Maa Kamakhya temple is one of the famous temples, situated on Nilachal Hill, at 8 km west of Guwahati city in Assam. This temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess Kamakhya, who is considered as the essence of female energy. Kamakhya temple is one of the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. Legend says that when Lord Shiva was carrying the dead body of his spouse Sati, her “yoni” fell to the ground and it was at that spot the temple was built. The temple consists of a natural cave and a spring. Going down a flight of steps will reach a dark and mysterious chamber, where the “matra yoni” is kept, which is clothed with a silk sari and covered with flowers.
It was a very old temple, which was once destroyed by Muslim invaders, but rebuilt in 1665. It is believed to be a sacrificial site of ancient Khasi. Today, sacrifices are part of worship in this temple and devotees are seen arriving here every morning to perform goat sacrifice to Shakti.
Durga Puja is celebrated here annually during Navaratri which falls in the month of September- October. This three-day festival attracts a number of devotees. Another unique festival called Ambuvaci (Ameti) fertility festival is celebrated here with the belief that the Goddess Earth undergoes her menstrual period.
Maa Kamakhya Temple Opening and Closing Hours:
Morning: 5:30 AM to 1.00 PM
Evening: 2.30 PM to 10:00 PM
Maa Kamakhya Temple Morning:
5:30 AM – Snana of the Pithasthana.
6:00 AM – Nitya puja.
8:00 AM – Temple door open for devotees.
Maa Kamakhya Temple Evening:
1:00 PM – Temple door closed for cooked offerings to the goddess followed by distribution among the devotees.
2:30 PM – Temple door reopens for the devotees.
5:15 PM – Closing of the temple door for the night.
7:30 PM – Aarati of Goddess.
Maa Kamakhya Temple Special Programs:
5:30 AM – Snana of the Pithasthana.
6:00 AM – Nitya puja & Saradiya Durga Puja.
9:00 AM – Temple door open for devotees.
1:00 PM – Temple door closed for cooked offerings to the goddess followed by distribution among the devotees.Closing of the temple door at sunset.
7:30 PM – Aarati of Goddess.
Kamakhya Temple Address:
Maa Kamakhya Devalaya,
Kamakhya,
Guwahati,
Assam – Pin-781010.
Phone: 0361-2734654, 2734655
e-mail: info@maakamakhyadevalaya.org, maakamakhyadevalaya@gmail.com
