Kamakhya Temple: The Tantric Temple of Mystery and Magic

Kamakhya Temple is one of the ancient Hindu temples and one of 51 Shakti Peethas. It is situated on Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Assam, India. It is one of the most attractive temples for Tantric worshippers. There are many mysteries behind the temple and places for learning black magic. According to archaeologists Kamakya temple belongs to the 8th century and was renovated many times. The temple consists of four chambers. You can find magnificent sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses on the walls.

Significance of Kamakhya Temple:

During Daksha yagna when Sati self-immolated herself and Lord Vishnu cut the corpse of Sati, her Genitals fell at this place. It is also called ancient Khasi where sacrifices were done. We find devotees offering goats to goddess Shakti. According to Kalika Purana, goddess Kamakhya boons with all the desires of her devotees and gives salvation. Many devotees worship maa Kamakhya as a Tantric goddess.

Goddess is worshipped with flowers and sometimes animal sacrifices. As part of animal sacrifices, previously there was a tradition of sacrificing pigs by priests. Goddess is worshipped in both Vamachara and Dakshinachara modes. During Ambubachi Mela performed annually, thousands of tantra devotees come here to worship the goddess.

Although it is one of 51 Shakti Peethas, we don’t find any image of Shakti, but below ground level, there is a rock fissure in the shape of Yoni which local devotees consider for reverence. In Garbhagriha, there is a yoni like hollow depression where underground perennial spring water oozes out.

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Legend of Kamakhya Temple:

According to ancient scripts, there lived a demon named Naraka who was the son of Lord Vishnu manifestation and Goddess Bhudevi. Once he approached goddess Kamakhya and proposed his willingness to marry her. She agreed to his proposal on the condition that he needed to build a pond, temple, and stair to Nilachal Hill. Naraka who attained tantric powers used them to build everything as per conditions. Looking at his valor lord Vishnu took the form of Hen and given the sound of cuckoo before the night ended. Naraka felt it was already morning and could not accomplish the task given, felt anger, and started chasing the hen to kill. In this process remaining night ended and got to know that he was fooled. Still, traces of unfinished stairs are called with the name Mekamargalousam and the place where the hen was killed is called Kukurakatakchekki.

When there is a spread of diseases locals sacrifice healthy human beings by tying to the pole. As part of it prisoners,  sinners, and people who are punished for hanging are brought to this place. Also, there is a temple for Manasa Devi near Gauhati, if you worship this goddess all kinds of poisons get nullified. We find snake sculptures on the parts of the face and legs of the goddess Manasa Devi, who is the sister of the snake god Vasuki.

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Kamakhya Temple Mystery:

One of the most mysterious things about the Kamakhya Temple is the belief that the goddess Kamakhya menstruates once a year. During this time, the temple is closed to devotees for four days. The priests claim that the red water that flows from the temple during this time is the goddess’s menstrual blood.

Another mystery of the Kamakhya Temple is the fact that the Brahmaputra River turns red for a few days during the Ambubachi Mela, which is a festival held to celebrate the goddess’s menstruation. Scientists have been unable to explain why the river turns red, but some people believe that it is a miracle.

The Kamakhya Temple is also known for its Tantric practices. Tantric rituals are often associated with black magic and occult practices. However, the priests at the Kamakhya Temple claim that they only use Tantric rituals for good purposes, such as healing and protection.

Here are some other mysteries associated with the Kamakhya Temple:

• The temple is said to be built over the spot where the goddess Sati’s yoni (genitals) fell after her father, Daksha, performed a yagna (sacrifice) and insulted her husband, Lord Shiva.
• The temple is home to a natural spring, which is said to have healing properties.
• The temple is also known for its Kamakhya Yantra, which is a Tantric diagram that is said to have powerful mystical powers.
• The Kamakhya Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for people from all over India, regardless of their religion or caste.

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Places to visit near Kamakhya Temple:

Umananda Temple: Located on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River, this Shiva temple is accessible by ferry. It offers beautiful views of the river and the city.

Assam State Zoo: This zoo in Guwahati is home to a variety of animals, including the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and various species of birds.

Assam State Museum: The museum in Guwahati houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits related to Assam’s history, culture, and art.

Nehru Park: This park offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy some greenery amidst the city. It’s also a popular spot for boating.

