Devi Kamakhya, Kamakhya Temple, Goddess Kamakhya, Naraka, Guwahati Temple

Kamakhya is a Shakti Peeth temple. It is situated at the top of the Nilachal hill, at about 800 meters above the sea level. It is located in the western part of Guwahati, a city in Assam, India.
The entire temple complex consists of many other temples along with Kamakhya. But this one is the main temple. It is a very popular pilgrimage destination for Hindu and Tantric worshippers.

Apart from the main temple (dedicated to Devi Durga), the complex has in it some other major temples of Devi Kali, Bagala, Chinnamasta, Bhuvanesvari, Bhairavi and Dhumavati.

Description of the Kamakhya temple - The temple is made up of three major chambers. The Western chamber is rectangular in shape and quite large. It is not generally used by the pilgrims for worshipping. The middle chamber features a small idol of the Goddess, which has been a fairly recent addition. It is square in shape. This chamber leads to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. It is of the form of a cave. It contains no image, but a natural under ground spring. During the Ambuvaci festival every year, the menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya is celebrated. During this time the water in the main shrine turns red with iron oxide, thus resembling the colour of the menstrual fluid. Worshipping here has always been accompanied by sacrifices. Still, devotees gather every morning with goats to offer to Shakti.

Legend of Kamakhya - Once Naraka , being driven by his carnal desire, wanted to marry Devi Kamakhya. He proposed to the Devi. But the Devi playfully put forward a condition before him. If Naraka manages to fulfill the condition, she would marry him. The condition was- Naraka needed to build a staircase from the bottom of the Nilachal hill to the temple within one night. Naraka was not discouraged by this uphill task; he took the challenge head-on. He was on his way towards completing the job within the stipulated time span. The Devi got panic-stricken and took recourse to

trickery. She strangled a cock and made it crow untimely to give the impression of dawn to Naraka. Duped by the trick, Naraka thought it was not possible to complete it and left it halfway. Later he chased the cock and killed it in a place now known as Kukurakata situated in the district of Daranag. The incomplete staircase is known as Mekhelauja path.

Festivals at the Kamakhya Temple- Apart from the daily Puja offered in this temple, quite a few special pujas are also offered. They are-

a> Durga Puja- The Durga Puja is held here for sixteen days on a stretch during the month of Asvina (September- October).
b> Kali Puja- Kali puja is held here during the month of Ashwin (October- November) and is observed with great devotion.
c> Durgadeul- During the month of Phalguna (February-March), this festival is observed.
d> Pohan Bia- A symbolic marriage between Lord Kamesvara and Kamesvari during the month of Pausa (December- January).
e> Basanti Puja- This festival is held during the month of Chaitra (March-April). .

f> Madandeul- This occasion marks the special puja for Lord Kamesvara. It takes places during the month of Chaitra.
g> Manasa Puja- It is observed from the Sankranti of Shravana and continues upto the second day of Bhadra. (July-August)
h> Ambuvaci- This marks the menstrual period that Devi Kamakshya goes through every year. The temple remains close for three days during this time.
i> After the temple re-opens, the devotees rush into it to gather the unique’ prasad’; parts of the cloth moist with the menstrual fluid of the Devi. This piece is regarded as highly auspicious

How to reach the Kamakhya temple- The temple is situated almost at the center of the city. Buses and cabs run through the city all day and all night. Guwahati is well connected by both train and plane; especially with Delhi and Kolkata. The temple is about 20 km from the airport. It is about 6 km from the railway station. From both the places, cars are easily available on rent. Devotees can rent them to travel to the temple. There are two very well maintained staircases from the bottom of the hill to the temple, made up of stones. Devotees can use either of them and climb to the Kamakhya temple.

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