Guwahati Ugratara Temple is one of the most sacred and important pilgrimage centers of Assam. Ugratara Temple is located on the western side of Jor Pukhury tank at Uzan Bazar in Guwahati, Assam. The Ugratara temple is dedicated to the goddess Tara Devi and is said to be an important shrine for Goddess Sati. Legend has it that the navel of Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva, is linked to this 18th-century temple. The temple is generally identified with Tiksna-Kanta, Eka-Jata, etc., of the Buddhist pantheon.
In Ugra Tara’s garbhagriha, there is no image or idol of her. A small pit filled with water is considered the Goddess. Ugra Tara temple is small and beautiful to see. There is a Shivalaya next to Ugra Tara temple and a pond behind both temples. Ugra Tara temple was constructed by Ahom King Siva Singha in 1725 AD, who excavated a reservoir three years earlier. The reservoir is known as Jorepukhuri, is located to the east of the temple.
Kalika Purana describes a Shakti Peetha called Dikkara Vasini. Dikkara vasini has two forms, Tikshna kantha and Lalitha kantha. Tikshna Kantha is black and pot-bellied, also called Ugra Tara or Eka Jata. Lalitha Kantha is gracefully attractive, also called Tamreshwari.
The best time to visit Ugratara is during Durga Puja when the temple lights up with mirth and joy. During this time, animal sacrifice is done to appease goddess Ugratara. Ugra Tara is worshiped in general like Kamakhya. She likes liquor, flesh, Modaka, coconuts, and sugar cane.
Guwahati Sri Ugratara Temple Timings: 5.30 am to 8.00 pm
Ugra Tara Temple Sthala Purana:
Once upon a time, Yamadarma Raja complained to Lord Brahma that no one is coming to Hell from Kamarupa due to the sanctity of the area, despite the sins committed. Brahma brought this complaint to Sri Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took them to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva ordered the goddess Ugra Tara to expel all the people living in Kamakhya. She sent her army.
During this impulse, they laid hands on Rishi Vasishtha who was meditating on Shiva in Sandhyachal. Vasishtha got angry and cursed Ugra Tara and Lord Shiva. Subsequently, all Vedic sadhanas (Shiva) are deposited in Kama rupa and Ugra Tara becomes a goddess of Vamachara sadhana. Her entire army became Mlechhas.
Sri Ugratara Temple Address:
Lamb Road,
Uzan Bazar,
Guwahati,
Assam – 781001.
