Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati, India, 781010
Atop a steep hill in the Assamese city of Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple is among the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in northeastern India. It's dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, a mother goddess sometimes described as a bride of Shiva, a yielder of desires, and a giver of salvation.
The basics
The Kamakhya Temple is considered a Shakti Pitha, a sacred site where a body part of the goddess Sati fell to the earth after she was cut into pieces. As such, it draws a lot of pilgrims throughout the year. Many believe the goddess can help with fertility concerns, and visitors often come here to pray for pregnancy. The temple is among the top attractions in Guwahati, and many city tours include a stop here.
Things to know before you go
Kamakhya Temple is a must for anyone interested in Shakti and Tantric Hindu traditions.
The temple closes to visitors for a few hours every day for lunch.
Lines to see the interior of the temple and its idol can be very long, so be prepared to wait.
Goats roam the temple grounds freely and are used for sacrifice, which can be an uncomfortable proposition for animal lovers and children.
How to get there
Kamakhya Temple is located on a steep hill near the banks of the Brahmaputra River, west of central Guwahati. The best way to get there is by taxi or auto rickshaw, and if you don’t plan to stay too long, it’s wise to pay extra to have your taxi wait for you. On-site parking is available in a multi-level complex, about a 5-minute walk from the entrance to the temple.
When to get there
The best time to visit the temple—and Guwahati in general—is during the cooler, dryer season, which runs from October until early April, though some people prefer to visit in June to attend the annual Ambubachi Mela. If you want to visit the interior of the temple, come early in the morning and get in line—and be prepared to wait for many hours.
The Ambubachi Mela
The temple is at its liveliest during the annual Ambubachi Mela that takes place during the Hindu month of Asadha, which generally falls in June, the Gregorian month. Legend has it that the Goddess Kamakhya menstruates between the seventh and tenth day of the month, and the temple remains closed during this time. On day 12, the temple is reopened and a huge fair of rituals and celebrations takes place.
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