Assam is the place with beautiful scenic flowers of varied species, rare animals and friendly localites. This is the land of rhinoceros and the River Brahmaputra. The national festival of Assam is Bihu which is a must visit; this festival occurs in the month of April and is enjoyed with songs and Bihu Dances. This is the New Year for Assamese.
When Assam comes to your mind the first thing that gets registered are the Tea Gardens those fresh looking gardens like Bihu, Mekhela Chador and many more. But Assam is also very well known for its cultural heritage that very few people knew about. The Pilgrimage of Assam is merged with great hot spots in India. Assam has a reason for the pilgrims visiting it, that it’s blessed with the several religious sects that bears a grouse significance.
The Pilgrimage of Assam is not only is the place of worship but also provides education and explanation to many poetries of propagators, literature, culture-folk and the sculptures of the monasteries, Satras that propagate neo-Vaishnavism. There are several entities instituted by the Vaishnava revivalist, the saint Sankardeva and also the present entities located at Auniati, Dakhinpat, Garhmukh and many others. Additionally, this place is also famous for the worship of Shakta that has a rich custom. The temples well known for goddess Kali are the Navagraha and Kamakhya, these temples have strong stories of animal sacrifice. For the strong connection to Lord Shiva, Mahabhairav and Sivasagar located at Shivdal are the most visited. On the northern banks of Brahmaputra is the Hajo which is a scared place of Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. The other places to look upon are Basistha and Bhuban temple.
The Pilgrimage of Assam is the most leveling experience that one can have. The shrines from various religions are domiciled in Assam, where people have faith in all religions. This shows the tolerance for religion in the hearts of people of Assam. The presence of Buddhist Monasteries in Assam proves this state to be the important destination for Buddhists. Majority of these sites are placed amidst the scenic places which gives nature’s touch to the pilgrims visiting these places. The mosques and temples that are found in Assam are the oldest in style and architecture in the whole North India.
The list of the religious spots goes as follows:
Dah Parvatiya
The temple of Dah Parvatiya is located at Tezpur. As of now the only remains is the temple of Shiva which is believed to be constructed during the period of Ahom. The ruins, which are present, signifies great architectural carvings and artistic work of the Ahom. This temple till date draws tourists from far off.
- Deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Saikia Parvati Nagar, Tezpur, Assam 784150
- Built Date: Ahom period
- Visiting required: 1 hour approx
- Timings: 6am – 8pm
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- Festivals: Mahashivratri, Kartaki Purnima and Diwali
- How to Reach: Near railway station- Tezpur, nearest airport- Tezpur.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Tezpur
Sri Surya Pahar Ruins
The Ruins of Sri Surya Pahar, is one of the popular archaeological sites in India. It sways over an area of 7 miles. This is a very famous site that depicts the rich spiritual side of Assam. You can spot many idols, which depicts the rich and splendid architectural and carving nature of Assam. The sculptures carved in this ruins depicts Shaktism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism. It is a must visit place for all the art lovers and is an important site for the spiritualistic.
- Religious Ideologies: Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
- Location: Bhatiapara, Goalpara
- Built Date: 9th century AD
- Visiting required: 1 day
- Timings: 10am – 5pm
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- How to Reach: Near railway station- Goalpara Town (13 km), nearest airport- Guwahati (126).
Also Read: Amazing Places to Visit in Goalpara
Hajo Temple
This temple is situated in Kamrup District of Guwahati. This is one of the popular spots for the Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. You will find some of the sanctified shrines like Fakuwa Dol, Hayagriva Madhava Temple, Kedar Temple Ganesha Mandir, Devi Temple and Poa Mecca. This temple covers the shrines of most of the religions and is a pleasant site to visit.
- Deity: Vishnu
- Location: 25 km from Guwahati
- Built Date: 10th–18th century CE
- Visiting required: 1 – 2 hrs
- Timings: 6am – 8pm
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- How to Reach: Near railway station- Guwahati railway station, nearest airport- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati.
Asvakranta Temple
This is a Vaishnav Shrine situated in North Guwahati. The temple of Asvakranta is believed to be ascended by a Horse and this is the same place where God Krishna had stopped before defeating Narakasur. This temple idolizes the idol of Anantasayin Vishnu. The idol of Lord Vishnu specifies excellent architectural and carving work. Asvakranta Temple is considered to be very important and significant as it is one of the Holiest teertha sthanam and it is also strongly believed that the one who visits this shrine is freed from every sins.
