Umananda Temple: A Hidden Gem on Brahmaputra River Island

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Umananda Temple: Now, imagine a small island, dead center of a huge, huge river, where a lovely temple sits. That is our destination! We’re off to the Umananda Temple, situated on Peacock Island in the center of the powerful Brahmaputra River, right here in Guwahati, Assam.

Umananda Temple Guwahati

Umananda is “the bliss of Uma,” and Uma is the other name of Goddess Parvati, the much-loved wife of Lord Shiva. So, this temple is about the bliss of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together. Is it not a sweet idea? This island is even renowned to be the smallest inhabited river island in the whole wide world! How fabulous is that? You are going to listen to some fantastic tales and learn the reason why this place is so hugely, hugely significant.

Umananda Temple History : A Long, Long Ago Story

Let us begin our journey by going back in history, long, long ago, to 1694 CE. Believe it? That’s when this stunning brick temple of Umananda Temple came into existence! It wasn’t constructed by anyone and everyone, no way. It was constructed by a very significant individual named Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique, at the behest of a mighty king named Gadadhar Singha. King Gadadhar Singha was among the most powerful rulers of the Ahom dynasty, and he wished to have a special abode for Lord Shiva.

Today, this temple has witnessed numerous, numerous seasons, joyful moments, and even some tough ones. It was even destroyed by a huge earthquake way back in 1897, but never mind, a sympathetic local merchant repaired it so that it stood tall and pretty again for everyone to see. It’s simply miraculous how something so ancient can still exist for us to see and feel its tales. It indicates how much the people adored and revered this site then, and still do today.

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umananda temple ferry timings

Legend of the Umananda Temple: Tales from the Gods!

Each little special spot has a tale, and the Umananda Temple has some quite thrilling ones! They are told in old Hindu books known as Puranas.

One of the most well-known legends, described in the Kalika Purana, explains why this island is also known as Bhasmachal. Do you think you can make a guess on what “Bhasma” is? It’s ashes! The tale goes something like this: Lord Shiva, a very powerful God, was in deep meditation on this same island. Meditation is much like concentrating really, really hard with your eyes closed, being extremely peaceful. There was once a god named Kamadeva, who is the god of love.

Kamadeva thought it would be a good idea to interrupt Lord Shiva’s meditation. Oh dear! When Lord Shiva was meditating, he was disturbed, and he grew extremely furious. And when a mighty god such as Shiva is furious, it gets hot! He opened his third eye, and with its intense stare, Kamadeva was immediately reduced to ashes right here on this hill. Which is why it’s known as Bhasmachal, the “hill of ashes.”

Isn’t that a melodramatic tale? But there’s still more! There’s another stunning legend that says Lord Shiva even created this island for his favorite wife, Uma, or Parvati, purely for her happiness and delight. He desired a special island for her where she could be happy, an island of unadulterated bliss. And that’s how the island got its name Umananda – Uma’s bliss!

Kalika Purana also says that there is a special pond named Urvasikunda here, and it’s said that the lovely goddess Urvasi, who fetches Amrit (a very special nectar) for Goddess Kamakhya, resides on this island. That’s why at times, even this island is referred to as Urvasi Island! So many enchanting tales, all revolving around this small island!

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umananda temple is located

The Significance of the Umananda Temple: Why is it so Significant?

Now, you may ask yourself, “Why is this temple so significant?” Well, it’s not merely about the ancient tales; it’s about what individuals experience when they are here. The Umananda Temple is an extremely significant site for individuals who believe in Lord Shiva. It’s like a special gateway to divinity.

Most folks think that if you go to this temple and give your prayers, particularly on a special day when Amavasya (that is the new moon day) happens to be a Monday, you will be showered with unlimited happiness and all your desires could be fulfilled! Wow! Mondays are special holy days in this temple, and the new moon gives even more blessings!.

This temple is also visited to seek peacefulness. The island itself is so peaceful and dotted with the scenic Brahmaputra River. It’s as if a peaceful retreat from the chaos of the world, a great place to simply sit, reflect, and get close to nature and the gods. People visit here hoping for good in their lives, their families, and even assistance with issues. It is a site of hope and faith. For couples who desire children, it is presumed that going to this temple and seeking blessings will grant their desires.

Architecture: How the Temple Looks!

When you arrive at the Umananda Temple, you’ll see how it’s constructed. It’s not a really big temple, but it’s very unique. The temple is constructed using bricks, similar to many old structures. It is specially designed with a central portion where Lord Shiva’s idol is housed, and then there are other small shrines around it for other gods and goddesses.

You’ll notice stunning carvings on the temple walls and rocks. They’re narrating stories about Hindu mythology, such as photographs carved in stone! You may catch a glimpse of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, and other Hindu gods. It’s like a history book carved in stone! The carvings reveal how skilled the artists and engineers were long, long ago. The sanctum, which is the most sacred part, encloses a rock which is believed to be the resting place of Lord Shiva when he meditated here.

The site itself is included in its architecture. It’s situated atop the Bhasmachala Hill, on an island. You climb up to it along a curving set of stairs, and from up there, you have wonderful views of the big, expansive Brahmaputra River all around you. It’s just a wonder!

