Guwahati, Assam
Kamakhya Devi
By Devansh Taneja
Kamakhya Devi, a form of Goddess Sati, is worshipped here for fertility and power. It is believed that Sati’s yoni (womb) fell at this site, making it one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
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Unlike other temples, Kamakhya does not have an idol. Instead, a natural rock formation symbolizing the goddess’s yoni is worshipped, reflecting the temple’s unique focus on feminine energy.
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The current structure of Kamakhya Temple was built in 1565 by King Nara Narayana of the Koch dynasty after the original temple was destroyed by invaders. The temple has since been restored and expanded by various rulers.
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The Kamakhya Temple is located on Nilachal Hill, offering panoramic views of Guwahati. The hill itself is considered sacred, with the temple standing as a beacon of spiritual power and divine energy.
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Every year, the Ambubachi Mela celebrates the menstruation of the goddess. The temple is closed for the first three days, and on the fourth day, devotees are given a red cloth symbolizing the goddess’s cycle.
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Kamakhya Temple is a major center for Tantric rituals. During the Ambubachi Mela, thousands of Tantric practitioners gather to perform powerful rituals, drawing energy from the temple’s sacred grounds.
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Devotees visiting Kamakhya Temple receive a unique prasad—red cloth soaked in the holy water from the inner sanctum, symbolizing the goddess’s menstrual cycle. This prasad is believed to bring blessings and protection.
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Kamakhya Temple is surrounded by five sacred ponds known as Pancha Tirthas. Pilgrims often take a dip in these ponds, believed to purify the body and soul before offering prayers to the goddess.
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Within the Kamakhya Temple complex, there are ten smaller temples dedicated to the Mahavidyas, or ten great wisdom goddesses. Each temple represents a different aspect of the divine feminine, adding layers of spiritual significance to the site.
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