Kamakhya Devi Temple In Guwahati is one of the most important temples among the 51 Shaktipeeths in India. It is dedicated to Mahavidyas of Shaktism and is a major centre for followers of the Tantrik Sect. This Temple is one of the oldest Shaktipeeths in the country. Not only do the Devi Kamakhya reside here but Ganeshji, Nar – Narayana and other deities are enshrined here as well. Devi Kamakhya is said to be the Rebirth of Devi Durga or Shakti. She is also called Devi Sati.
History of Kamakhya Devi Temple
The exact date is not clear but the historical evidence suggests that the temple was built in the 8th or 9th century AD in the time of the Mlechchha dynasty. Kamakhya Temple is a centre for the tantric centre. From the time of Indra Pala to Dharma Pala, were contributors to tantric practices. In this era, the temple became the prominent source of the Tantrism. Also, the Kalika Purana gives proof of the importance of Tantric rituals.
The temple was destroyed and reconstructed many times over the years. It faced destruction during the invasion of Kamata Kingdome by Sultan Hussain Shah. the ruin was hidden until the 16th century. It was discovered by Vishwasingha, the founder of the Koch dynasty in the 1500s. However, the reconstruction was started by his son around 1565 AD.
Story Kamakhya Temple
Kamakhya Temple has many legends of the temple story, the most believed story is with Lord Shiva. In Hindu mythology, the goddess Sati is the Daughter of the King Daksha and the wife of Lord Shiva. King Daksh had conducted a yagna but her father did not invite her to the yagna also Lord Shiva asked her not to go at the yagna but still attended the yagna.
when Sati arrived at Yagna her father started to insult Lord Shiva in front of all the Tribhuvan residents. Sati was unable to bear the humiliation of Lord Shiva, she killed herself at the yagna spot. When Lord Shiva heard of this tragic incident then he became filled with anger. after that Lord Shiva destroyed the yagna and beheaded King Daksha when everyone asked for Mercy Lord Shiva restored Dakhsha Prajapati’s life, but with the head of Goat, not Human. Then he carried Sati’s Body on his shoulder and started performing Tandava. Lord Vishnu Tried to calm Lord Shiva but he was not successful in calming Lord Shiva, after that Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to Dismembered the corps of Sati in 51 Piece.
The 51 Piece fell on the different Sites after that reoffered as Shakti Pesethas. Kamakhya, is also can be calles Kubjika Peeth. The area where the Yoni-Mudra of Goddess Sati fell. It was discovered by Kamadev to free himself from the curse of Lord Brahma. he reclaimed his Beauty after honouring this Peeth. Since the Kamdev gained his good looks back this place is referred to as Kamarupa and the Devi is called Kamakhya.
Also Read: Top 5 Temples in Guwahati
Kamakhya Temple Timings
The table contains the temple’s opening and closing times, as well as the schedule for Aarti and the names of the scheduled Aartis.
Kamakhya Temples Opening and Closing Time
- Morning: 5:30 AM to 1 PM
- Evening: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Below are the Kamakhya Temple Aarti Timings and rituals performed at the temple.
Kamakhya Temple Aartis | Kamakhya Temple Timings |
Snana of Pithasthan | 05:30 AM |
Nitya Puja | 06:00 AM |
Temple door opens for devotees | 08:00 AM |
Temple door closes for Bhog offering | 01:00 PM |
Temple door opens for devotees | 02:30 PM |
Closing of temple doors for the night | 05:15 PM |
Aarti of Devi | 07:30 PM |
Special Darshan Timings at Kamakhya Temple
Check Kamakhya Temples all the Special Darshan Timing and Entry fees to get
Darshan Type | Timings | Entry Fees |
VIP Darshan | Monday to Sunday | Rs. 501 Per Person |
Senior Citizen Darshan | Monday to Sunday | Free Pass |
Infant | Monday to Sunday | Free Pass |
Free Darshan | Monday to Sunday | Free Pass |
Kamakhya Devi Temple Puja and Offering Timings and Names
In Kamakhya Temple, the Puja and Seva offerings to the devotees are described in the below table.
Puja Name | Days | Timing |
Aarti Darshan | Monday to Sunday | Morning: 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM Evening: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Special Aarti | Monday to Sunday | Morning: 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM Evening: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
Ashtottara Archana | Monday to Sunday | Morning: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM Evening: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
Rudrabhishek | Monday to Sunday | Morning: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM |
Purnahuti | Monday to Sunday | Morning: After the Rudrabhishek |
Navagraha Pooja | Monday to Sunday | Morning: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Prasadam Distribution | Monday to Sunday | Distributed After the Aarti |
Bhandara Seva | Monday to Sunday | Daily from noon onwards |
Kamakhya Temple Puja and Aarti Price
Kamakhya Temples Puja, Seva and Aarti Price information are given in the belove Table.
