Divine Aswaklanta Temple Where Lord Krishna & Arjuna Rested!

Find the magic of Aswaklanta Temple Guwahati: Picture a stunning temple quietly standing on the banks of a magnificent river, surrounded by lush hills. This is not any temple; it’s a historical site with interesting stories and a serene atmosphere that you will be able to feel as soon as you enter. The Aswaklanta Temple is a highly significant temple for anyone who adores Lord Vishnu, one of the most significant gods in Hinduism.

Aswaklanta Temple History: Whispers from a Long, Long Time Ago

Let’s take an excursion into the past, long, long years ago, to see how the Aswaklanta Temple was formed. This temple has a history that’s like a great big book, with lots of chapters!

The current temple that you can see here was not the first one constructed. You see, the first temple at this location was actually constructed ages ago during the time of the Ahom kingdom! The Ahom kings were extremely mighty rulers and great lovers of constructing handsome temples, and they liked to rule Assam for a very, very long period of time. Unfortunately, this first temple got destroyed in a huge earthquake in 1897. Can you imagine, an entire temple trembling and collapsing!

But don’t worry, the story doesn’t end there! People loved this place so much that they decided to build it again. The temple that stands proudly today was lovingly rebuilt by the Ahom king, Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha, in the year 1720 AD. He wanted to make sure that people could continue to come here and pray to Lord Vishnu. So, as you gaze at the walls and boulders of Aswaklanta Temple, remember, you are gazing at something that has been loved and restored lots and lots of years ago. It is a testament to never giving up and making faith live on!

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Legend of the Temple: The Tired Horses and a Mighty Prince

And now, the best part – the myth that lends the Aswaklanta Temple its very distinctive name! “Aswaklanta” is a unique term, and it’s one that explains itself. “Aswa” refers to a horse, and “Klanta” refers to being tired or fatigued. So, it’s the “place where horses became tired”! Isn’t that a great name?

This stunning tale has association to a very popular story in one of India’s largest ancient texts, the Mahabharata. Do you know of Lord Krishna, fearless prince Arjuna, and the massive war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas? Well, this myth is straight from that era!

Imagine gallant Prince Arjuna on his chariot with his stunning horses, at the time of the epic battle of Kurukshetra. The battle was long and exceedingly hard. Arjuna was in despair and perplexed, questioning whether he was right to fight his own family members. It was at this precise moment that Lord Krishna, who was Arjuna’s friend and charioteer, understood that Arjuna required a special type of assistance and guidance.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna, with his divine powers, transported Arjuna and his horses to this very location, here where the Aswaklanta Temple now exists. The horses were fatigued by the long ride and the battle and rested here. It was here, in this tranquil area, that Lord Krishna taught Arjuna his most valuable lessons, lessons that we now refer to as the Bhagavad Gita. This is where Lord Krishna taught Arjuna of his duty, of righteousness, and of finding inner peace even amidst turmoil.

Thus, the name Aswaklanta Temple brings to mind that very special moment when Arjuna’s horses rested and Lord Krishna imparted to the world one of its most significant lessons. The serene and picturesque beauty of the temple makes one imagine such a meaningful conversation having happened here. It is indeed a divine place where wisdom was imparted.

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Significance of the Temple: A Place of Deep Meaning

The Aswaklanta Temple is more than an ancient building; it’s a highly spiritual location. To thousands of individuals, it’s a holy place where they gather to feel closer to Lord Vishnu and seek his blessing.

One of the key reasons it’s so significant is its relationship to the Mahabharata and Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna. People believe that coming to this temple and praying here can assist them in gaining clarity, fortitude, and inner peace, just like Arjuna gained. People often visit here to pray for success in their life, well-being for their families, and bliss in their lives.

The temple also contains two very unique statues of Vishnu: Ananta Sayana Vishnu and Janardana Vishnu. Ananta Sayana Vishnu depicts Lord Vishnu sleeping on the cosmic serpent Ananta, reflecting his work in creating and safeguarding the universe. Janardana Vishnu is yet another invigorating form of the Lord. Having these two forms makes the temple all the more unique and powerful for devotees.

On special festivals, the vibe here is just incredible! Devotees from Assam and all over visit to make offerings, sing hymns, and rejoice. It’s a spot where faith is seen in its most vibrant form, and you can sense the warmth of piety all around. The peaceful ambiance beside the Brahmaputra River further contributes to its tranquility, and it is just an ideal place to sit and meditate.

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Architecture: A Stunning Mix of Styles

Let us now pause to appreciate the beauty of the Aswaklanta Temple itself! It’s a great representation of the Ahom period’s architecture, but with other styles added as well.

The central temple is of Lord Vishnu. Once you enter, you’ll see the exquisite carvings and the serene environment. The temple is designed uniquely with multiple components, such as the garbhagriha (the innermost shrine where the primary deity stays), a mandapa (a hall for the devotees), and a shikhara (the tower above the main deity).

What’s particularly fascinating is the way that the temple is constructed from bricks and stone, and you can see the way that it has been painstakingly preserved over the centuries. Take a close look at the walls, and you might be able to spot some lovely sculptures of gods and goddesses, heavenly bodies, and even beasts, each with their own little tale to tell.

The temple’s site is also part of its beauty. It’s constructed on a small hillock, or sloping ground, adjacent to the imposing Brahmaputra River. The raised position not only makes it appear majestic but also safeguards it against floods from the mighty Brahmaputra River. The steps to ascend to the temple are also well-maintained, so anyone can access this holy place easily. The soft wind that originates from the river and also from the surrounding greenery give the entire area a very serene and welcoming feel.

