When it comes to
religious tourism, Assam is such a place that crosses everyone’s mind
owing to its several pilgrimage destinations. Many temples and monuments
are built in this state which reflect different traditions and
religious beliefs. People often search for spiritual getaways to get
relief from the hurdles and tensions of their life and Assam is one such
ideal place.
Assam is the place with beautiful scenic flowers of varied species, rare animals and friendly localites. This is the land of rhinoceros and the River Brahmaputra. The national festival of Assam is Bihu which is a must visit; this festival occurs in the month of April and is enjoyed with songs and Bihu Dances. This is the New Year for Assamese.
There are several Hindu temples in Assam, among which, one of the holiest temples of the Hindus is the most famous Kamakhya Temple. This temple is regarded as the Shakti Peeth and is the most visited temple by the Hindu pilgrims in the state. Located on top of the Nilachal Hills, this temple is an icon of belief and has mythological story attached to it. This holy place experiences a huge crowd of devotees during the Manasha puja and Ambubachi.
The Pilgrimage of Assam is only is the place of worship. The temples well known for goddess Kali are the Navagraha and Kamakhya, these temples have strong stories of animal sacrifice. For the strong connection to Lord Shiva, Mahabhairav and Sivasagar located at Shivdal are the most visited. On the northern banks of Brahmaputra is the Hajo which is a scared place of Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. The other places to look upon are Basistha and Bhuban temple.
There are several small temples surrounding the main temple which are dedicated to many deities and are collectively called the Dasa mahavidya. Another notable temple in the city is the Nabagraha which means the temple of nine planets. This shrine had been the centre of study of astrology during the earlier times.
There are several small temples surrounding the main temple which are dedicated to many deities and are collectively called the Dasa mahavidya. Another notable temple in the city is the Nabagraha which means the temple of nine planets. This shrine had been the centre of study of astrology during the earlier times.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Assam
The Umananda Temple located at the center of the Brahmaputra River is another Hindu place of worship which attracts the devotees of Lord Shiva. In this temple the occasion of Maha Shivratri is celebrated in a grand manner and a huge number people observe fast and offer their prayers on this holy day.
The Mahamaya Temple is another prime pilgrimage site located in western Assam where a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shivacan be seen. It is believed that if one ties tiny bell on a banyan tree located in the temple then the person’s wishes comes true.
With several satras or the Vaishnavite monasteries, Majuli is a major sightseeing site in Assam. Dating back to the 16th century, Satras are an unique feature of Vaishnavism that was propounded by Sankardeva. Apart from being monasteries, Satras are centres for traditional performing arts. Currently, there are only twenty two satras amongst the sixty five monasteries preaching of socio-cultural ideals. These satras also provide guest accommodation. Some of the noteworthy satras are Auni-ati, Dakhinpat, Kamalabari, Garamur, Samaguri, Bengena-ati and Natun Kamalabari.
The Umananda Temple located at the center of the Brahmaputra River is another Hindu place of worship which attracts the devotees of Lord Shiva. In this temple the occasion of Maha Shivratri is celebrated in a grand manner and a huge number people observe fast and offer their prayers on this holy day.
The Mahamaya Temple is another prime pilgrimage site located in western Assam where a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shivacan be seen. It is believed that if one ties tiny bell on a banyan tree located in the temple then the person’s wishes comes true.
With several satras or the Vaishnavite monasteries, Majuli is a major sightseeing site in Assam. Dating back to the 16th century, Satras are an unique feature of Vaishnavism that was propounded by Sankardeva. Apart from being monasteries, Satras are centres for traditional performing arts. Currently, there are only twenty two satras amongst the sixty five monasteries preaching of socio-cultural ideals. These satras also provide guest accommodation. Some of the noteworthy satras are Auni-ati, Dakhinpat, Kamalabari, Garamur, Samaguri, Bengena-ati and Natun Kamalabari.
Sri Surya Prahar Ruins :-
The Ruins of Sri Surya Prahar, is
one of the popular archaeological sites in India . It sways over an area of 7
miles.You can spot many idols, which depicts the rich and splendid
architectural and carving nature of Assam . The sculptures carved in
this ruins depicts Shaktism, Shaivism and vaishnavism.
Dah Parbatiya :-
The temple of Dah Parbatiya is
located at Tezpur.As of now the only remains is the temple of Shiva which is
believed to be constructed during the period of Ahom.The ruins, which are
present, signifies great architectural carvings and artistic work of the Ahom.This
temple till date draws tourists from far off.
Vishnu Tirtha Asvakranta :-
The sight of Vishnu Tirtha
Asvakranta is considered to be one of the greatest Vishnu Shrine in the world. This
shrine also has the footprints of God Vishnu that draws lots of crowds
throughout the year. The location of this temple gives a magnificent view, as
it is located on the banks of River Bramhaputra.
This temple idolizes the idol of
Anantasayin Vishnu. The idol of Lord Vishnu specifies excellent architectural
and carving work.Ashvakranta
Temple is considered to
be very important and significant as it is one of the Holiest teertha sthanam
and it is also strongly believed that the one who visits this shrine is freed
from every sins. This is a Vaishnav Shrine situated in North Guwahati.The temple of Ashvakranta is believed to be ascended
by a Horse and this is the same place where God Krishna had stopped before
defeating naraka.
Hazo :- This temple is situated in Kamrup
District of Guwahati.This is one of the popular spots for the Hindus, Buddhists
and Muslims.
- Jogighopa and Pancharatna
- Kamakhya
- Surya Prahar Ruins
- Ashvakranta Temple
- Dah Parbatiya
- Vishnu Tirtha Asvakranta
- Hazo
There are several other popular holy places in Assam like the Powa-Mecca, Christ Church and the Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. The Sri Purva Tirupati Balaji Temple is a very recent addition made to the list of temples in Guwahati and has become the major attraction of the city. It is dedicated to Lord Balaji and there is also a Ganesha shrine at the entrance of the temple. Sukreshvara Temple, Satra and the Ugratara Temple are the other mentionable pilgrimage sites of the state.
This is a very famous site that depicts the rich spiritual side of Assam. It is a must visit place for all the art lovers and is an important site for the spiritualistic. So if you are planning for pilgrimage tour to Assam, the state has a lot to offer you irrespective of what your religious views and beliefs are.
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