Kamakhya Temple: A Focal Point of Shakti Peeth

 

As we crossed the Chicken Neck corridor from mainland India, which stretches up to 56 km in West Bengal, we entered the state of Assam filled with lush green hills and plains of the Brahmaputra valley. Amidst the hills of Assam, lies a sacred heaven that has captured the millions of hearts, not only in India but also around the world. Kamakhya temple, situated in the hills of Guwahati stands as a timeless symbol of spirituality, and cultural richness.

When the first rays of sunshine fall on the temple, the walls start to glow and it emits a ray of hope and belief for the worshippers and an atmosphere of divinity surrounds the landscapes. This is where the Goddess Kamakhya, the symbol of feminine power and fertility, holds court. The Kamakhya temple is not just a religious shrine, it is an amalgamation of legends, architectural marvels, and cultural traditions that have created themselves into the fabric of Assam's heritage.

So let's embark on a beautiful journey into the laps of Goddess Kamakhya and try to find out their rich history, and secrets, explore the architectural marvels, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant and dynamic cultures that surround this architectural wonder.

Historical Origin:

The Kamrup Kamakhya temple or Kamakhya Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Assam and is situated in the Nilachal hills of Guwahati. It is one of the most esteemed places where Tantric practices are conducted and many festivals and melas are held during the entire year which attracted many pilgrims and followers around the world.

Over the years, many theories have sprung up regarding the origin of the Kamakhya Temple. According to Sanatan Dharma, this is the place where Goddess Parvati ordered Lord Shiva to build a temple for her so that she could meditate in peace until she found a suitable husband for her. 

Again, according to the Kalika Purana, Prajapati Daksh (Father of Sati) organized a royal ceremony and invited every Devas (God-like deities) from around the world except Lord Shiva. He considers Lord Shiva as a low-class imposter and insults him whenever he gets any chance. When Sati opposed this, he began to insult him even more. Sati couldn't believe that her own father was insulting her husband like that in front of everyone. She jumped by herself into the sacrificial fire and gave her life. When Lord Shiva heard the news about this incident, he became furious with grief and anger and started to do Tandav dance with her body in his hands. This has made other gods scared and they feared that this would make him more powerful. They approached Lord Vishnu for a solution and to stop Lord Shiva from becoming more powerful. Lord Vishnu, with the help of his Sudarshan Chakra (wheel) destroyed the body into 51 parts and it has scattered around the world. Wherever her body parts fell, it became a Shakti Peeth. One of her parts, the Yoni (vagina) fell in the Nilachal hills, and from that, it became Kamkhya Shakti Peeth. 

Key events and renovation history of Kamakhya temple:

Throughout its history, Kamakhya Temple has undergone many events and renovations which have added to its unique styles and features of architecture. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous transformations which enrich its culture and historical significance.

One of the key events that was associated with it was when it was destroyed by Kalapahar, a general in the Sulaiman Karrani's army. Sulaiman Karrani was the sultan of Bengal and he ordered his son, Bayazid Khan, and his general Kalapahar to lead an expedition against the Koch kingdom when Sukladhwaj (Chilarai) attacked the Bengal Sultanate. Sukladhwaj was captured and Kalapahar marched towards the Brahmaputra valley and destroyed everything on his way. He even destroyed the Kamakhya Temple to its ruins to mark the supremacy of Islam over Hinduism.

The reconstruction of the temple was again started by Naranarayan, the Koch king and the brother of Sukladhwaj and it was completed in the year 1565 AD. According to historical evidence and records, the temple was constructed under the supervision of Sukladhwaj. The reconstructions used materials from the original materials that were lying scattered there, some of which still exist today.

Mystical stories about the sacred Yoni shrine:

The sacred Yoni shrine lies at the heart of the Kamakhya temple and depicts the symbol of feminine energy and fertility. People believe that the Yoni shrine goes under the cyclical process of mensuration during the time of Ambubachi Mela, celebrating the Goddess period, and during those times, the temple remains closed to the general public. It is believed that the water of the river Brahmaputra turned red during those times, signifying the mensuration of Goddess Kamakhya.

