गुवाहाटी के नीलाचल पर्वत पर कामाख्या देवी का मंदिर 51 शक्तिपीठों में सबसे प्रसिद्ध है। यहाँ कोई मूर्ति नहीं, बल्कि योनि रूप में शिला की पूजा होती है। हर साल जून में अंबुबाची मेले के दौरान मंदिर तीन दिन बंद रहता है।
On Nilachal hill above the Brahmaputra in Guwahati stands one of the most powerful and mysterious temples in India — Kamakhya. It is among the most important of the Shakti Peeths, and a great centre of tantric worship.
The story of Sati
When Sati gave up her life at her father Daksha's yagna, a grieving Shiva carried her body across the universe. To end his sorrow, Bhagwan Vishnu used the Sudarshan Chakra to divide her body, and its parts fell at different places — each became a Shakti Peeth. At Kamakhya, it is believed, the yoni (womb) of the goddess fell. That is why she is worshipped here as the source of creation itself.
A temple without an idol
Inside the dark garbhagriha there is no murti. Devotees go down a few steps into a cave-like chamber where a natural stone, shaped like a yoni, is kept moist by an underground spring. It is covered with red cloth and flowers. The feeling inside is of being in the presence of the Mother.
Ambubachi Mela
Every year in June, during the monsoon, the temple doors close for three days for Ambubachi. Devotees believe that during this time the goddess goes through her yearly menstrual cycle. On the fourth day the doors open, and devotees receive pieces of red cloth as prasad. Lakhs of sadhus and pilgrims gather — it is called the Mahakumbh of the East.
During Ambubachi, the water of the spring and even the Brahmaputra nearby turns red.
The temple does close for three days each June, and the red cloth prasad is real. The colour of the water is a matter of faith; some attribute it to iron-rich soil or offerings of sindoor.
Visiting Kamakhya
Queues can be long, especially on Tuesdays, Saturdays and during Navratri. VIP darshan tickets are available through the temple. We often combine Kamakhya darshan with Shillong and Cherrapunji on our Meghalaya trips.
- Location
- Nilachal hill, Guwahati, Assam
- Ambubachi Mela
- Usually around 22–26 June
- Also see
- Umananda temple on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra
- Combine with
- Meghalaya — Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki
Questions
Why is there no idol in Kamakhya temple?
The goddess is worshipped as a natural yoni-shaped stone in the garbhagriha, believed to be where the yoni of Sati fell.
When is Ambubachi Mela?
Every June, usually around 22–26 June, when the temple closes for three days.
Is Kamakhya a Shakti Peeth?
Yes, it is one of the most important Shakti Peeths.
