Story and the History of Kamakhya Temple and Maa Kamakhya

Located atop the Nilachal Hill in the city of Guwahati, Assam, is one of India’s most revered and mysterious pilgrimage sites dedicated to goddess Kamakhya. Unlike typical temples, Kamakhya is revered as a shakti peetha, a sacred space believed to house the goddess’s reproductive organ, symbolizing fertility and primal feminine energy. Every year, thousands of devotees gather to seek the blessings of the Ambubachi Mela, a festival to honor the annual menstruation cycle of the goddess Kamakhya. The mysteries surrounding the temple, the rituals, and the unique atmosphere, make it a fascinating destination for devotees, scholars, and travelers alike.

The Stories and Tales of Maa Kamakhya

Here are a few interesting, interconnected tales and stories related to the temple and Goddess Kamakhya:

1. The Story of Kamakhya and Lord Shiva:

When Sati, wife of Lord Shiva attended the yagna held by her father, despite Shiva’s warning, the harsh words of her father disrespecting Lord Shiva stung like daggers forcing her to jump into the burning pyre of the yagna. Lord Shiva carried whatever remained of his beloved’s self-immolation, roaming the universe in utter grief and performing the Rudra Tandava. Fearing the imbalance in cosmic equilibrium, Lord Vishnu disintegrated Sati’s body and the places where her remains fell became known as Shakti Peethas, centers of energy.

2. The Ambubachi Mela:

The Ambubachi Mela is a unique festival held at the Kamakhya temple in Assam, drawing thousands of devotees, sadhus, and tourists, and is also a festival that celebrates the annual menstrual cycle of the goddess Kamakhya. During this time, the temple remains closed for three days, making a time of intense spiritual energy and respecting the cycle of creation. And once the three-day period is done, devotees from all over the world, gather to witness the divine phenomenon and seek blessings.  For devotees of Shakti worship, Tantric practitioners, and inquisitive tourists, the Ambubachi Mela provides a unique chance to immerse themselves in the richness of this esoteric festival, which places an emphasis on respect for both the natural processes that support life and the divine feminine.

3. The Curse of Kamadeva:

While mourning for his dearly beloved, Lord Shiva entered a meditative state because of which the entire creative process of the universe came to a halt. The gods, sent Kamadeva, the god of desire and love to awaken Lord Shiva from this state. Lord Shiva became furious at the disturbance caused by Kamadeva and burned him to ashes with his third eye. Rati, Kamadeva’s wife, prayed to bring him back. Lord Shiva, pleased by her devotion, agreed on the condition that a temple be erected on Nilachala where the Yoni of Sati had fallen. Thus became the temple of Kamakhya.

4. The Battle between Kamakhya and Naraka:

The story from the scriptures is that Naraka a king known for evil, proposed to marry Goddess Kamakhya. The goddess laughingly gave a condition where Naraka had to build a floating stairway from the ground to the mountaintop where her temple resides before the cock croaked. Fearing his progress, the goddess deliberately choked the bird. He then tried to forcefully marry her due to which a battle then ensued where Naraka was slain. This story also symbolizes the power and equality between genders.

5. The Kamakhya Temple and Tantric Practices:

The Kamakhya Temple has always had Babas practicing Tantric rituals. Tantric worship is a spiritual path with rituals, mantras, and meditation. The temple serves as a significant center for Tantric worship and rituals, attracting practitioners seeking spiritual enlightenment and divine blessings.

6. The Kamakhya Temple’s Cultural Significance:

The Kamakhya Temple has great cultural significance for the Assamese people in addition to its religious and spiritual value. It stands for the rich history of the state, customs, and the Assamese people’s enduring faith. The temple is a site of communal devotion and celebration as well as a representation of cultural identity.

7. Mystery of the Brahmaputra:

During the Ambubachi festival, a natural spring in the temple’s core that flows constantly over the yoni-shaped stones, and is connected to the Brahmaputra River turns red for three days, directing that the goddess bleeds during these three days of the year. Some scientific reasons for this might be due to the iron-rich soil surrounding the temple, another might be due to large deposits of cinnabar or mercury sulfide, although such claims remain unproven to date.

The Structure and What is Worshipped Inside the Kamakhya Temple:

The main temple complex is built in the Nilachala style, with a dome resembling a beehive, crowned by a series of stupas, giving it a unique appearance.  The central shrine houses a natural stone formation that resembles the yoni or female genitalia, symbolizing Goddess Kamakhya’s creative and fertile energy. The stone is veiled by a natural spring. Devotees revere this sacred stone in the temple’s sanctum by performing rituals that call forth the goddess’ energies and ask for her blessings for spiritual well-being, fertility, and protection.

Conclusion:

Devotees, spiritual seekers, and historians are all enthralled with the Kamakhya Temple because of its rich history and fascinating mysteries. One of the most potent Shakti peethas, it represents respect for the secrets of creation and the divine feminine. The temple provides a window into an age-old, magical custom that is still alive and magnificent today through its mysterious rites, distinctive architecture, and yearly Ambubachi Mela. Check out our Kamakhya tour package and immerse yourself in the world of faith, spirituality, and mystery.