Imagine visiting a place where history, spiritualism, and culture come together most fascinatingly. Well, that’s what Assam offers. This northeast state is home to some genuinely remarkable temples that offer a lot more than just spiritual experiences take one deep into the rich heritage of this place.
Whether or not one is spiritually inclined, interested in local traditions, or simply a lover of grandeur and traditional architecture, temples seem to be a must-visit destination. So, let us delve a little deeper into five famous temples in Assam, which should be on your bucket list for travel.
Top 5 Famous Temples of Assam That You Must Visit
1. Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati
Have you ever visited a place that seems to be so old and sacred that you feel speechless? That is what most people are likely to feel at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, one of the most revered Shakti Peethas of India. Here they worship Goddess Kamakhya, an embodiment of divine feminine powers.
Why it’s special: This temple dates back to the 8th-9th century, and for that reason, it is a historical treasure. It is famous for Ambubachi Mela, which celebrates the annual menstruation of the goddess. This is the symbol of fertility and the power of creation. It is a beautiful blend of architecture from various traditional Hindu schools, with intricate sculptures adding to its beauty.
It is best to visit the temple between October and March as the weather is salubrious and festivals like Durga Puja bring the temple alive with such vigor.
2. Umananda Temple, Guwahati
Ever heard of a temple situated on the world’s smallest inhabited river island? Well, if such temple experiences are unique and you want to know what a single one is, then it has to be Umananda Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located in the middle of the Brahmaputra River on Peacock Island, making it one of the most unusual temple experiences in Assam.
Why it’s worth the trip: The island itself has quite an interesting history to tell. Legend has it that Lord Shiva created this island in honor of his wife, Parvati, so both could meditate in peace. The temple here, therefore, is a place of calm and tranquility, perfect for some quiet contemplation. Reaching the temple is a bit of fun too. You have to take a short and scenic ferry from Guwahati that adds a hint of adventure to your pilgrimage.
Best time to visit: Although the temple is open throughout the year, the best time to visit will be during the cooler months of October to March. During this period, if you are visiting during Maha Shivaratri, the temple is sure to come alive with devotion and celebration.
3. Basistha Temple, Guwahati
Now imagine a temple, but not exactly a place of worship but part of an ancient ashram. That indeed is what makes Basistha Temple very special. Nestled within the historic Basistha Ashram in southern Guwahati, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is enveloped by lush greenery and streams.
What’s the legend: The temple was built by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1764, but its roots are much deeper. The ashram is believed to have been the meditation site of the sage Vasistha-one of the seven great sages of Hindu tradition. The natural beauty of this place, with its hills and streams, lends it a serene retreat.
Best time to visit: It is best to visit from October to February. Not only would you get the coolest weather, but you would also be able to sight nearby spots, which include the meditation cave that Vasistha is said to have used himself.
4. Ugratara Temple, Guwahati
Ever been to a temple where there is no idol, yet the divine presence can be felt? This is what one gets at the Ugratara Temple in Uzan Bazaar, Guwahati. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara, a strong form of Shakti. Unique are the worshipping practices in this temple.
What’s unique: Instead of an idol, the deity worshipped here by the devotees is a pit filled with water, representing the goddess. This humble yet profound mode of worship epitomizes the way the hues of different religious traditions blend and merge in Assam. The temple was built in 1725 by Ahom King Siva Singha, and the place comes alive during festivals such as Durga Puja and Kali Puja.
When to visit: The temple is centrally located, and as such, it will never be a problem visiting it any time. But if you want to feel the pulse of the local people, visit during seasons of festivals, when all activities in and around the temple are buzzing.
5. Doul Govinda Temple, North Guwahati
Celebrating Holi in a temple, sounds very exciting, isn’t it? The Doul Govinda Temple is located in North Guwahati. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is pretty famous for its grand celebrations of Holi, hence becoming quite vibrant and full of joy.
Why go: Located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River, it has a superb view down below and gives a serene atmosphere to anyone who visits. Being a famous spot for devotees and tourists alike, it is at complete bloom during Holi with colors, music, and joy all over the place. The architectural beauty of the temple, the stunning surroundings-all add to the experience.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is between October and February. But if someone plans to attend the colorfulness of Holi in this region, then that month should be planned accordingly. Picnic spots around and the ferry rides across the Brahmaputra are the added charms.
Conclusion
Visiting the temples of Assam is not about being religious; on the contrary, it’s more to understand and relate to the history, culture, and natural beauty of the place.
Each one of these five temples-Kamakhya, Umananda, Basistha, Ugratara, and Doul Govinda-is an experience of its own kind, wound together with each other in numerous ways between godly and worldly realms.
Be it planning a spiritual pilgrimage or just looking forward to some new excitement, these temples should not be given a pass in one’s itinerary. Try, if possible, to visit during the festivals, and you’ll get to see the most of Assam’s vibrant traditions in full bloom!
