Kamakhya Temple
The Shakti Temple of mother Goddess Kamakhya situated on the top of Nilachal
Hills is 8 Km. away from the railway station of Guwahati.
The greatest shrine of tantric Shaktism find mention in the inscription of
the Allahabad pillar of Samudragupta. Devotees from all over India converge
on this holy place during Ambubashi and Manasha Puja. City buses ply regularly
to Kamakhya. It can be easily reached by auto-rickshaw as well.
Nabagraha Temple
The temple of nine planets situated on Chitra Chal Hill in Guwahati. It is
3 km away from the Railway Station. In ancient times, it was said to have
been a great centre of study of astronomy and astrology. This is also one
of the reasons why Guwahati is referred to as Pragjyotishpur or the city of
eastern Astrology. It can be approached by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Umananda Temple
The great Shiva temple situated on the Peacock island in the middle of the Brahmaputra
in Guwahati attracts devotees from all over the country during Shiva Ratri.
One can visit the temple by crossing the river by country boat plying from Kachari
ghat. On the north bank of the Brahmaputra, opposite Guwahati, where the third
Pandava Arjun is believed to have watered his horse while undertaking journey
during Ashwamedh Yajna. Regular ferry services are available to this place.
Basisthashram
Situated in the southern-most rim of Guwahati city on the Sandhyachal hill is
a well known holy cum picnic spot, called Basisthashram, after the great vedic
Sage Bashistha, who is said to have lived here. Three rivulets named Sandhya,
Lalita and Kanta meet here and flow perenially adding scenic grandeur to the
place. It is 12 Kms. from the Guwahati Railway Station. City buses ply regularly
to the Ashram.
Mahabhairab Temple
An ancient temple where King Bana worshipped Mahabhairab, another incarnation
of Lord Shiva. A place of pilgrimage.
Madan Kamdev
Barely 40 kms. away from the sprawling metropolis Guwahati, on N.H. 52 Madan
Kamdev is an enigma, a mystery, a marvel and in the words of Omar Khayam, "a
veil past which I could not see". Very little is known about the origin
of this magnificient archaeological ruins.Written history is almost silent on
it, leaving wide room for conjectures and hypothesis.
Kamrupa - the ancient name of Assam, is believed to have derived its name from
the legend that love God Kama or Madan, after being turned into ashes by an
angry Shiva, was reborn here. One school believes that Madan was reborn and
united to Rati on this tiny hillock. The season to visit is from October to
May.
Satra
The Institution of Satra is a unique feature of Vaishnavism in Assam, founded
by Sankardeva, the father of Assamese culture.
Satras are basically monasteries which propogate neoVaishnavism. They also
became centres for education and dissemination of the art of harmonius living.
In 15th century the first Satra was founded in Majuli. Since then sixty five
Satras have come up for the propagation of ethics and socio-cultural ideals.
However, at present there are only twenty two Satras in Majuli. The others had
to be shifted to safer places due to the devastation of flood and erosion. The
main existing Satras are:
Dakhinpat Satra : Founded by Banamalidev, an exponent of Raasleela, which
is now observed as one of the National Festivals of Assam. During Rasotsava
several thousand devotees visit these holy Satras every year.
Garamurh Satra : Founded by Lakshmikantadeva. During the end of Autumn,
traditional Raasleela (co-acting) is shown with great enthusiasm. Some ancient
weapons called "Bortop" (canons) are preserved here.
Auniati Satra : Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the Satra is famous for
"Paalnaam" and Apsara Dance and also its considerable collection of
Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.
Kamalabari Satra : Founded by Bedulapadma, it is a centre of art, cultural,
literature and classical studies. It's branch, Uttar Kamalabari Satra, has showcased
the Satria Art in several states of India and abroad.
Bengenaati Satra : It is a storehouse of antiques of cultural importance
and an advance centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grand son of Sankardeva's
step mother founded this Satra.
The royal robes belonging to the Ahom king Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha, made
of gold and an golden umbrella are preserved here.
Shamaguri Satra : The satra is home to famous Mask crafts.
Batadrawa Satra : It is the birthplace of the greatest Vaishnava Saint
Srimanta Sankardev,a Shrine and a centre of Vaishnava art and culture. It is
about 140 kms. from Guwahati and about 15 kms. from Nagaon town.
Barpeta Satra and Kirtanghar : This famous Shrine and Kirtanghara attracts
Vaishanavas from all over India. It was established by Madhadeva, the greatest
discipleof Shankardeva.
Poa-Mecca
There is also a mosque built by Pir Giasuddin Aulia and is held that it has
one-fourth sanctity of Mecca and so it is known as Poa-Mecca. It is believed
that by offering prayer a faithful gains one-fourth (poa) spiritual enlightenment
of what could be gained at Mecca and so is known as Poa-Mecca.
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