Kamakhya Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, located on the Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati city in the state of Assam, India. It is one of the oldest and most revered Shakti Peethas (shrines of goddess Shakti) in India.
The temple is renowned for its unique rituals and significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be the place where the yoni (female genitalia) of the goddess Sati fell during the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, following the self-immolation of Sati. The temple represents the power of female fertility and is considered an important center for tantra worship.
The history of the Kamakhya Temple dates back to ancient times, but the exact time of its establishment is not known. It is believed to have been originally built in the 8th century by the Kamarupa kings, and it has been renovated and reconstructed several times over the centuries. The current structure of the temple is believed to have been built by the Koch king, Nara Narayan, in the 16th century.
The story behind the temple is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva and his consort Sati. According to Hindu mythology, Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, married Lord Shiva against her father's wishes. In a fit of rage, King Daksha organized a grand yagna (sacrificial ceremony) but did not invite Sati and heShiva. Sati decided to attend the yagna anyway, but King Daksha insulted her and Lord Shiva. Unable to bear the humiliation, Sati self-immolated in the fire of the yagna.
Enraged by Sati's death, Lord Shiva began performing the Tandava (cosmic dance of destruction), and to save the universe from its cataclysmic effects, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra (a divine discus) to cut Sati's body into pieces. The places where Sati's body parts fell became Shakti Peethas, and Kamakhya Temple is believed to be the place where her yoni fell.
The Kamakhya Temple has a unique tradition where the goddess is worshipped in the form of a stone sculpture representing the yoni. The temple remains closed for three days during the annual Ambubachi Mela, a festival celebrated during the monsoon season, which marks the menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya. It is believed that during these three days, the goddess undergoes her annual menstrual cycle, and the temple is reopened on the fourth day after elaborate rituals.
Men are allowed to visit the Kamakhya Temple and seek the blessings of the goddess. However, during the Ambubachi Mela, men are not allowed inside the temple premises. It is believed that the goddess is in a state of impurity during her menstrual cycle, and only women are allowed to perform specific rituals during that time.
The temple attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, and the best time to visit is during the Durga Puja festival, which falls in the month of October. The temple is open for darshan (worship) from early morning until late evening, and devotees can visit and offer prayers to the goddess. The temple complex also houses various other shrines dedicated to different forms of goddess Kamakhya and other deities.
In conclusion, the Kamakhya Temple is a renowned Hindu temple located in Guwahati, Assam. It is famous for its association with the goddess Kamakhya, its unique rituals, and its significance as one of the Shakti Peethas. Men are allowed to visit the temple, and it can be visited throughout the year
Can men go inside the temple.??
Men are allowed to enter the main sanctum sanctorum of the Kamakhya Temple. They can go inside the temple and offer their prayers to the goddess Kamakhya. However, during the Ambubachi Mela, which is a three-day festival marking the annual menstrual cycle of the goddess, the temple remains closed for everyone, regardless of gender. After the festival, the temple reopens, and both men and women are allowed to visit and worship the goddess.
Some FAQ.
Here are the answers to the questions mentioned:
1. Question: What is the significance of Kamakhya Temple?
Answer: Kamakhya Temple is significant as one of the oldest and most revered Shakti Peethas in India, dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya.
2. Question: Where is Kamakhya Temple located?
Answer: Kamakhya Temple is located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati city, Assam, India.
3. Question: How old is Kamakhya Temple?
Answer: The exact age of Kamakhya Temple is not known, but it is believed to have been originally built in the 8th century by the Kamarupa kings.
4. Question: What is the story behind Kamakhya Temple?
Answer: According to mythology, Kamakhya Temple is believed to be the place where the yoni (female genitalia) of the goddess Sati fell during Lord Shiva's cosmic dance, following Sati's self-immolation.
5. Question: Can men visit Kamakhya Temple?
Answer: Yes, men are allowed to visit Kamakhya Temple and offer their prayers to the goddess.
6. Question: Are there any specific rituals or practices associated with Kamakhya Temple?
Answer: Yes, Kamakhya Temple has unique rituals and practices, and it is an important center for tantra worship.
7. Question: When is the best time to visit Kamakhya Temple?
Answer: The best time to visit Kamakhya Temple is during the Durga Puja festival, which usually falls in the month of October.
8. Question: Is there an entry fee to visit Kamakhya Temple?
Answer: No, there is no entry fee to visit Kamakhya Temple.
9. Question: Are there any restrictions or guidelines for visitors at Kamakhya Temple?
Answer: Visitors are expected to follow certain guidelines such as dress code, removing footwear, and maintaining decorum inside the temple premises.
10. Question: What other deities are worshipped at Kamakhya Temple?
Answer: Apart from the main deity Kamakhya, the temple complex houses shrines dedicated to various other forms of goddess Kamakhya and other deities.
These are the answers corresponding to the questions about Kamakhya Temple.
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