Balaji Temple: Located in the Nagaon district, this temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara is an important religious site for many devotees.

Navagraha Temple: Situated on Chitrachal Hill, this temple is dedicated to the nine celestial bodies, and it offers panoramic views of Guwahati.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: If you’re interested in wildlife, Pobitora is a great place to see the Indian rhinoceros in the wild. It’s not far from Guwahati and offers wildlife safaris.

Bhuvaneshwari Temple: Located near Kamakhya Temple, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and is worth a visit for its historical and spiritual significance.

Sualkuchi: Known as the “Manchester of Assam,” Sualkuchi is famous for its silk weaving industry. You can explore the silk villages and shop for traditional Assamese silk products.

Hajo: A town of historical and religious importance, Hajo is known for its ancient temples, including the Hayagriva Madhava Temple and Poa Mecca Mosque.

Dipor Bil: This freshwater lake, about 13 kilometers from Guwahati, is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. It’s a great place for bird watching and boating.

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FAQ:

What is the Kamakhya Temple?

The Kamakhya Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, a form of the goddess Shakti. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, sacred pilgrimage sites dedicated to the goddess Sati. The temple is located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, India.

What is the legend of the Kamakhya Temple?

According to legend, the goddess Sati was the daughter of King Daksha and Queen Prasuti. She was married to Lord Shiva, who was a yogi and a renouncer of the world. King Daksha was offended by Shiva’s lifestyle, and he organized a great sacrifice to which he invited all the gods and goddesses, but not Shiva.

Sati was deeply hurt by her father’s rejection of her husband. She disguised herself as a priestess and attended the sacrifice. When she saw that her father was insulting Shiva, she was so overcome with grief that she immolated herself.

When Shiva learned of Sati’s death, he was overcome with rage. He took up his trident and began to destroy the world. The gods were terrified, and they begged Vishnu to intervene. Vishnu took out his Sudarshana Chakra, a discus of light, and cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces, which fell to the earth in different places.

The place where Sati’s womb and vagina fell is said to be the location of the Kamakhya Temple.

What is unique about the Kamakhya Temple?

The Kamakhya Temple is unique in several ways. First, it is one of the few temples in India where the goddess is worshipped in her yoni form. The yoni is a symbol of the goddess’s creative power.

Second, the temple is associated with a natural spring that is said to turn red during the Ambubachi Mela, an annual festival that celebrates the goddess’s menstruation. This is believed to be a symbol of the goddess’s fertility and power.

Third, the temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists.

What are the restrictions at the Kamakhya Temple?

There are a few restrictions at the Kamakhya Temple. Men are not allowed to enter the temple during the Ambubachi Mela, which is held in the month of June. During this time, the temple is only open to women.

In addition, men are not allowed to enter the Garbhagriha, the inner sanctum of the temple. Only women and female priests are allowed to enter this area.

What are the visiting hours at the Kamakhya Temple?

The Kamakhya Temple is open to the public from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The temple is closed on Tuesdays.

What are the rituals at Kamakhya Temple?

The main ritual at Kamakhya Temple is the offering of prayers and offerings to the goddess. Pilgrims also often participate in Tantric rituals, which are performed by priests or sanyasis.

What are the festivals celebrated at Kamakhya Temple?

The most important festival celebrated at Kamakhya Temple is the Ambubachi Mela, which is held every year during the month of June. During this festival, pilgrims from all over the world come to the temple to worship the goddess.

How to reach Kamakhya Temple:

By Air:

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport: The nearest airport to Kamakhya Temple is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. It’s well-connected to major cities in India. After reaching the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Kamakhya Temple, which is approximately 20-25 kilometers away.

By Train:

Guwahati Railway Station: The Guwahati Railway Station is the main railway station in Guwahati and is well-connected to various parts of India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Kamakhya Temple, which is about 7-8 kilometers away.

By Road:

Bus: Guwahati is connected by road to many cities in Assam and neighboring states. You can take a state-run or private bus to the Guwahati bus terminal. From there, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Kamakhya Temple.

Car: If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient journey, you can also drive to Guwahati. The city is connected to the rest of India through a network of national highways.

Once you reach Guwahati, you can easily find transportation to Kamakhya Temple, which is located on Nilachal Hill. From the base of the hill, you can take a taxi or climb the steps to the temple complex.

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