Architectural Features of Kamakhya Temple:

The magnificent structure of Kamakhya Temple is an example of Assam's cultural and spiritual heritage. The temple features reflect a unique blend of different traditions and influences. The temple was constructed using a blend of both Hindu and traditional Assamese cultures. It can be seen that the present monumental structure was built and renovated many times from the 8th century onwards. The current style is called the "Nilachal Style" and it was constructed in the 16th century.

The temple consists of 4 chambers: Garbhagriha and three Mandapas locally called "Calanta", "Pancharatna" and "Natamandira". The main structure is called "Shikhara" which resides over the Garbhagriha and is a dome-like structure. The Shikhara was surrounded by a number of minarets called "Angashikharas". The inner sanctum within the Garbhagriha consists of no image or sculpture but a fissure rock shaped like a Yoni (female genital). The inner side of the sanctum consists of many sculptures of deities, celestial beings, and mythological characters, reflecting the deep influence of Hinduism.

Festivals at Kamakhya Temple:

The most important festival which holds the most prominence and also gathers a significant amount of crowd is the Ambubachi Mela. Ambubachi Mela signifies the mensuration of Goddess Kamakhya and is observed with great devotion and high esteem. The word Ambubachi itself means "festivals of flowing water", and symbolizes the mensuration of Goddess Kamakhya.

Ambubachi Mela falls usually during the month of June, which coincides with the onset of monsoon. During this time, the river Brahmaputra swells and the river turns red indicating the mensuration of Goddess Kamakhya.

Other festivals which are celebrated in Kamakhya Temples are:

1) Manasa Puja: It is dedicated to the serpent Goddess Manasa. Nomads and Pilgrims visited the temple to seek blessings from the serpent goddess to protect them from snakebites.

2) Durga Puja: Durga puja is a grand festival during the time of Navratri. Celebrated with joyfulness, it is celebrated for 9 days. Long processions and rituals mark the beginning of the festivals

3) Diwali: The festival of lights is celebrated with enthusiasm around the temple, with Diyas (Saki) and lamps making the atmosphere filled with spirituality and devotion.

These festivals hold immense cultural significance in Assam, not only as religious occasions but also as cultural milestones that bring communities together. They are occasions for the expression of art, music, dance, and traditional practices. The festivals foster a sense of unity, celebrating the rich history of Assamese culture. Pilgrims and visitors from different parts of the state and the country converge on the temple during these festivals, reinforcing a sense of shared identity and devotion. The Kamakhya Temple is not merely a place of worship; it is a cultural and spiritual epicenter that plays a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of Assam. These festivals are an example of the temple's timeless influence and its vital place in the hearts of the people of Assam.

Role of Kamakhya Temple in Assam's Cultural and Spiritual Landscapes:

The Kamakhya Temple holds a special place in Assam's cultural and spiritual landscapes and acts as a bridge between ancient traditions and contemporary beliefs. It is a statement of the enduring strength of Assamese culture, deeply interwoven with its spiritual heritage. It is not simply a place of worship but an epitome of cultural expression, music, dance, art, and architecture. The cultural events and festivals held at the temple reflected the very spirit of the Assamese people's glorious past and history. Assam is greatly influenced by the Kamakhya temple. It acted as a source of peace and spirituality for millions of lives residing in the Brahmaputra valley and also for the people outside of the valley. The Kamakhya temple is a sign of unity and integrity, bringing people of different backgrounds together.

Conclusion:

The Kamakhya Temple acts as a protector of Assamese cultural and spiritual heritage, inviting all who want to visit and explore its history, embrace its magic, and take part in the long-standing traditions of devotion. It remains a symbol of faith and respect in the heart of Assam, requesting all to come and be touched by the divine power. 

Efforts must be taken to preserve and promote the temple's heritage, both by the common people and the State Government, to ensure that its legacy always endures, offering an opportunity for both locals and tourists to take part in the spiritual and cultural richness of Assam.