Temple's in Assam

Assam is home to numerous temples that reflect its rich spiritual heritage and architectural diversity. Here are some notable temples across the state, along with details about their origins and significance:

🛕 Prominent Temples in Assam

1. Kamakhya Temple (Guwahati)

Deity: Goddess Kamakhya (Shakti)

Significance: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, renowned for the Ambubachi Mela.

Historical Note: While the exact date of origin is uncertain, the temple has been revered since ancient times and underwent significant renovations under the Koch and Ahom rulers.

2. Umananda Temple (Peacock Island, Guwahati)

Deity: Lord Shiva

Built by: Ahom King Gadadhar Singha in 1694

Unique Feature: Situated on the world's smallest inhabited river island, accessible via ferry across the Brahmaputra River.

3. Basistha Temple (Guwahati)

Deity: Lord Shiva

Built by: Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1764

Associated Legend: Linked to sage Vasistha, who is believed to have meditated in the area.

4. Sukreswar Temple (Guwahati)

Deity: Lord Shiva

Built by: Ahom King Pramatta Singha in 1744

Notable Aspect: Houses one of the largest Shiva Lingams in India.

5. Kedareswara Temple (Hajo)

Deity: Lord Shiva

Built by: Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1753

Location: Perched atop Madanchala Hillock in Hajo, approximately 32 km from Guwahati.

6. Hayagriva Madhava Temple (Hajo)

Deity: Lord Vishnu as Hayagriva

Built by: Originally by King Raghudeva Narayan in 1583

Cultural Significance: Revered by both Hindus and Buddhists; some believe it's the site where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana.

7. Ugratara Temple (Guwahati)

Deity: Goddess Tara (a form of Shakti)

Built by: Ahom King Siva Singha in 1725

Unique Feature: Worship involves a sacred water pit instead of a traditional idol.

8. Siva Dol (Sivasagar)

Deity: Lord Shiva

Built by: Ahom Queen Ambika in 1734

Architectural Note: Part of a temple complex that includes Vishnu Dol and Devi Dol, situated on the banks of the Borpukhuri tank.

9. Navagraha Temple (Guwahati)

Deity: Navagrahas (Nine Planetary Deities)

Historical Insight: The temple's origins trace back to ancient times, with significant renovations during the Ahom period.

10. Negheriting Shiva Doul (Golaghat)

Deity: Lord Shiva

Built by: Ahom King Rajeswar Singha

Location: Situated atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

11. Hatimura Temple (Silghat, Nagaon)

Deity: Goddess Durga (Mahisamardini)

Built by: Ahom King Pramatta Singha in 1745–46

Historical Note: Once an important center of Shaktism in ancient Assam.

12. Doul Govinda Temple (North Guwahati)

Deity: Lord Krishna

Established: Over 150 years ago; renovated in 1966

Festivals: Known for its vibrant Holi celebrations.

13. Rudreswar Temple (North Guwahati)

Deity: Lord Shiva

Built by: Ahom King Pramatta Singha in 1749

Purpose: Constructed in memory of his father, Swargadeo Rudra Singha.

14. Joy Dol (Sivasagar)

Deity: Lord Vishnu (Kesavaraya)

Built by: Ahom King Rudra Singha in 1698

Significance: Part of the Joysagar temple complex, dedicated in memory of his mother Joymoti.

15. Asvakranta Temple (Near Guwahati)

Deity: Lord Vishnu in his Anantasayin (reclining) form

Spiritual Belief: Thought to grant liberation to devotees

Scenic Setting: Offers peaceful river views.

16. The Tamreswari Temple (Tinsukia)

The Tamreswari Temple, also known as the Kechaikhati Temple, is a historically significant shrine located in Sadiya, in the Tinsukia district of Assam. Dedicated to the tribal goddess Kechaikhati—meaning "eater of raw flesh"—the temple holds a prominent place in the religious and cultural history of the region. 

🛕 Historical Significance

Deity: The temple is dedicated to Kechaikhati, a primordial tribal goddess revered by the Chutia and Dimasa kingdoms. In Sanskritized traditions, she is also referred to as Tamreswari or Dikkaravasini.  

