Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam
One of the best known temple of Guwahati is Kamakhya,
situated on Nilachal Hill, eight km west of the city.
This temple honour the Mother Goddess Kamakhya, the
essence of female energy. It is one of the 108 Shakti
Peethas of Goddess Durga. Legend has it that Kamakhya
came into existence when Lord Shiva was carrying the
corpse of his wife Sati, and her "yoni" (female
genitalia) fell to the ground at the spot where the
temple now stands. The temple is a natural cave with
a spring. Down a flight of steps to the bowel of earth,
is located a dark, mysterious chamber. Here, draped
with a silk sari and covered with flowers, is kept the
"matra yoni".
The Temple was rebuilt in 1665 after being destroyed
by Muslim invaders, but its origins are much older than
that. It was probably an ancient Khasi sacrificial site,
sacrifices are still very much part of worshiping here.
Group of devotees arrive each morning with goats to
offer to Shakti.
Here, Durga Puja is celebrated annually during Navaratri
in the month of September- October. It is a three day
festival attracting several visitors. A unique festival
observed here is the Ambuvaci (Ameti) fertility festival
wherein it is believed that the Goddess (mother Earth)
undergoes her menstrual period.
Temple Details.. |