celebrate, Daksha organized a grand yagna, a beautiful ritual, but he chose not to invite Sati and Shiva, hoping to prove a point. Despite Shiva's concerns, Sati decided to go to the yagna. Unfortunately, during the event, Daksha publicly disrespected her husband. Heartbroken and feeling humiliated, Sati made the tragic decision to leave this world by stepping into the sacrificial fire.
When Lord Shiva heard about Goddess Sati Maa death, he was heartbroken and filled with anger. In his grief, he started performing the Tandava which is a powerful Shiva dance that could destroy the world, while carrying Sati’s lifeless body. To stop this destruction and bring balance, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces. These pieces fell in different places across the Indian subcontinent, and each place became a sacred Shakti Peetha (holy 51 temple). Kamakhya Temple is the location where Maa Sati womb and reproductive organ fell which represent the goddess power of creation and feminine energy. That’s why this temple is also known as the Temple of the Bleeding Goddess because of their history.
When Lord Shiva heard about Goddess Sati Maa death, he was heartbroken and filled with anger. In his grief, he started performing the Tandava which is a powerful Shiva dance that could destroy the world, while carrying Sati’s lifeless body. To stop this destruction and bring balance, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces. These pieces fell in different places across the Indian subcontinent, and each place became a sacred Shakti Peetha (holy 51 temple). Kamakhya Temple is the location where Maa Sati womb and reproductive organ fell which represent the goddess power of creation and feminine energy. That’s why this temple is also known as the Temple of the Bleeding Goddess because of their history.
The Tale of Kamadeva
Another Kamakhya temple story related to the temple is about Kamadeva, the god of love. He was given the task of disturbing Lord Shiva meditation. But eventually, this made Shiva very angry, and he burned Kamadeva to ashes with the fire from his third eye.
Kamadeva’s wife, Rati, was heartbroken and begged Shiva to bring him back to life. After seeing her devotion, Shiva agreed, but Kamadeva was nothing without his original beauty. To regain his charm, a few legends advised Kamadeva to worship at a sacred place on Nilachal Hill. After intense prayers, he was successful, and as a token of gratitude, he built a temple at Nilachal Hill, Guwahati with the help of the divine architect, Vishwakarma. The place later became known as Kamarupa (the form of Kama), and the goddess was called Maa Kamakhya Devi temple, meaning "the one worshipped by Kama."
Kamadeva’s wife, Rati, was heartbroken and begged Shiva to bring him back to life. After seeing her devotion, Shiva agreed, but Kamadeva was nothing without his original beauty. To regain his charm, a few legends advised Kamadeva to worship at a sacred place on Nilachal Hill. After intense prayers, he was successful, and as a token of gratitude, he built a temple at Nilachal Hill, Guwahati with the help of the divine architect, Vishwakarma. The place later became known as Kamarupa (the form of Kama), and the goddess was called Maa Kamakhya Devi temple, meaning "the one worshipped by Kama."
The Narakasura Tale behind this Temple
The Kamakhya Temple story with Demon Narakasura is really fascinating, because Narakasura was a big admirer of Goddess Kamakhya. Legends say that Narakasura first founded this Kamakhya Devi Temple on the Nilachal Hills.
According to legends, Narakasura fell in love with Goddess Kamakhya and wanted to marry her. Narakasura proposed to Goddess Kamakhya Devi for marriage. But she was against the marriage with Narakasura because he was a demon.
To gently turn him down, the goddess set a tricky challenge for him and asked Narakasura to build a staircase from the bottom of Nilachal Hill to the temple top in just one night. Narakasura agreed and worked hard on it. Just when he was almost done, the goddess played a little trick by making a rooster crow too early, which meant dawn was arriving. He got tricked and thought he had failed the challenge, so Narakasura gave up and left the staircase unfinished. If you visit today, you can still see some remnants of that ancient staircase, which is called Mekhelauja Path.
According to legends, Narakasura fell in love with Goddess Kamakhya and wanted to marry her. Narakasura proposed to Goddess Kamakhya Devi for marriage. But she was against the marriage with Narakasura because he was a demon.
To gently turn him down, the goddess set a tricky challenge for him and asked Narakasura to build a staircase from the bottom of Nilachal Hill to the temple top in just one night. Narakasura agreed and worked hard on it. Just when he was almost done, the goddess played a little trick by making a rooster crow too early, which meant dawn was arriving. He got tricked and thought he had failed the challenge, so Narakasura gave up and left the staircase unfinished. If you visit today, you can still see some remnants of that ancient staircase, which is called Mekhelauja Path.
Kamakhya Temple History
According to archaeological evidence, the Kamakhya Temple was originally worshipped by the local indigenous tribes i.e. Garo and Khasi people. It is believed that this location was used for sacrifices by these tribes. The name ‘Kamakhya’ comes from the Khasi goddess ‘Ka Meikha.’
As per Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra ancient texts said that the Goddess Kamakhya has a tribal origin. As you know, the Kamakhya temple of Assam evolved over the time by mixing local tribal beliefs with Aryan traditions.
