The Kamakhya Temple is located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, is one of the most respected and oldest shrines in India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, who is one of the manifestations of the powerful female energy known as Shakti. This temple is very important to both worshippers and those seeking spiritual growth. It happens to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, thus attracting thousands of devotees and tourists every year with its mystic aura and spiritual significance.
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How to Reach Kamakhya Temple:
By Air: The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, is the nearest airport which is 20 kms away from Kamakhya Temple. Guwahati is well connected to major cities in India. Once you land at the airport, you can either hire a taxi or board a local bus.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY). It is located around 8 km away. Once you reach the station, you can either hire a taxi or board a local bus. Auto Rickshaws are also available.
By Bus: Guwahati has a reliable bus service connecting it to various cities and towns in Assam and neighboring states. Bus Station is 11 kms away from Kamakhya Temple. Once you reach you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Kamakhya Mandir.
History of Kamakhya Temple:
Maa Kamakhya Temple is considered as one of the Shakti Peethas from where the different parts of the body of Sati are believed to have fallen. According to Hindu mythology, when Sati burnt herself because of the insults by her father against Lord Shiva, Sati’s husband, Shiva carried the dead body in sorrow. To pacify him, Vishnu dismembered her body with the help of his Sudarshana Chakra and left the womb and genitalia on the Nilachal Hill. Hence, the site became the location of the Kamakhya Mandir.
The temple has also served as a center for black magic or tantric practices, which honors the goddess as the source of infinite power and wisdom. The feature of Shakti or feminine energy makes the Kamakhya Devi Temple one-of-a-kind among other places dedicated to worship.
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Significance of Kamakhya Temple:
The Kamakhya Mandir has a beautiful mix of traditional Nagara style temple structures and local influences. Its main structure is in the form of a beehive built with a cluster of domes, each one topped by golden spires. Inside the main temple, there lays a cleft, yoni shaped in stone, signifying the Goddess. There is no idol here in this temple; instead people worship this shape as a symbol of fertility and creation.
The Nilachal Hill is blessed with great views, not just making the temple a spiritual retreat but also a visual delight. Carvings on the walls tell the stories of various deities and mythological figures, which make it even more special.
Festivals celebrated at Kamakhya Temple:
Maa Kamakhya Temple is famous for its festivals and special rituals and among them is the most important Ambubachi Mela, in which people celebrate the annual menstruation of the Goddess. This festival is celebrated in the month of June and a very huge gathering of sadhus, tantriks and devotees comes from all over the country. During these three days, the temple is closed to represent the period of the Goddess and is opened on the fourth day with grand celebrations.
Besides that, there are other important festivals such as Durga Puja, Manasa Puja and Deodhani Dance Festival which speak volumes of the temple’s rich spiritual culture.
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Best Time to Visit Kamakhya Temple:
The best time to visit the temple is during winter( October to March) as summer becomes unbearably hot. The Ambubachi Mela held in June is definitely something you must witness, if you are comfortable with huge crowds.
Temple Timings of Kamakhya Temple:
Darshan Type | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
General Darshan | 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM | 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM |
Ambubachi Mela Darshan | 5:30 AM to 01:00 PM | 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM |
Aarti Darshan | 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM | 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM |
Yoni Puja | 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM |
Kamakhya Temple Defence Timing:
Details | Ticket Cost | Day | Timings |
---|---|---|---|
Defence/ Police/
Paramilitary Forces |
Rs.10 | Monday to Saturday | Before 8:30 Am
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
Defence/ Police/
Paramilitary Forces |
Rs. 50 | Monday to Saturday | 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM |
Defence/ Police/
Paramilitary Forces |
Rs. 10 | Sunday | Up to 9:30 AM |
Special Entry | Rs. 101/ Person | All Days | |
Direct Darshan VIP Pass | Rs. 501/ Person | All Days |
Accommodation of Kamakhya Temple:
The hilltop temple, Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple, in Guwahati, Assam suggests different types of accommodation options, suiting different budgets and preferences. The temple has its own guest houses and dormitories run by the temple management and offers basic services at normal price. Apart from that, Guwahati city in Assam also offers several hotels, from cheaper lodges to extravagant ones, many running within a radius of 5-10 kilometers from the temple, making it easy to visit.
Conclusion:
Kamakhya Temple is known for its unique rituals, stunning architecture and mythology that makes it one of the most important spiritual destinations in India. Be it spiritual satisfaction or just viewing the ancient hidden mysteries, the temple offers a unique and peaceful experience filled with sacred energy. Hope this article helps you to gain some information regarding this temple. Do let us know your queries in the comment section and we will get back to you as soon as possible.