KAMAKHYA
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Guwahati is particularly famous for its Kamakhya temple located atop the Nilachal hill, at a distance of 10 km from the railway station. The origin of Kamakhaya is Pre–Aryan. Kamakhaya is an ancient seat of Tantric and Shakti cults of Hinduism. The original temple was destroyed by the invading Muslims in their crusade against Hindu temples and idols in the early part of 16 th century.
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The name of the Muslim General who destroyed the temple was known as Kalapahar; originally he was a Hindu but by force he had been converted to Muslim. Ultimately it was restored from ruins by King Naranarayan of the Koches and rebuilt in its present form in 1565 AD. It is difficult to have even a dim idea of what the temple was like in its original structure; there is no record of it left either in inscriptions or stone relics. The Yoginitantra and the Kalikapurana, two store houses of ancient rites and mythology; are silent on this aspect. |
Guwahati War Cemetery (Built & Maintained by commonwealth War Graves Commission)
The Cemetery was started during the war, when several military hospitals were posted in the area and was originally for the burials from these hospitals. Later other graves were brought in by the Army grave service from Amari Bari Military Cemetery, Sylhet Military Cemetery, where permanent maintenance could not be assured. There are now 517 causalities buried in this Cemetery. Total area of the cemetery is 1.50 acres.
Temple of Nine Planet
The Navagraha Temple was built by the Ahom king Rajeshwar Singha (1751-1769) It is on the top of Chitrasal Hill (or Navagraha Hill) in Guwahati. The temple is dedicated to the nine planets in the solar system. It was the center of astrological and astronomical research. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, enshrined in this temple are nine Shiva lingams, representing nine planetary gods of Hinduism. Each lingam is covered with a cloth having specific colour for each lingam which signifies one of the nine planets.
MADAN KAMDEV
Situated 35 kms from Guwahati Madan Kamdev is an archaeological site where erotic Sculptures are found. It is often referred to as “Khajuraho of Kamrup” it is a complex of 24 temples. Set on a hillock (Dewangiri Hill) full of sal and teak forest. The exact history of the temple is not known, but it was been estimated that the temple complex was built during the period of 10- 12 th Century by pala dynasty. It was built in 5 sections also known as “Pancharatha”. The Sculpture of Six headed Bhairab four armed Shiva was found here.
Hajo
This ancient city lies across the Brahmaputra, about 32 kms from Guwahati. The town is truly a symbol of secularism in India, attracting worshippers of all faiths, who co-exist in perfect harmony. It is of immense significance as it is the meeting point of three religions in Assam - Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. According to legend, the Pandavas of the Mahabharata had lived here for some time during their agyatvas or the period in hiding.
Amongst the different temples, Hayagriva Madhav Mandir is the most famous one. The present structure of the temple was built by King Raghu deva in 1583, but as per some historian the temple was built by the king of pala dynasty as early as 6 th centuries. As per the Buddhist of that area, they believe that Buddha archived Nirvana in this temple only. At the foot of the stairway there was a large pond occupied by a giant turtle, and it is believed to be one of the oldest resident of Hajo.
Poa –Mecca
The Muslim shrine was built by Pir Giasuddin Aulia (an Iraqi prince who turned preacher and traveled all the way to Assam in the 12 th century to spread the Prophet's teachings) and is known as Poa - Mecca because it is supposed to be one fourth in sanctity to Mecca. The name of Poa - Mecca comes from the popular belief that visiting this shrine brings one fourth of the spiritual enhancement and blessings that one might have been bestowed with on a single visit to Mecca. The word 'Poa' literally translates to one fourth. The shrine of Poa - Mecca is looked upon as a holy pilgrimage for the people following Islam.
Sualkuchi the silk village
Sualkuchi is situated 35 kilometers from Guwahati. The place is also known as the MANCHESTAR OF THE EAST. The tradition of weaving in this little hamlet can be trace from 11th century, when the then king Dharam pal of the pala dynasty brought 26 families from Tantikuchi (Barpeta) to Sualkuchi. The village took the shape of the weaving village when the Shams occupied Sualkuchi after defeating the Mugals in mid 17th century. In Assam there are three type of Silk: 1. Muga the Golden Silk, 2. Pat Silk, 3. Eri Silk. The Golden silk was the royal fabrics of the Ahom Kings who ruled Assam for six centuries till 1826. It is traditional in the sense that the primary qualification of a young girl for her eligibility for marriages is determined by whether she has the skill to weave or not. A soldier was sent off for battle with a dress made overnight and it was considered as important as his weapon. This explains the importance of weaving industry in the state and the role of women in the industry. Muga the (Golden Silk) is non-mulberry silk obtained from semi domesticated silkworm known as Antheraea Assamensis found only in Assam. Most of this is exported to Japan, where it is use to make KIMONOS.