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umananda temple history

Myths and Beliefs: More Wonderful Stories!

The Umananda Temple is also abundant with interesting myths and beliefs that make it even more unique. We have already learned that Kamadeva is reduced to ashes, which is why the island is named Bhasmachal. This teaches us about the great power of Lord Shiva’s meditation and rage when he is disrupted.

Another belief is that Lord Shiva lives here in the form of Bhayananda. Folk believe that Bhayananda provides safety and erases fear from the hearts of people. So, if you ever feel a bit scared, considering Bhayananda here might make you stronger!

Also, it is said that Lord Shiva spread ashes here at the very start of the world and imparted his most sacred wisdom to Goddess Parvati. Just think, a spot where such great knowledge was imparted! This makes the island even more sacred.

The island itself, named Peacock Island as its form is somewhat like a peacock’s stretched feathers, also has its own beauty. Peacocks are stunning birds, and to have the island resemble one only enhances its mystical status. It also once had a very rare and endangered species, the Golden Langur, on it, making the island even more magical. While the last one passed away in 2020, the memory of the special animals residing here is still part of the island magic.

Umananda Temple Timings: When Can We Visit?

The Umananda Temple remains open for visitors from dawn to dusk. You can visit between 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. However, the most suitable time to visit if you desire a truly serene experience, with fewer crowds around you, is typically in the early morning hours or later in the afternoon.

Umananda Temple ferry timings:

Although the ticket fee to this mandir is free, Keep in mind that, to go to the temple, you’ll have to travel by ferry or boat over the Brahmaputra River. The boats typically run from 7 AM to 5 PM. So, visit accordingly! Ferry services are available from the Government’s Inland Water Transport for ₹40, and also from private operators who charge ₹200 for a round trip.

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Special Days and Rituals: Celebrations at Umananda

The Umananda Temple truly springs to life on special days and festivals! The most significant festival that is celebrated here with such excitement and happiness is Maha Shivaratri. Thousands and thousands of devotees, including you and me, come to the temple on this day to offer their prayers and blessings from Lord Shiva. It’s a grand celebration, with plenty of decorations, incense smoke, and the soothing sounds of traditional music floating in the air.

As I said earlier, Mondays are the most sacred days to go and, if a new moon (Amavasya) occurs on a Monday, is said to provide the greatest religious delight. So, you may see the temple more occupied on these special Mondays!

Various rituals are performed here, with people offering flowers, coconuts, lamps (diyas), incense sticks, and special threads like Mouli (red cotton thread). These offerings are an expression of respect and devotion to Lord Shiva. There are also special pujas (worship ceremonies) conducted here. For instance, the Umanand Bhairav Puja is said to be very powerful for eradicating obstacles and providing protection. It is said that if you desire the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, another strong goddess in the vicinity, you have to worship Umanand Bhairav as well, who is regarded as Lord Shiva, the guardian of Maa Kamakhya.

umananda temple photos

Hindu Places to Visit Around Umananda Temple: More Adventures Ahead!

After visiting the serene Umananda Temple, there are so many other such great places to visit in and around Guwahati!

Kamakhya Temple: One of India’s most well-known and significant temples, that of Goddess Kamakhya. It’s also situated atop a hill, the Nilachal Hill, and possesses a highly unusual history and religious importance. Must-see!

Navagraha Temple: It’s a temple for the nine planets or celestial bodies in Hindu astrology. Individuals visit this temple to obtain the blessings for good luck pertaining to their stars.

Basistha Temple: Situated a bit away from the city, it is a peaceful ashram and temple with scenic natural beauty. It’s dedicated to the ancient sage Basistha.

Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple: A stunning temple of Lord Venkateswara, as is the Tirupati Balaji Temple in South India.

Ugratara Temple: A temple devoted to Goddess Ugratara, a fierce incarnation of Goddess Sati.

These are all wonderful locations to further your spiritual and cultural expedition in Assam.

How to Reach Umananda Temple: Your Journey to Bliss!

The journey to the Umananda Temple is all part of the experience! As it is located on an island in the center of the Brahmaputra River, you can only access it by ferry or boat.

By Boat/Ferry: The most popular method of reaching the island is by ferry or a smaller country boat from the Umananda Ghat (otherwise referred to as Kachari Ghat), located close to the Guwahati High Court. A brief, picturesque boat journey of approximately 10-15 minutes, during which one can appreciate the scenery of the river. Government and private boats are both available. Government ferries will normally be less expensive, whereas private boats may offer more convenience.

By Air: The closest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati. You can travel from the airport to Umananda Ghat by a taxi or a cab.

By Train: The closest major railway station is the Guwahati Railway Station. You can travel from there to Kachari Ghat by an auto-rickshaw or a local bus in order to board your boat.

By Road: Guwahati is well-linked with other cities in Assam and the adjacent states by road. After you arrive in Guwahati, you’ll have to navigate to Umananda Ghat.

Do not forget to verify the timing of the boats, as they tend to stop plying by evening.


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