The ultimate guide to the Kamakhya Mandir & Ambubachi Festival 2023, The significance of Kamakhya Mandir & Ambubachi Festival in Hindu Mythology
The Maa Kamakhya Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, situated in Guwahati, Assam, India. The temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shakti Peethas, which are places of worship where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell after being dismembered by Lord Shiva's Tandava dance. The Maa Kamakhya Mandir is said to be the site where the yoni or the female genitalia of Sati fell, making it a particularly powerful and sacred site for devotees. The origins of the Maa Kamakhya Mandir are shrouded in mystery, and much of what is known about the temple's early history is based on legend and folklore. According to one story, the temple was first established by the demon king Narakasura, who ruled over Assam in ancient times. Narakasura was said to be a powerful and ruthless ruler who was eventually defeated by Lord Krishna, who liberated the people of Assam from his tyranny.
After Narakasura's defeat, it is said
that Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama visited the site of the Maa
Kamakhya Mandir and established a temple there in honor of the goddess
Kamakhya. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and expanded over the centuries
by various rulers and patrons, including the Ahom kings who ruled Assam from
the 13th to the 18th century.Another legend associated with the Maa Kamakhya
Mandir relates to the story of the sage Vatsyayana, who is said to have written
the Kama Sutra. According to this story, Vatsyayana meditated at the site of
the temple and received divine inspiration to write his famous treatise on love
and sexuality. The temple thus became associated with the idea of tantra and
the worship of the goddess as a symbol of female sexuality and power. The Maa
Kamakhya Mandir also has a rich history of religious and cultural exchange. Over
the centuries, the temple has attracted pilgrims and devotees from all over
India and beyond, including Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and even as far as Indonesia
and Malaysia. The temple has also been a site of syncretism, where local
beliefs and practices have blended with those of the wider Hindu tradition.
One example of this is the annual
Ambubachi Mela, a four-day festival held at the temple in June or July, which
celebrates the goddess's menstruation. During this festival, the temple is
closed for three days, and devotees believe that the goddess is menstruating
and therefore cannot be worshipped. The fourth day marks the end of the
festival, and the temple is reopened with great fanfare and celebration. The
Maa Kamakhya Mandir has also been the site of political and social struggles
over the centuries. During the British colonial period, the temple was often at
the center of resistance movements against colonial rule. In the early 20th
century, the temple was the site of a movement to reform the practice of sati,
in which widows were expected to immolate themselves on their husband's funeral
pyres. Today, the Maa Kamakhya Mandir remains one of the most important and
revered shrines in India, attracting millions of pilgrims and devotees every
year. The temple's unique blend of ancient tradition, myth, and symbolism,
along with its association with the powerful goddess Kamakhya, continues to
fascinate and inspire people from all walks of life.
History and fact of Ombubashi :
Ambubachi Mela is an annual festival that is celebrated in the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, India. The festival celebrates the annual menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya, who is believed to be the presiding deity of the temple. It is one of the most important festivals of the Shakti cult in India and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists from all over the country. The Ambubachi Mela is celebrated during the monsoon season in the month of June or July, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated for four days, during which time the temple is closed to devotees. The closure of the temple during this time is believed to be a symbol of the goddess's menstruation. During the festival, the temple complex is decorated with flowers and other decorations, and devotees perform various rituals and offer prayers to the goddess. The festival also includes cultural programs, fairs, and exhibitions, which showcase the rich culture and heritage of Assam.
The history of the Ambubachi Mela
dates back to ancient times and is associated with the legend of the goddess
Kamakhya. According to the legend, the goddess Kamakhya, who is also known as
the mother goddess, had a relationship with Lord Shiva. It is believed that
during the festival, the goddess goes through her annual menstrual cycle, and
it is considered to be a time of spiritual rejuvenation and renewal. The
festival has also played a significant role in the history and culture of
Assam. During the British colonial period, the festival became a symbol of
resistance against colonial rule. In the early 20th century, the festival was
used as a platform to protest against the practice of sati, in which widows
were expected to immolate themselves on their husband's funeral pyres. Today,
the Ambubachi Mela is one of the most important festivals of Assam and attracts
millions of devotees and tourists from all over India and the world. The
festival is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Assam and is an important
part of the state's identity.
Kamakhya mandir Infrastructure :
The Kamakhya Temple is an ancient
Hindu temple located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, India. The temple
is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, who is believed to be a powerful
manifestation of the divine feminine. The temple complex is spread over a large
area and includes several structures and buildings that are of historical and
cultural significance. The main temple of Kamakhya is a four-story structure
made of stone and brick, with a dome-shaped roof made of copper. The temple has
a distinct architectural style that is characteristic of the region, with
intricate carvings and designs that reflect the local culture and traditions.
