Kamakhya is to the east and the North East what Vaishno Devi is to the North - and this is purely in a layman's terminology...this happens to be the nearest and most accessible pilgrim spot in the North East and so it is everyone's common religious destination
From our childhood it was the place where small family functions would be held, where eloped couples would head to for marriage, where all rituals took place under the supervision of the 'Panda' and where the yearly pilgrimage would happen.
These are the earliest childhood memories but as years passed I learned more about this place and found bliss in the fact that such a pious place existed so near to our homes.
Situated in Guwahati in the heart of the Neelachal hills, it is one of the Shakti Peethas.
Situated in Guwahati in the heart of the Neelachal hills, it is one of the Shakti Peethas.
The temple consists of four chambers: - garbhagriha and three mandapas locally called calanta, pancharatna and natamandira, aligned from east to west.
Legend has it that it is here the 'Yoni' of the mother fell after Shiva danced with her dead body. Shiva was not invited to the Yajna ceremony at Parvati's paternal house by her father Daksha, and this had angered her. Also Daksha had insulted Shiva and Sati felt insulted and jumped into the pyre. When Shiva saw the dead body of Sati, he could not stay still any longer and started dancing with Parvati's corpse in his hands. Vishnu jee fearing destruction ran his Sudarshan Chakra and cut Parvati's body into pieces, and each of these 108 pieces fell in what is today known as 'Peethas'. There are 51 such Shakti Peethas.
Every year the water in the garba griha turns red and it is believed that the Goddess menstruates during this period. The temples are closed at this time of the year for three days. It is also considered inauspicious to dig Mother Earth during the period or perform any religious functions. Thorough cleaning of the temple happens on the fourth day after which the doors of the temple are opened to the devotees. This period is known as 'Ambubachi' and the mela that is held is very grand attracting thousands of Sadhus and seekers from different parts of the country.
The other times of the year when the pilgrims flock to the temple are during both the Navratras. The autumn Navratra when Durga Puja is celebrated sees scores of devotees rushing in to offer their prayers. It is not otherwise during the spring Navratra when believers rush in to seek blessings of the Goddess. On the Ashtami day, 'kumaris' or little girls are worshiped. They are believed to be the embodiment of the Mother. Girls are beautifully dressed and taken around the temple before and after the Puja.
The 'Pandas' or priests have been the official caretakers of all the ceremonies and most of our families have a designated Panda. He takes care of all the rituals, his forefathers have done so in the past but it is not too sure if his next generation will carry on with the same job and responsibility. Only time will tell.
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| Our family 'Panda' |
Kamakhya temple is an ode to Mother Nature's power to create, nurture and sustain life.
