Kamakhya Temple - A Symbol of the Fusion of Faith and Practices

Held high in respect and faith, Kamakhya temple is a Shakti shrine located in the capital city Guwahati. Perched on the beautiful Nilachal Hill, the temple is one of the temples located in the same temple complex. Kamakhya temple is dedicated to the Kamakhya form of the goddess. The other temples in the complex are dedicated to different forms of the Mother Goddess such as Bhubaneshwari, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta and Tara. Apart from the people of the state, Tantriks also come here to worship the goddess. The temple was built by the king of the Koch Dynasty in 1565. Its architecture reflects the perfect form of the medieval architectural style. The temple was destroyed in the 16th century itself and was rebuilt in the 17th century by the king Nara Naryana of Cooch Bihar.

The Kamakhya Temple has a unique beehive-like shikhara. The temple houses beautiful images of lord Ganesha and other Hindu Gods and Goddesses outside it. The panels are amazingly decorated with sculptures. The walls of the temple depict images of Naranarayana and other Hindu gods. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is fashioned in the form of a cave. It houses only an underground spring which is worshipped by the devotees. Ambubashi festival is the annual festival celebrated with deep faith at the temple. Several tantriks from across the country flock to the temple for Puja. Manasha Puja and Durga Puja are the other two festivals celebrated every year.