Everything You Need To Know About Kamakhya Temple

Nestled in the Nilachal Hills of Guwahati, Assam, Maa Kamakhya Temple, is the oldest and most sacred of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya or Kameswari, who is worshipped in the form of a yoni-shaped rock (representing the womb of the goddess) and celebrates the women’s power to give birth and nurture life.

But Kamakhya temple is no ordinary pilgrimage site. The temple is regarded as highly auspicious among the followers of the tantric sect of Hinduism.

And that is not all. There’s much more to its unique rituals, architecture, rich history, and mysterious legends of Kamakhya Devi temple, all of which we’ll learn in this blog. 

Who is Goddess Kamakhya - The Legend Behind Her Origin?

According to the legend associated with the Shakti Peetha legend, Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva, sacrificed herself in the Yagna (fire ritual) organized by her father, King Daksha. Devastated by her death, Shiva carried her burning body across the universe, mourning with grief and pain. 

Concerned about his situation, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces in order to pull Shiva out of the trauma. Meanwhile, the different pieces of her body fell at different places in India, forming the Shakti Peethas. Maa Kamakhya Temple is believed to be the site where her womb and reproductive organs fell, making it a sacred place of worship.

Today, Maa Kamakhya is widely revered as the goddess of desire, fertility, and creation. Hindus believe that Kamakhya Devi grants wishes related to love, marriage, and fertility. The temple is particularly significant for Tantric practitioners, as it is considered a powerful center for Tantra Sadhana (spiritual practices involving meditation and rituals).

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Kamakhya Temple Story: Learn the History of Temple

The Kamakhya temple is believed to be over 1000 years old. According to some records, the temple was initially destroyed during Hussein Shah’s invasion of the Kamata Kingdom. Later on, the temple ruins were discovered by Vishwasingha, the founder of the Koch dynasty, who then revived this worship site (during 1515-1540). However, the reconstruction of the temple was completed during the reign of his son King Nara Narayan in 1565.

Ever since then, the temple has been an important center for Tantric Hinduism. It is said that Kamakhya Dham was once a secret place where Tantric practitioners performed mystical rituals to gain spiritual powers. Today, the temple attracts devotees, tourists, and history enthusiasts from all over the world, fascinated by its blend of mythology, spirituality, and mysticism.

Structure of the Kamakhya Temple

Unlike traditional tower-like shikhara, Maa Kamakhya Temple follows the Nilachal type of architecture with a dome-shaped structure and a cruciform-designed base. It features four man chambers, aligned from east to west.

Key Features of Kamakhya Temple’s Architecture:

1. Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum): The Garbhagriha, or the main sanctum of the Maa kamakhya temple, is built on a base decorated with beautiful carvings of Lord Ganesha and other Hindu deities. The lower part of this sacred space is made of stone, while the top is an octagonal dome made of bricks. 

Unlike most temples, the Garbhagriha here is below ground level, and visitors have to descend a series of rock-cut steps to reach it. At the center, there is a natural rock formation shaped like a yoni, which is worshipped as Goddess Kamakhya. This sacred spot is always filled with water from an underground spring, a unique feature found in all Garbhagrihas within this temple.

2. Calanta: Located to the west of the Kamakhya temple, the Calanta is a square-shaped chamber with a traditional atchala-style roof. Inside, there are small idols of various gods and goddesses that can be moved. The walls of this chamber are beautifully adorned with carved images and inscriptions, adding to its historical and spiritual significance.

3. Pancharatna: Just beyond the Calanta lies the Pancharatna, a large rectangular hall with a flat roof. It gets its name from the five small spires that rise from the rooftop, giving it a distinct and majestic appearance.

4. Natamandir: The last structure, located further west of the Pancharatna, is the Nata Mandir. This hall has an arched end and a ridged roof built in the Ahom architectural style, resembling the famous Ranghar structure. The walls of the Natamandir are inscribed with historical records from the times of Raja Rajewas Singha and Gaurinath Singha, making it an important part of the temple's heritage.