Construction: The temple was constructed during the reign of the Chutia kingdom, with significant renovations carried out in 1442 AD by King Dharmanarayan, as evidenced by a stone inscription found at the site.  

Priesthood: Unlike many temples that transitioned to Brahminical priesthood, the Tamreswari Temple remained under the care of Deori priests, preserving its indigenous rituals and traditions.  

🏛️ Architectural Features

Copper Roof: The temple's name, Tamreswari, is derived from its distinctive copper-sheeted roof (tamra meaning copper in Sanskrit).  

Construction Techniques: The temple walls were constructed without mortar, using iron dowels and brackets to hold the stones together—a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the time.  

Decorative Elements: The entrance featured giant elephant sculptures with silver tusks, and the walls and doors were adorned with intricate carvings. A designated area on the western wall was used for human sacrifices, a practice associated with the worship of Kechaikhati.  

📜 Cultural and Religious Practices

Rituals: The worship of Kechaikhati involved rituals distinct from mainstream Hindu practices, including animal and, historically, human sacrifices. These practices continued even after the Ahom conquest in 1523 and were only banned during the reign of King Gaurinath Singha (1780–1795).  

Festivals: The temple was a focal point for various indigenous festivals and rituals, reflecting the syncretic culture of the region. 

🌊 Present Condition

In 1959, the temple complex was submerged under marshy lands due to silt deposition from the Paya River, leading to the loss of many of its structures. Today, only remnants of the temple remain, but it continues to be a site of historical and archaeological interest.  

17. Tilinga Mandir (Tinsukia)

The Tilinga Mandir, also known as the Bell Temple, is a unique and spiritually significant shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bordubi, a small town approximately 7 kilometers from Tinsukia in Upper Assam. The name "Tilinga" translates to "bell" in Assamese, aptly reflecting the temple's distinctive feature: thousands of bells of various sizes and metals hanging throughout the premises. 

🛕 Historical Background

Established in 1965, the temple's origin is rooted in a remarkable event. Local tea garden workers discovered a Shiva Linga emerging from the ground beneath a banyan tree. Recognizing the site's sanctity, the tea estate manager initiated the construction of a temple at this location. Since then, it has evolved into a revered pilgrimage site.  

🔔 Unique Traditions

Devotees believe that tying a bell to the temple premises fulfills their wishes. As a result, the temple is adorned with countless bells made of bronze, brass, copper, and aluminum, ranging from a few grams to over 50 kilograms. In addition to bells, offerings such as trishuls (tridents) and pigeons are also made as tokens of gratitude.  

🌳 Sacred Banyan Tree

At the heart of the temple stands a venerable banyan tree, considered a Kalpavriksha or "wish-fulfilling tree" in Hindu mythology. The tree is central to the temple's spiritual ambiance, with many bells and offerings tied to its branches.  

🎉 Festivals and Celebrations

The temple witnesses heightened activity during Mahashivratri, attracting devotees from various regions. Festivities include cultural programs, fairs, and special rituals, making it an auspicious time to visit.  

18. The Da Parbatia Temple 

The Da Parbatia Temple, also known as Dah Parvatiya, is an ancient archaeological site located in the village of Da Parbatia, just west of Tezpur in Assam's Sonitpur district. It is renowned for housing one of the oldest surviving examples of sculptural art in Assam, dating back to the 5th or 6th century CE. 

🛕 Historical Significance

Gupta Period Origins: The temple's origins trace back to the Gupta period, evident from the intricate carvings and architectural style of the stone door frame discovered at the site. This door frame is considered a masterpiece of early Indian art, showcasing the artistic excellence of that era.  

Ahom Period Reconstruction: During the Ahom dynasty, a brick temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was constructed over the original Gupta-era foundations. However, this structure was destroyed in the devastating Assam earthquake of 1897, revealing the ancient remnants beneath.  

🎨 Architectural Highlights

Stone Door Frame: The most striking feature of the site is the elaborately carved stone door frame, adorned with depictions of river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, along with other intricate motifs. These carvings reflect a blend of indigenous and Hellenistic artistic influences.  

Terracotta Plaques: Excavations have unearthed terracotta plaques portraying human figures in seated positions, further emphasizing the site's historical and artistic value.