- Deity: Lord Vishnu
- Location: North of Guwahati, Assam
- Visiting required: 1 hour
- Timings: 6am – 9pm
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- How to Reach: Near railway station- Guwahati, nearest airport- Guwahati.
Bhuvaneswari Temple
Situated on top of the scenic Nilachal Hill is the sprawling complex of the much revered Bhuvaneswari Temple. Tourists and pilgrims travel long distances to visit this important place of worship for the followers of Hinduism. Bhuvaneswari temple is also noted for its panoramic views of the surroundings and city below. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneswari and is one of the most important places of sightseeing in Guwahati. Located close to the Kamakhya temple (also located on the Nilachal Hills); this temple is dedicated to the “Goddess of strength”—Durga. Like the famous Kamakhya temple, Bhuvaneswari Temple is also an important venue for the Ambubachi fair and celebrates it on a large scale.
The tranquil surroundings of this beautiful temple inspire tourists to spend hours in its well maintained complex. The stunning views of the lush green valley are an important highlight of this temple. The spiritual atmosphere blends well with the mesmerizing natural beauty of the landscapes beyond—to make it a place worth your visit.
- Deity: Goddess Bhuvaneswari
- Location: Near Kamakhya Temple
- Built Date: 7th–9th century CE
- Visiting required: 1-3 hours
- Timings: 5:30am – 8pm
- Best Time to Visit: During Navratri /Ambubachi fair
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- How to Reach: Near railway station- Guwahati railway station (7 km), nearest airport- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati.
Janardana Temple
Janardana temple, located near the pristine surrounds of Shukleshwar Ghat, attracts pilgrims and tourists with its stunning views of the river Brahmaputra and Shukleshwar hillocks. This ancient temple houses an idol of Lord Vishnu & Buddha in its main hall and is believed to have been established way back in time, before the 17th century. The temple has a distinct style of architecture and its structural/spiritual attributes reflect the characteristics of Buddhism and Hinduism alike.
Located right in the heart of the throbbing city of Guwahati, the Janardana temple provides some amazing views of the prodigious Brahmaputra and the lush green landscapes around. A must visit indeed!
- Deity: Lord Vishnu, Buddha
- Location: Shukleshwar hillock near Shukleshwar Ghat
- Built Date: 10th century
- Visiting required: 30 minutes -1 hours
- Timings: 6am – 7pm
- Best Time to Visit: During Navratri /Ambubachi fair
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- How to Reach: Near railway station- Guwahati railway station (3 km), nearest airport – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (20 km).
Hayagriva Madhava Temple
Hayagriva Madhaba Temple, a famous sightseeing location of Hajo, is a sacred place of worship for both the Buddhists as well as the Hindus. Located on the northern banks of River Brahmaputra, this ancient pilgrim spot is frequented by the followers of Islam, Hindu and Buddhism alike. According to local folklore, Lord Buddha had attained Nirvana at this very place and hence, it is visited by both Bhutias and Buddhist lamas—especially in winters.
An important highlight of the Hayagriba Madhaba Temple is its famous idol of Lord Vishnu. Quite similar to the statue of Lord Jagannath in Puri (Orissa), the idol of Lord Hayagriba has a story to tell. It is believed that Lord Hayagriba is an incarnation of Vishnu and had taken this form to kill two demons; who had stolen away the Vedas from the possession of Lord Brahma. The deity had appeared on a horse head and had vanquished the terror of these demons.
The Hayagriva Madhaba Temple is partitioned into three parts: the main room, the basement and a pyramid shaped spire. These inspiring structures are erected on solid brick pillars and were built under the instructions of Maharaja Naranarayan– the Koch king (during his rule in the 15th century). The inner sanctorum of the temple is accessible by a flight of stone steps. The entrance to the main temple takes you into an anteroom and is adorned by two lotus shaped screens placed on both sides. These stone screens have small apertures to allow the light to enter the interiors of the temple. Outside, there are 10 stunning sculptures depicting the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu—with Lord Buddha standing stoic in the 9th place. A must visit on the list of all tourists and pilgrims alike!
- Deity: Jagannath, Buddha
- Built by: King Raghudeva Narayan
- Built Date: 1583
- Location: Monikut hill, Hajo
- Visiting required: 30 minutes -1 hours
- Timings: 6am – 9pm
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn to Spring
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- Festivals: Doul Utsav, Bihu, Janmastami
- How to Reach: Near railway station- Guwahati railway station (10 mins), nearest airport – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (45 mins).