The temple is surrounded by a large courtyard that is used for various rituals
and ceremonies. The temple complex also includes several other buildings and
structures that are important for the functioning of the temple. These include
the Hatisingha Mandir, which houses a statue of a lion that is considered to be
the protector of the temple, and the Kedar Mandir, which is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. Another important structure within the temple complex is the Ambubachi
Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya's annual menstruation. The
temple is located near a natural spring that is believed to be a source of
divine energy and is visited by thousands of devotees during the annual
Ambubachi Mela. The Kamakhya Temple complex also includes several smaller
shrines and temples dedicated to various deities and saints. These include the
Navagraha Temple, which is dedicated to the nine planets, and the Janardana
Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the Brahmaputra River. The temple is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors from all over India and the world every year. Overall, the Kamakhya Temple is a magnificent example of ancient Indian architecture and is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Assam. The temple's unique infrastructure, rich history, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian history and spirituality.
Kamakhya Mandir Location :
The Kamakhya Temple is located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, the largest city in the northeastern state of Assam, India. The temple is situated about 8 kilometers west of the city center and can be reached by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport to the Kamakhya Temple is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is well connected to major cities in India and other countries. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple. The nearest railway station to the temple is the Guwahati Railway Station, which is a major railway junction and is well connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple. The temple can also be reached by road, as it is well connected to the city by a network of roads and highways. Private and public buses are available from various parts of the city to the temple, and visitors can also hire a taxi or a private vehicle to reach the temple. The Kamakhya Temple is located in a scenic and picturesque location, surrounded by lush green hills and the Brahmaputra River. The temple's location adds to its spiritual and cultural significance and makes it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims from all over India and the world. Road : https://youtu.be/bKJu2rzcP2s
Event of maa kamakhya mandir :
The history of the Kamakhya Temple is
shrouded in mystery and legend. According to ancient texts and folklore, the
temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD by the Kamrupi
King, Kamarupa Naraka, who was a worshipper of the goddess Kamakhya. Over the
centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and restorations, and
its architecture reflects a blend of various styles and influences, including
Hindu, Islamic, and indigenous styles. The Kamakhya Temple is famous for its
annual Ambubachi Mela, which is a four-day festival held in June every year.
The festival is believed to commemorate the goddess's menstruation, and
thousands of devotees flock to the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess
during this time. In 1665, the temple was destroyed by the army of the Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb, who was known for his intolerance towards non-Islamic
religions. The temple was later restored by the Ahom king, Raja Rajeswar
Singha, in the 18th century. In recent years, the Kamakhya Temple has undergone
several renovations and modernizations, including the installation of a new
entrance gate and the construction of a new temple complex.
Here are some important dates and
events associated with the Kamakhya Temple :
1. 8th century AD: The Kamakhya Temple is believed to have been built by the Kamrupi King, Kamarupa Naraka.
2. 1665: The temple is destroyed by the army of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
3.
18th century: The temple is restored by the Ahom king, Raja Rajeswar Singha.
4. 1894: The Kamakhya Temple is declared a protected monument by the British government.
5. 1950: The Kamakhya Temple becomes a part of the state of Assam after India gains independence from British rule.
6. 1978: The Kamakhya Temple is damaged by a massive earthquake.
7. 2001: A new entrance gate is
constructed at the Kamakhya Temple.
8. 2015: A new temple complex is
constructed at the Kamakhya Temple.
Here are some details about the
Ambubachi Puja:
1. Ritual: Ambubachi Puja is the
celebration of the yearly menstrual cycle of the goddess Kamakhya. During this
period, the temple is closed for three days, and the goddess is believed to be
in a state of menstruation.
2. Significance: The Ambubachi Puja is
considered to be an auspicious occasion, and devotees from all over India come
to Kamakhya Temple to seek the blessings of the goddess. It is believed that
during this time, the power of the goddess is at its peak, and the devotees can
attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
3. Tradition: During the Ambubachi
Puja, the temple remains closed for three days, and no puja or other religious
activities are conducted. It is believed that the goddess is in a state of rest
and rejuvenation during this time.
4. Customs: Devotees are not allowed
to enter the temple during these three days. However, they can offer their
prayers outside the temple premises. On the fourth day, the temple is opened,
and the devotees can have darshan of the goddess.
5. Offerings: During the Ambubachi
Puja, special offerings are made to the goddess, including flowers, fruits, and
sweets. These offerings are believed to please the goddess and bring blessings
to the devotees.
6. Festivities: Apart from the puja,
various cultural programs are also organized during the Ambubachi Puja,
including folk music, dance performances, and traditional food stalls.
Overall, the Ambubachi Puja is a significant ritual that is celebrated with great devotion and reverence in Kamakhya Temple. It is a unique celebration of womanhood and a reminder of the power of the divine feminine energy.