Top 7 temples to visit in Guwahati

Guwahati is the capital city of the gateway to North East India is a bustling city perched on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. As it is a busy city there are lots of places to explore, among which religious sites possess a great importance. Religious sites are quite beautiful here and surely can appeal to you if you are spiritually inclined or looking for a peaceful location.

Guwahati is home to some ancient and unique temples in the world. The place is popular site for religious, travellers and archaeological buffs alike. Each temple here has its own story, beliefs, way of celebrating festivals and cultural shows.
Temples of this capital city can give you peaceful moments and spiritual calmness.

The best time to visit the temples in Guwahati is the winter season. All the temples are easily accessible and can be visited without any difficulty.

Here is a list of top 7 temples to visit in Guwahati

Kamakhya Temple

Part of the 51 Shaktipeethas, the Kamkhya temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamkhya. The temple is situated in the hills of city and is well maintained by authorities. There are four Garbgrihas and three mandapas inside the temple with lots of sculptures carved on the walls. The unique thing about this temple is that no god or goddess is worshipped here; instead Yoni or vagina of the Goddess is worshipped inside the inner sanctum of temple.

Ambubachi Mela is the important festival of the temple which happens 4 days every year. This the period when Goddess Kamakhya goes under her menstrual cycle. Devotees from all over the country flock in during this time.

Navgraha Temple

The Navgraha temple or the temple of nine celestial bodies is a temple situated on hills in eastern part of Guwahati. Temple is said to be 1000 year old but over the years earthquakes and natural calamities have damaged it.

The present day temple is built by Ahom King Rajeshwar Singha in 1752 A.D. The inner sanctum has 9 lingams of lord shiva that are painted in different colours to represent different planets.

Devotees come here to worship planets so that they are appeased and no problem befalls them.

Umananda Temple

The temple is situated on island known as Umananda or peacock island surrounded by Brhamputra River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and present diety here lord Umananda is another Avatar of Lord Shiva.

Local’s belief says that Lord Shiva used to reside in this place for mediating and it was interrupted by Lord of love Kamdeva. Lord Shiva in anger penalize Kamdeva, hence the hill on which temple is located is known as Bhasmachala.

Shivratri is the main festival celebrated here. The temple has lots of sculptures made of rock and is also known for its archaeological significance.

Doul Gobinda Temple

Among all the temples of Guwahati, this temple has special significance. Situated on the foothills of Chandrabhati hills it is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is not only visited by Krishna devotees but by people of all religious faith. It witnesses maximum footfalls during Holi. The celeberation takes place for 5 days. Janamasthmi is another important festival.

Situated on the banks of Brahmputra the temple is an ideal place for picnic spot too.

Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and has South Indian style of Architecture. Vistors first the visit temple of Ganesha that is at the enterance and then visit the Balaji temple. The temple also has a 40 years old deity of Lord Shiva the white spotless walls here lend a special kind of beauty to the place. 

The prasadam here are ladoos which are given in the original Balaji temple in Tamil Nadu. After offering prayers you can enjoy yourself in the park associated with it.

Ugratara Temple

Ugratara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s first partner Devi Sati. Construction was completed in 1725. Similarly as goddess Kamakhya, there is no idol of goddess here instead a small ditch of water is worshipped here which is considered as goddess Ugratara. The goddess is believed to be demonic form of goddess Sati it is said that she loves liquor, meat and complete devotion. 

The best time to visit the temple is during a Kali Puja or Durga Puja as you can witness the animal sacrifice ritual. Animals such as goats, buffalos are sacrificed here.

Ashwakalanta Temple

The temple is another popular religious site in capital city. Two main deities of the temple are Lord Janardana and Lord Anantsai Vishnu. It has beautiful sculptures on its walls and is fine specimen of rock-cut architecture. Festivals celebrated here are Jnamashtmi and Ashokashtmi, temples remain crowded during these periods as devotees come from far to witness the celebrations.

To explore the spirituality in the capital city, these are the best spots to visit. Plan a religious trip to Guwahati and enjoy fulfilling your religious desires. 

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This post is written by Ritika Arora: Content Writer, MyTravaly. 

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