The Ambubachi Festival at Kamakhya Temple

The Ambubachi Mela is the most famous festival celebrated at Maa Kamakhya Temple. It marks the annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing fertility and the creative power of nature. Many devotees visit Kamakhya Mandir every year, especially during the Ambubachi Mela, which celebrates the goddess’s annual menstruation cycle. The temple remains closed for three days during this time and is believed to possess divine feminine energy. 

During this festival, the Maa Kamakhya devi temple remains closed for three days as the goddess is believed to be resting. Meanwhile, devotees also avoid performing any special rituals as it is considered a period of purification. 

On the fourth day, the temple reopens with a grand celebration where thousands of devotees, sadhus, and tantric practitioners come together to honor the goddess and seek her blessings.

Maa Kamakhya Temple Timings

The Kamakhya Mandir operates with the following timings:

Herein, note that you’ll require an advance booking for performing special pujas and offerings at the temple. For this, you can visit the Kamakhya Temple Official Website to learn more about updated timings and Kamakhya Temple Ticket details.

Tips for Visiting Maa Kamakhya Temple

Although there are no hard and fast rules for visiting Kamakhya mandir, it's important to be mindful of certain aspects for a spiritually enriching  experience:

• Dress Modestly: Try to wear traditional attire like sarees, kurtas, or long skirts as a sign of respect. Meanwhile, make sure to maintain a respectful demeanor within the premises.

• Be Prepared for Long Queues: Given the number of devotees of Maa Kamakhya, long queues are common at the Kamakhya temple, especially during the Ambubachi mela. Hence, be patient and wait for your turn.

• VIP Passes: You can only purchase the VIP passes at the temple. They are not available online or in advance. Therefore, beware of anyone scamming you into providing advance VIP passes. 

• Only use the Official Website: Always head to the Kamakhya Temple Official website for genuine information regarding any religious service. 

• Look for Accommodations: You can visit many guest houses and lodges near Kamakhya Temple to plan for a comfortable stay.

Interesting Facts About Maa Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Mandir is no ordinary temple and is surrounded by many mysteries and topographies. Here are some amazing facts about the temple:

• Unlike most Hindu temples, Maa Kamakhya mandir doesn’t house a physical idol of the goddess. Instead, devotees worship the yoni - a rock fissure associated with feminine energy and fertility. 

• During the Ambubachi festival, when the goddess is believed to be undergoing the menstrual cycle, the Brahmaputra river near the temple turns red. Though many still remain in awe of this miraculous event, some cite different scientific reasons behind this. Nonetheless, it's somewhere a mystery altogether.

• Kamakhya temple is a renowned center for tantric practices. As the center of the Kulachara Tantra Marga, it attracts practitioners interested in tantric rituals and philosophies from all around the world. 

How to Reach Maa Kamakhya Temple?

You can reach Maa Kamakhya mandir using different modes of transport. Here’s a brief on the same:

• By Air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (20 km away).

• By Rail: The nearest station is Kamakhya Railway Station, 6 km from the temple.

• By Road: Regular buses and taxis connect Guwahati city with Kamakhya Dham.

Conclusion

Kamakhya Temple is not just a place of worship but a spiritual hub filled with mysticism, history, and divine energy. If you’re a devotee or a curious traveler, the temple offers a unique experience unlike any other. Plan your visit, soak in the spiritual aura, and witness one of India’s most sacred Shakti Peethas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. What is so special about Kamakhya Temple?
A. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and worships Goddess Kamakhya in a unique form.

Q. What is not allowed in Kamakhya Temple?
A. Photography and items like food, drinks, tobacco products, or any sharp weapons are strictly prohibited inside the Maa kamakhya Devi temple.

Q. Why is Maa Kamakhya Temple closed for three days?
A. It remains closed during Ambubachi Mela as the goddess is believed to be menstruating.

Q. What is the story of Kamakhya Maa?
A. Kamakhya is associated with the Shakti Peetha legend, where Sati’s womb fell at this location.

Q. Can women visit Kamakhya during menstruation?
A. Yes, unlike many Hindu temples, menstruating women can enter.

Q. When are men not allowed in Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple?
A. Men are not allowed to enter the Kamakhya Temple during the Ambubachi mela.

Q. Who married Kamakhya Devi?
A. According to legends, Kameshwar Shiva married Kamakhya Devi.