Kamakhya Temple: Spiritual Highlight of Northeast India Tour

Kamakhya Temple is a Hindu temple, dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya, located on the Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati city in Assam, India. It is one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India and is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu temples in the country. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year and is especially popular during the Ambubachi Mela, which is held annually in June and celebrates the menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya. It is believed that during this month (Ashad) Goddess Kamakhya undergoes the biological process of menstruation due to which the water of river Brahmaputra turns red in colour. So, if you are on your Northeast India tour, do not miss visiting the Kamakhya Temple.
 

The temple is open for puja from 5:00 am-1:00 pm and from 2:30 pm-5:30 pm. Though free darshan is available to all devotees, VIP tickets are available from the counter at 6:00 am to avoid long queues. The cost is INR 500/- per person. The Darshan at Kamakhya Temple usually takes around 1-2 hours with VIP tickets and without a VIP ticket, it can extend to around 3-5 hours.
 

Dedicated to different forms of Lord Shiva, there are five temples within the complex of Kamakhya temple. In addition, the temple complex also houses three temples of Lord Vishnu, present in the form of Kedara, Gadadhara and Pandunath respectively.
 

There are several legends and myths associated with this temple. According to one of the popular legends, it is believed that the reproductive organ of Sati settled on the earth at this place, which was followed by her death. On the other hand, another popular belief states that this temple is associated with the Goddess Kali.
 

The temple remains open 7 days a week and is a must-visit when you are in Guwahati on your Northeast India tour. There is no online booking system in place for visiting the temple yet and one must be present in person with valid identity proof like Aadhaar, voter card, or any government-authorized identity proof original.
 

The Kamakhya temple is closed during the Ambubachi Mela, a prominent annual festival held at the Kamakhya Temple from June 22nd to June 26th. This festival celebrates the annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing fertility and womanhood & signifies the menstruation period of the goddess.
 

The temple reopens with grand festivities on June 26th evening. The special sindoor or vermillion from the Kamakhya temple commonly known as the Kamiya sindoor is distributed to devotees on the last day of the Ambu Bachi Festival. This is the only sindoor in the world that is available in a crystallised form & is renowned for its properties to ward off evil.
 

General Tips for the Dress code for Kamakhya temple

1. Clean and comfortable clothing is ideal, especially since you might be navigating steps and crowds.

2. If you're unsure about an outfit, err on the side of caution and choose something more conservative.

3. Scarves or shawls can be useful for covering bare arms or shoulders if needed.

Remember, the most important thing is to be respectful of the temple and its customs.

Puja at Kamakhya Temple can be booked Online as well.

The temple website offers a service where you can book puja and have it performed by the temple priests on your behalf. Here's how it works:

Steps for Booking Online Puja:

1. Visit the Kamakhya Temple website

2. Navigate to the "Order Puja" section.

3. Select the type of puja you want to perform. There are various options available, each with specific mantras and rituals.

4. Choose the number of priests and the duration of the puja.

5. Provide your details, including your name, gotra (ancestral lineage), and any special requests.

6. Make the online payment.

If you're planning to physically visit Kamakhya Temple for Darshan (visiting the deity) and seek blessings, aim for dates outside the Ambubachi Mela period (before June 22nd or after June 26th). If you want to be a part of the unique Ambubachi Mela celebrations, plan your visit between June 22nd and 26th. However, remember the temple will be closed during this period.

Getting there: Kamakhya temple is fairly well located centrally in the city of Guwahati, and there are taxis and autos available easily to get to and from the temple. The Guwahati Railway Station and the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi airport are located 20 kilometers and 7 kilometers respectively from the temple complex. It is highly recommended to reach the temple early, at least by 5:30 am, to get a good spot in the line for tickets and entry to the complex.
 

Guests can also go for an interesting Kamakhya Guided Walk experience where a local guide/expert takes you for a walk in the Kamakhya Devalaya and Nilachal Hills. The walk is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and starts at 7 am and 2 pm (two batches).
 

Visiting the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati during your Northeast India tour is an enriching and spiritually rewarding experience. As a sacred site deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and fertility rituals, Kamakhya Temple captivates visitors with its mystique and devotion. OurGuest's well-planned tour ensures seamless exploration of not only this revered shrine but also the region's captivating natural beauty, diverse culture, and warm hospitality. Embrace the tranquility and profound spiritual energy of Kamakhya Temple while embarking on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting Northeastern part of India.
 

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Written by Karma Thutop Chechutharpa: Bridging Cultures Through Travel
Karma, a seasoned traveler with a deep love for Sikkim's rural charm, returned home in 2017. Co-founding OurGuest, he leverages his experiences across India, Nepal, and Bhutan to curate authentic travel journeys. Beyond adventure, Karma champions rural tourism. Through OurGuest's stories, he empowers local homestays and fulfills his childhood dream of becoming a writer, all while sharing the magic of Northeast India. 

For a customized tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in