In pictures: Quick guide to Assam’s mystical Kamakhya Temple

The Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered and also one of the oldest of the 51 shaktipeethas in India. The temple, an important pilgrimage site, is one of the most visited attractions in the state of Assam. If you are planning to explore the northeastern part of the country, you might want to start with Assam and Kamakhya’s rich history of culture and tradition.

Also read: How to reach Kamakhya Temple – all you need to know

Here is a quick guide to the iconic temple and what makes it so special.

The Kamakhya Temple or Kamakhya Mandir is located in the Nilachal Hills in the capital city of Guwahati, Assam. Kamakhya Temple comes under Kamrup district.

Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 shaktipeethas, and one of the oldest and most revered too. The temple is dedicated to Kamakhya Devi or Maa Kamakhya, the goddess of desire.

It is believed that the temple is where parts of Devi Sati’s corpse fell while her husband Lord Shiva performed taandav. As per religious beliefs, her genitals and womb fell where the present-day temple is located. According to the legends, the location of the fallen genitalia and the womb was not known till Kamdev, the God of love, went in search of it for his penance. After finding the parts, Kamdev was rid of his curse (given by Brahma). Thus the place came to be known as Kamakhya.

There is no idol of a goddess or a god here in this temple. Instead, in the inner sanctum sanctorum of the temple, there is a yoni or the female genitalia, which is worshipped.

The annual festival of Ambubachi Mela celebrates the menstruation of the Goddess. The three-day mela is when the temple is closed off, as a period of rest for the Goddess. This is also when several pilgrims, yoginis and yogis gather here and make the place come alive with music and celebration. On the fourth day, the temple reopens for worship.

The Kamakhya Temple is the centre of the Kulachara Tantra Marga, also known as Shakta Tantrika Tradition. During the Ambubachi Mela, many tantriks make a pilgrimage to this place.

Guwahati airport is the nearest to the temple, and it is approximately 20 km from the airport, an easy one hour drive. The nearest railway station is Kamakhya. The temple is approximately 8 km from the railway station.