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Myths and Beliefs: Stories That Touch Our Hearts

In addition to the larger legend, there are numerous lesser, heartwarming myths and beliefs surrounding the Aswaklanta Temple that the locals hold dear.

One common belief is that if you go to the temple with a clean heart and pray genuinely, Lord Vishnu will definitely listen to your prayers. There are many families who bring their kids here for special blessings, particularly on milestone life events like going to school for the first time or before exams.

Another such belief is with reference to the soothing effect of the Brahmaputra River here. Locals are of the view that a holy bath taken in the river close to the temple can remove concerns and create inner peace. The legend does mention Arjuna’s horses getting exhausted, but locals also feel that this place in itself carries special energy, which is capable of soothing the mind and body.

On special occasions, you can spot devotees celebrating Anna Prasanna ceremonies for infants (the first solid food ceremony) or Mundan (first haircut) ceremonies, praying for blessings for the health and well-being of their children. These rituals bind ages to the temple’s sacred heritage.

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Aswaklanta Temple Timings: When to Pay a Visit to Our Divine Host

The Aswaklanta Temple remains open for devotees throughout the day so that anyone can visit and pray. Most of the time, the temple tends to open early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, and stay open until 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM in the night.

But do keep in mind that in the afternoon, there may be a brief halt in honor of the deity’s rest time, called bhog or vishram, so always check the local timings precisely, particularly if you are planning your visit around noon. The best times to go are often in the morning early or evening late when the weather is nice and the ambiance is peaceful.

Special Days and Rituals: When Faith Is in the Air

The Aswaklanta Temple is a vibrant environment, particularly on festival days! Although each day is special to devotees, some days are even more thrilling and populous.

The most populated day of Aswaklanta Temple is normally on the day of the festival of Ashokastami. It is a highly significant Hindu festival, particularly observed in Assam, normally in March or April. Thousands of pilgrims throng the temple and the banks of the Brahmaputra River for a sacred dip, considering it to be highly propitious. The mood is lively with chants, prayers, and lively rituals.

Another very important festival is Magh Bihu (about January), in which the people celebrate the harvest. Although not a temple festival per se, many attend the temple as part of their Bihu celebrations to get blessings.

Vishnu Sankranti (the day the sun enters a new zodiac sign, particularly those related to Vishnu) and Ekadashi (the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, which is for Lord Vishnu) are also days when numerous devotees come to the temple for special fasting and prayers.

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Special poojas and aartis (lamp offerings) for Lord Vishnu are conducted daily throughout the year. These include:

Abhishek: Ritual bath of the deity using holy water, milk, and other offerings.
Archana: Chanting the name of Lord Vishnu with flower and incense offerings.
Bhog/Prasad offering: Food offering to the deity, which then gets distributed to the devotees in the form of prasad.

Attending these rituals or even observing them can be a highly emotional experience that will help you connect strongly with the spiritual vibrations of the Aswaklanta Temple.

Sites to Explore in the Vicinity of the Temple: More Fun Awaits!

Guwahati is a city that is full of spiritual energy! Your Aswaklanta Temple visit is just the start. There are plenty of other great Hindu temples around you can visit:

Kamakhya Temple: This is quite possibly the most well-known temple of Guwahati, and indeed one of India’s most significant Shakti Peethas (sites of divine power). It’s a temple of Goddess Kamakhya and famous for its unusual tantric rituals. It’s situated on Nilachal Hill and provides spectacular views.

Umananda Temple: The “smallest inhabited river island in the world,” Umananda is a Shiva temple situated on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River. You’ll have to go by ferry to get there, and that’s an experience in itself!

Navagraha Temple: This temple is special as it’s for the nine heavenly bodies (planets) in Hindu astrology. Individuals come here to seek blessings of good fortune and protection from evil planetary effects. It is situated on Chitrachal Hill.

Basistha Ashram: A serene and lovely ashram and temple complex dedicated to the great sage Vashishtha. It’s placed amidst thick greenery and is comprised of three sweet streams running through it.

Balaji Temple: A comparatively new but very majestic temple that is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Lord Balaji). It is a replica of the renowned Tirupati Balaji Temple and is famous for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.

Visiting these temples will introduce you to an even deeper insight into the magnificent spiritual fabric of Assam and its timeless traditions.

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How to Reach the Temple: Your Journey to Serenity

It’s very easy to reach the Aswaklanta Temple, as it’s situated in Guwahati, which is a big city in Assam.

By Flight: The closest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati itself. From the airport, it’s easy to hire a taxi, take a pre-paid taxi, or use ride-sharing services to get to the temple. It’s 25-30 kilometers from the airport.

By Train: Guwahati has a major railway station of its own, Guwahati Junction (GHY), which is very well connected to all of India’s major cities. From the railway station, the temple is quite near at around 10-12 kilometers. An auto-rickshaw, city bus, or taxi can be taken to comfortably reach the temple.

By Road: Guwahati is well connected by road with other regions of Assam and other surrounding states. Private buses, state buses, or taxis can be availed to go to Guwahati. Inside the city, the Aswaklanta Temple is accessible by local transport. It’s situated on the North Guwahati side, off the Brahmaputra River, and there are fine roads to it.

Once in Guwahati, getting to the Aswaklanta Temple is not difficult. Simply say “Aswaklanta Temple, North Guwahati” to your driver, and he will know where to find it. The ride itself, with the Brahmaputra views, can be quite a pleasant experience!