Kamakhya Temple

One can still go up the hill from Kamakhya Maa temple to visit another temple but humble one. There we get even more beautiful view of river Brahmaputra view. After a short break there, we started to Shillong. If time permits, it would be a good idea to visit pobitora wildlife sanctuary where largest concentration of single horned rhinos exist. Visit to the sanctuary can take half a day and it is usually closed in monsoon. Way to Shillong is breathtaking with a wide 4 lane road and mesmerizing views. We had lunch on the way. Our first stop on the way to Shillong was Umiam lake which is vast in size and beautiful with blue skies and white clouds in the background.

On my way to Shillong, I stopped by to take blessing of Maa Kamakhya. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas on earth. Situated in the heart of Nilachala or Blue Hills, the temple is not only known for its history and religious importance but also known for overall architectural shape of the temple. If you are a vegetarian or love parathas, then do stop at JIVA, a vegetarian restaurant. It is mid way between Guwahati and Shillong. Around 15 km before we reached Shillong, there is a beautiful lake called Umiam Lake (Bara pani as localities call it). The reservoir is spread over an area of 220 sq km and a major tourist attraction for boating.

Mother Daughter Travel Diary- In to the untold story of Bleeding Goddess and Peacock Island in Guwahati!Over the time mother has become my best friend and here I travel with my mother to create some memories. It is always fun to travel with your friends. But sometimes taking out time with your mother and making some travel plans will make you her one of the best friends and she will have memories to cherish forever. Probably the best gift to her during her retirement which she will remember and have smile on her face.It was a short two days pilgrimage travel plan in Guwahati. It is one of the most sacred places in Assam to seek blessings and make your soul gain some spiritual insights.First day, we boarded our train early morning from new Bongaigaon railway station and reached Guwahati at round 11am. I have booked my stay at SBI OTC Guwahati (Guest House). Thanks to my organization for this luxury which is situated at Bhangaghar just 5mins from Guwahati railway station.We decided to visit the temple in the second half after freshening up in the guest house. So as per the plan we called ola cab for our ride and reached the temple at 2.30 pm which was just 20mins away from our stay and charged only Rs 50/- in share ola ride.On our way up to the temple which we have to ride up the hill through the wavy roads, I could see the happiness in my mother’s eyes and sense the excitements in her voice. She narrated how things have changed when my father visited in his seventies and how developed and well-connected plus constructed roads are now.The cab dropped us right in front of the gate of the temple and the Assam tourism board with one horn rhino in it welcomed us where we managed to take some mother daughter selfie. The board looked new and catchy. Thanks to Assam government. We walked together little upward towards the temple and wandering/discussing from which shop to buy some ritual items for puja. So here we found one shop where he offered to keep our sandals/shoes for free if we buy from his shop. We found the offer cost effective and agreed for the same.Here we bent down and touch the feet of mother earth and entered through the main entrance of the temple. The weather was pleasant and welcoming as December is one of the best time for tourist in Assam. It started drizzling a little out of blue in the winter and sun still shinning at the top. So here my mother comes up with some old age belief that rain god blessed us today and I felt myself blissful and lucky.As soon as we entered one of the priests started following us and offered for help with puja. I suggest you not to take any priest and walk straight into the puja sections. Avoiding the same I approached straight to the Gate no 2 of the temple is where you can offer puja and priest will chant the mantras for the rituals. Beside the gate 2 in the right, one can light their diyas and aggarbattis. Also has the section where you can break the coconut for puja and do the offerings.Belief of the Temple Kamakhya is that it is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths temple where the womb and vagina of the mother goddess fell down during lord Shiv’s Tandav or dance of destruction for his beloved wife sati and the temple. Maa Kamakhya temple depicts the celebration of womenhood. It is believed that mother goddess bleeds during the month of June(Assad) where the river of Brahmaputra near the temple turns red mysteriously. In other word, mother goddess Shakti menstruates during this month. The temple remains close for 3 continuous days during that period and opens with grand celebration on the fourth day for the worshippers.Also, Kamadev sought the womb and genitals of goddess Shaktiand gained his potency after losing his virility to a curse. So is the name Kamakhya displays in the name of lord Kamadevand the Devi was instilled which is worshipped till today.The temple does not have any idol or image of the goddess, it is the yoni or the female genitalia located in the corner of the cave of the temple at Garvarigha.Durga Puja during the month of October is one of the most celebrated festival in Kamakhya for hindus. Its attracts lots of tourist from several places of India on this auspicious puja to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga.After the puja we made a tour of the temple and the walls of the temples are inscribed with idol of various Goddesses. By the time we made the tour it was dusk and enquired one of the priests about our next destination that is Umananda island. Looking at the time priest answered to my query stating that next day will be the best time to visit as it is already dawn and the temple remains opens from 9m to 4pm also we have to take ferries to cross the river.

Kamakhya Temple, located at a distance of 18 km from the Guwahati airport, is the ancient Shakti temple of Goddess Kamakhya in Nilachal hill Made by Ahoms (an important seat of Tantric and Vajrayana Buddhism). The temple consists of four chambers: garbhagriha and three mandapas locally called calanta, pancharatna and natamandira aligned from east to west. Symbolic to this temple is a very special form of Sindoor, available here, made from rock and called Kamakhya Sindoor, which is believed to be a blessing bestowed by Kamakhya Devi herself, to the wearer.Note: You can visit this temple early in the morning to avoid long queues. Also, the sun sets around 5-5:30 pm in the evening, so better to start early. You will have to climb a fleet of steps to reach the Kamakhya temple which are flanked by small shops that sell Pooja items and Prasad.

Kamakhaya Temple (Guwahati): It is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas.

The Kamakhya Temple also Kamrup-Kamakhya is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. It is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas. Beautiful Brahmaputra river.After roaming around for 5-6 hours in Guwahati. It was time to say “Bhal hoi” Guwahati.Next two days including my birthday (17th April) was my dream destination of this Solo trip. The thrill, the fun and the excitement was on its peak for THE DAY.Day 4 Tejpur to Tawang

One of the Shakti peeths, the home of the very powerful "bleeding" Goddess

The Temple and what it has to offer, go ahead and receive.