Kamakhya Mandir
This is Hindu temple and is dedicated to the divine Mother goddess Kamakhya or “Sati”. This is also referred to as the one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Peeths. This temple is located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati. There are ten individual temples which are solely dedicated to the Mahavidyas. It is believed in the Hindu mythology that the vagina of the goddess fell here when the body of the goddess was split.
People from all over South Asia come to visit the shrine and take the blessings of the goddess. A lot many numbers of “tantriks” also come here and do tantrik, or black magic in this temple. The well known “Ambubachi Mela” is held in this temple during the months of June and July, in which the worshippers celebrate the end of the mother goddess’ menstrual cycle with even more blood.
- Deity: Goddess Kamakhya
- Built by: Mlechchha dynasty
- Built Date: 8th-17th century
- Location: Kamakhya, Guwahati
- Visiting required: 1-2 hours
- Timings: 5:30am – 6pm
- Best Time to Visit: Nov-Jun
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- Festivals: Ambubachi Mela, Durga Puja, Navratri
- How to Reach: Near railway station- Guwahati railway station (8 km), nearest airport – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (20 km).
Aswaklanta Temple, Kamrup
According to legends, Lord Krishna along with his army, had camped at the spot where the forward to battle with Narakasura, defeating and finally killing him. The temple is revered by the Vaishnavites, is in Guwahati.
- Deity: Lord Vishnu
- Built by: Ahom King Shiva Singha
- Built Date: 1720 AD
- Location: Amingaon, Doul Govinda Rd, North Guwahati
- Visiting required: 1 hours
- Timings: 7am – 5pm
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- Festivals: Ashokastami and Janmastami
- How to Reach: 2 Km from Kadamtal bus stop, Near railway station- Agthori railway station (6 km), nearest airport – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati.
Umananda Mandir
As the name suggest this temple belongs to the Hindu Gog Shiva. Lord Shiva is believed to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. The temple is located in the Peacock Island, Assam which is located in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. Not many people would be aware of the fact that this peacock island is the small island in the world. You could take a country boat and visit this temple.
People believe that whoever visits this temple of the Amavasya day, if it falls on a Monday, attains the highest bliss. There are beautiful and ancient rock cut sculptures which belong to the Hindu gods such as Ganesha, Surya, Devi, and Vishnu along with his ten incarnations as well as Shiva. This place can be visited at all days of weeks at 9:30AM to 4:00PM. The entry fee will be Rs. 10 per person.
- Deity: Lord Vishnu
- Built by: King Gadadhar Singha (Ahom dynasty)
- Built Date: 1694 CE
- Location: Peacock Island-Baruah Souk, North Guwahati
- Visiting required: 1 hours
- Timings: 5:30am – 6pm
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- Festivals: Shiva Chaturdashi
- How to Reach: Near railway station- Guwahati railway station (2 km), nearest airport – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (23 km).
Basistha Ashram Temple
Yet another revered place of worship in Guwahati is the Basistha Asharam Temple. A pilgrim’s journey in the state is incomplete without a visit to this temple. The serene complex of the Basistha Asharam Temple is located on the banks of a tiny stream called the Basistha stream (that originates from the mountains of Meghalaya). Along with the Basistha stream, several other mountain streams form a scenic backdrop for the temple and flow on to form the rivers Basistha and Bharalu—that criss-cross the city of Guwahati.
This ancient temple, located in the south-eastern parts of the city, was constructed under the orders of King Rajeswar Singha in the year 1764. King Rajeswar Singha belonged to the Ahom Dynasty and is also known to have donated over 835 Bighas of land for the purpose of building this Ashram. The Basistha Asharam Temple dates to the Vedic era and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per scriptures, this exotic temple was founded by the famous Indian sage Vasistha or Basistha. Remember to include it in your itinerary.
- Deity: Lord Shiva
- Built by: Ahom King Rajeswar Singha
- Built Date: 1764 CE
- Location: Beltola, south-east Guwahati
- Visiting required: 1 hours
- Timings: 6am – 9pm
- Best Time to Visit: November to Jun
- Entry Fee: No entry free
- How to Reach: Nearest bus station- Guwahati (14 Km), near railway station- Guwahati railway station (10 km), nearest airport – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (19 km).
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