KAMAKHYA TEMPLE

Located on Nilachal Hill, this mesmerizing Hindu temple is dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya, Shiva's young bride. It is one of the holiest sites in the Northeast, especially revered by followers of the tantric movement, an esoteric yogic tradition. The present structure of the temple is said to date back to the ^8th century and was renovated many times until the ^17th century. Pilgrims form an impressive queue to enter the sanctuary, the garbhagriha. In this underground "cave" there is a fissure in the rock in the shape of a yoni, the female counterpart of the lingam, which is constantly bathed by water from an underground spring. It is this fissure that is worshipped as the goddess Kamakhya, who embodies the Shakti, the primordial female cosmic energy. In keeping with ancient traditions, the monks, dressed in red, still sacrifice a goat every morning to offer it to Shakti. The sikhara (main tower of the temple) which stands above the garbhagriha has facades adorned with sculptures of Ganesh and other Hindu deities. The temple being an important center of Tantra, the Ambubachi Mela festival, usually in mid-June, which symbolizes the menses of the goddess Kamakhya. This festival attracts thousands of sadhus and pilgrims every year. A visit to the Kamakhya temple also provides an opportunity to learn about the amazing temple structures in Assam, which are very different from central or northern India.