The first Kamakhya Temple Architecture was probably built during the rule of the Mleccha dynasty in Kamarupa which is an ancient kingdom in Assam. The first Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam was found in a Mleccha inscription from the 9th century CE. But As per locals, the originally built temple was destroyed during a Muslim invasion.
After that, the temple was again built by Vishwa Singha (1515–1540), who is the progenitor king of the Koch dynasty of the Kamata kingdom. The temple got its present-day design and structure under the rule of the Ahom kings.
As per Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra ancient texts said that the Goddess Kamakhya has a tribal origin. As you know, the Kamakhya temple of Assam evolved over the time by mixing local tribal beliefs with Aryan traditions.
The first Kamakhya Temple Architecture was probably built during the rule of the Mleccha dynasty in Kamarupa which is an ancient kingdom in Assam. The first Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam was found in a Mleccha inscription from the 9th century CE. But As per locals, the originally built temple was destroyed during a Muslim invasion.
After that, the temple was again built by Vishwa Singha (1515–1540), who is the progenitor king of the Koch dynasty of the Kamata kingdom. The temple got its present-day design and structure under the rule of the Ahom kings.
Which Festivals Celebrate in the Kamakhya Temple?
The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, celebrates several festivals, including Ambubachi Mela, Durga Puja, and Manasha Puja.
Ambubachi Festival
The Ambubachi Festival, also known as Ameti or Amothi, is the most important festival of the Kamakhya Temple. It celebrates the annual menstruation cycle of the Goddess Kamakhya and is honored for three days in June during the month of Ashar. The Kamakhya Devi Temple remains closed during this time because Goddess Kamakhya is resting. Every year, a fantastic celebration happens, which is the biggest religious gathering in northeastern India.
Deodhani Mela/Manasa Puja
Manasa Puja is celebrated on the last day of the Shravan month, called Sravan Sankranti. A special dance called Deodhani is performed by people known as Deodhas, Ghora, and Joki. People believe they have spiritual powers.
Durga Puja
One of the most exciting festivals at the Maa Kamakhya Temple Assam is a Durga Puja celebration that happens for two weeks. It starts with Krishna Navami and wraps up with Shukla Navami during the lovely month of Ashwin.
What you Should Know Before Visiting Kamakhya?
The Kamakhya Temple is the one of the oldest Shakti Peethas in India, where God Shiva first wife Goddess Sati yoni fell when Shiva danced with her skeleton, as per Kalika Purana ancient text. Things to keep in mind before going to Kamakhya Temple.
Always Crowded with Devotees
The atmosphere at the Kamakhya Temple really has a special vibe that makes it easier to focus on what you want to achieve. The well-known Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is always crowded with visitors, no matter which time you visit.
Animal Sacrifice
You can see a lot of goats and baby goats with sindoor (red color powder) on their body. And the sindoor indicated that these goats are there for some other reason. The truth is that there is a separate room/ section inside the temple where these goats are sacrificed by the disciples.
Mystical Tantric Practices in Temple
The Kamakhya Temple is important for its connection to Tantric practices. It attracts those who want to improve spiritual growth by advanced Tantric rituals, which involve meditation & chanting to awaken inner divine feminine energy. This holy temple gives visitors a strong spiritual feeling. It helps them change and learn from experienced people.
How to Reach Kamakhya Temple?
The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it accessible to travelers from across India.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, around 20 km from the temple. Taxis and cabs are readily available from the airport.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, located about 7 km from the temple. From there, you can hire a cab or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
- By Road: Guwahati is well-connected by road with major cities in Assam and the Northeast. Local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available for convenient travel.
Best Time to Visit Kamakhya Temple
The temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is:
- During Ambubachi Mela (June): Experience the divine and unique rituals of the festival.
- Navaratri (September-October): Witness the grandeur of Durga Puja celebrations.
- Winter Season (October to March): Enjoy pleasant weather, making your visit comfortable and memorable.
Temple Timings and Entry Fee
- Temple Timings: The temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 10:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for visiting the temple.
Wrapping Up
Kamakhya Temple is one of the most powerful and mysterious temples in India which attracts devotees, spiritual seekers, and tourists. Whether you want to experience its deep-rooted traditions or want to explore its historical significance, the Kamakhya Devi Temple gives you an unforgettable spiritual journey. The temple’s association with Tantra, its unique rituals on Nilachal Hill which make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the divine and mystical history of Hinduism.
If you are planning to visit the Kamakhya Temple of Assam, try to go during the festival seasons to experience its spiritual energy at its peak. Cottage9 explains about the history, vibrant traditions about the Maa Kamakhya Temple in this blog. This temple is an important center of Hindu worship and devotion.
If you are planning to visit the Kamakhya Temple of Assam, try to go during the festival seasons to experience its spiritual energy at its peak. Cottage9 explains about the history, vibrant traditions about the Maa Kamakhya Temple in this blog. This temple is an important center of Hindu worship and devotion.