Puja & Aarti Name | Fees/Charges |
Prasadam distribution | Voluntary Seva (No Charge) |
Bhandara seva | Offers to the Poor Devotees |
VIP Entry | Rs. 500 |
Rudrabhishek | INR 500 |
Special aarti | INR 200 |
Navagraha pooja | INR 200 |
Aarti Darshan | INR 100 |
Ashtottara Archana | INR 50 |
General Entry | Free |
Online VIP Pass Booking in Kamakhya Temple
Currently, online booking is not available. Instead, when you arrive at the temple, you can visit a designated counter where you will be able to obtain a VIP Pass.
Best Time to Visit Kamakhya Temple
June (In Assamese Calendar)
In this month Ambubachi Mela is a unique festival celebrated for 4 days the temple remains closed during these days and then opens with Grand Festivities. However, it is important to note that this is a time for Tantric rituals so if you feel comfortable it is your choice. The weather will be hot and humid this time around.
September to October During Durga Puja
This 5-day festival is beautiful to visit Kamakhya Temple. The temple was beautifully decorated along with many pujas and rituals being performed in the temple in the Durga Puja Festival. With that, this is the crowded time of the year.
October to February
This month is the winter season in Guwahati, the temperatures are from 15°C to 25°C. The sky is clear making it enjoyable weather to visit Kamakhya Temple. Also, there will be a crowd at this time of month.
How to Reach Kamakhya Temple
By Air
The Nearest Airport to Kamakhya Temple is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Approximately 20 km away. Many Domestic Flights operate to Guwahati from major cities.
By Train
Guwahati Railway station is 8 km distance. Many trains from different parts of India are connected to Guwahati.
By Road
Guwahati has maintained a bus network. You can take a bus to get to the station easily. The main Guwahati Bus terminal is the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) and it is 11 km away from the Kamakhya Temple.
Festivals Celebrated at Kamakhya Temple
Ambubachi Mela
Ambubaci Mela Is the most important festival at Kamakhya Temple. In the meantime, the temple remains closed and opens with grand festivities. This festival honouring the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing feminine power and fertility. This festival comes in June Month.
Durga Puja
This festival is celebrated in the autumn month, and this festival is known for its incredible celebration. The Temple is Decorated and Pujas and Ritual are performed. At this time of month, the temple is crowded with devotees.
Deodhani or Devadhwani Mela
The Kamakhya Temple has a Festival called Deodhani Mela. It happens for 3 days around Sravana Sankranti. During the festival, you can see “Deodhani Nritya,” a dance performed by people believed to be possessed by the spirit.
Things to Do at Kamakhya Temple
1. Seek the blessings of Devi Kamakhya
This is the primary thing to do in Kamakhya Temple, after all the Kamakhya Temple is one of the Shakti Peethas out of 51 in India. This place is holy for those who seek fertility blessings.
2. The Yoni Puja
Yoni Puja is the most fascinating part of Temple daily Yoni Puja. This Puja is a Symbol that Represents feminine power and significance.
3. Explore the Architecture
The Temple has some marvellous designs of architecture. It is categorised as a beehive-shaped dome. The temple has many buildings and shrines, each with its unique features.
4. Attend festivals and Melas
Kamakhya Temple has festivals like Ambubachi Mela, Durga Puja and Manasha Puja to witness the celebrations and local culture. Each festival has its traditions and rituals.
5. Explore the Kamakhya Wildlife Sanctuary
Kamakhya Temple near Kamakhya Wildlife Sanctuary is a heaven for nature lovers. The place is filled with lush greenery and ideal place for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Interesting Facts about Kamakhya Temple
1. Centre of Tantric Practices
The Kamakhya Temple is the centre for Tantra, a school of Hinduism that focuses on ritualistic worship and spiritual energy. Temple has ten shrines of Mahavidyas a powerful tantric Goddesses.
2. The Menstruating Goddess
The Ambubachi Mela is a major festival that celebrates the menstruation of the Goddess Kamakhya. This festival honours feminine power and dismantles stigmas surrounding menstruation.
3. Shifting River Colors
In June and July in the Assamese calendar, the Brahmaputra River flowing near the temple, mysteriously turns a reddish hue. This phenomenon coincides with the Ambubachi Mela and is believed to be the symbol of the menstruation cycle.
4. Unique Deity Representation
Kamakhya Temple does not have idols of status, unlike the other temples. Devotees worship a natural rock formation as a Yoni of Sati
Where To Stay in Guwahati
Find the Best Hotels and Dharamshala in Guwahati while you visit Kamakhya Temple in Assam. Check out the most suitable Dharmashala and Hotels.
- Bharat Sevashram Sangha
- Dada Dham Bhakt Niwas
- Hotel Cozy Living
- Cupidtrails Penthouse
- Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math
- Assam Maheshwari Bhavan
- Bharat Sevashram Sangha
Hope this information will help you to find suitable Hotels and Dharamshala for you as well as the information on Kamakhya Temple.