GUWAHATI: KAMAKHYA TEMPLE

Maa Kamakhya temple located on Nilachal Hill 8km West of  Guwahati, State of Assam, India. It is just one of the most mesmerizing places to be. Fishing Boats that sail on the River Brahmaputra. The astonishing views that are so beautiful depending from where one is looking from, one of the foremost Shaktipeeths, you will always want to return to this amazing place. According to a legend, Narakasura, who is mentioned in Mahabhartha, ruled his kingdom from pragjyotishpura, as guwahati was then known. He wanted to marry Maa Kamakhya who set an impossible task as a condition so that he may fail in his resolve. He almost succeeded worried , Maa Kamakhya sent a cock to crow early, even before it was dawn. Angry Narkasura killed the cock and his task remained incomplete.

It is also said that here the God of love Kamdev, was reunited with Rati, having been reduced to ashes by disturbing Shiva's Penance. The famous temple has always been associated with Tantric and occult practices and Shakti worship. It is also said that after Sati's death it was her yoni (female reproductive organ) that fell at the site where temple exists today. The ancient temple was destroyed in Mughal invasion of the early 16th century, it was rebuilt in 1665 by King Nara Narayan of Cooch Behar.

Another story goes that the bricks used in the temple's construction were baked in ghee, funds for which were contributed by Sukladeva and Malladeva two devotees of Maa Kamakhya

The feeling that you get standing on Nilachal Hill infront of Maa Kamakhya the granter of all desires is just indescribable. Kamakhya Maa herself is not worshipped as an idol. A stone image of the yoni which remains wet from natural springs is worshipped. The temple has four chambers

1. Garbagriha

2. Calanta

3. Pancharatna

4. Natamandiramong

 The Garbhagriha is small dark and reached by narrow steep stone steps. Inside the cavethere is a sheet of stone that slopes downwards from both sides meeting in a yoni like depression. This hollow constantly filled with water from an underground spring. That is worshipped as the Goddess Kamakhya herself.

The walls of the Calanta griha contain sculpted images of NaraNarayana, and other Gods.

The Pancharatna to the west of calanta is large and rectangular with a flat roof and five smaller shikaras of the same style.

The Natamandira to the west of pancharatna its inside walls bear inscriptions from Rajeswar Singha and Gaurinath Singha.  

 A goat is sacrificed by temple authorities every day. Devotees offer goats, pigeons, and buffaloes. The temple of Kamakhya is known for its seven day celebration of Ambubachi festival, when the deity is said to undergo her menstrual cycle. The temple remains closed for 3 days and its door open at the fourth day with great ceremony. Its a period when women pray for fertility and celebrate the childbearing capabilities of women.During this time many followers of Maa Kamakhya come here. On the fourth day when temple is open many followers look forward to receiving cloth soaked in what's said to be the goddess's menstrual fluid. 

Vam Marga Tantra Sadhna  which is done here has importance of repetitions of mantras and different postures that are performed during this practice of rituals. It is also said that during the festival the tantrics who usually prefer staying alone come to visit the temple of maa kamakhya and there are different caves on the neelachal parvat and also on the banks of Brahmaputra river where they practice their art to gain siddhis (accomplishments). It is believed that many big tantrics who achieved siddhis have got it by practicing their rituals here during this time. Generally it rains heavily during months of jun-jul, sometimes it rains continuously for a week around this time. It is believed that this purifies the soil and readies it for agriculture. The Kamakhya Temple also features some interesting sculptures, there are images of Lord Ganesha and Chamundeshwari. Those sculptures represent many gods and goddesses of the hindu religion The Soubhagya Kund is said to be built by Lord Indra and the Bhairab Kund which has some giant turtles. Out of the 10 mahavidyas of the goddess; it is said that the three mahavidyas reside here they are tripurasundari, matangi,and kamala where as the other seven reside in individual temples in the surrounding vicinity. 

The Umananda bhairav temple is very important temple which  is on the opposite bank of river Brahmaputra. It is here where Lord Shiv got angry on Lord Kamdev and reduced him to ashes. The devotees first take his blessings and then they go to Maa Kamakhya to get her blessings. Many followers also call him Aghor Shiv. Nobody visits the temple at night. To visit that temple you have to go on a boat. Very few people choose to visit this temple during the monsoon days as it rains heavily. 

Durga Pooja is also said to be celebrated at Maa Kamakhya devi Temple. This happens annually at Kamakhya during Navratri. This festival attracts several thousand followers during this time.