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Guwahati
Attractions |
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Tourist
Attractions in Guwahati
Guwahati has other attractions besides the Brahmaputra which
is unique among the great rivers of the world. It has many
temples. The most important temple which attracts pilgrims
from all over India is the Kamakhya Temple. The other temples
and attractions in Guwahati are the Umananda Temple, Navagraha
or temple of nine planets, Vashistha Ashram. |
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Kamakhya Temple
The most important temple which attracts pilgrims from
all over India is the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati which
is dedicated to the
goddess Kamakshya or Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
This temple stands on the Nilachala Hill, 8 kms. away
from Guwahati. This temple is believed to be an ancient
Khasi sacrificial site and has been a well known centre
for Tantric Hinduism. The deity was installed where the
limb of Sati fell when, according to a legend, Vishnu
cut asunder her body so that Shiva did not see her dead
and start his dance of destruction. The temple,
according to another legend was built by Narkasur, a
king mentioned in the Mahabharata. With its
beehive-pattern top, the |
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nymph motifs and the long turtle
black hall, the temple is an excellent specimen of old
Assamese architecture. This temple was rebuilt in 1665 after
the original 10th century temple was destroyed by a Brahmin
who had become a Muslim convert in the 16th century.
Umananda
Temple
Umananda Temple is another interesting temple in Guwahati. The
Umananda Temple is located right in the middle of the river
Brahmaputra on an island called Peacock Island. The temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva, and has several rock-cut figures of
gods and goddesses on its walls, some of the finest examples
of Assamese craftsmanship.
Navagraha Temple or temple of nine planets
Navagraha Temple or temple of nine planets is located on the
west of Chitrachal Hill. The temple of Nine Planets was once
the seat of astronomical and astrological research. Because of
this temple, Guwahati came to be known as Pragjyotishpur, the
city of eastern astrology.
Vashistha Ashram
Another place worth a visit in Guwahati is the Vashistha
Ashram. This place is situated about 12 kms. from Guwahati. It
is believed that the great saint Vashistha, the Guru of Rama,
in the ancient times, had his ashram (retreat) here. It is a
pilgrim and natural scenic spot with three streams – the
Sandhya, Lalita and the Kanta flowing nearby.
Guwahati Oil Refinery
The first oil refinery in the public sector in India, the
Noonmati Refinery was erected with Rumanian collaboration in
1961 and produces petrol, light diesel, aviation fuel and
furnace oil.
Janardhan Temple
Janardhan Temple is situated in the heart of the city atop the
hillock Suklesvar. The temple was rebuilt in the 17th century
having been consecrated in the 10th century. It has an image
of the Lord Buddha which is an unique blend of Hinduism and
Buddhism. |
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Hajo
Hajo is situated only 24 kms from Guwahati. Hajo is an
important place of pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists and
the Muslims. The Buddha, according to one version,
achieved his Nirvana here in Hayagriba Madhav temple.
There is a Muslim mosque, too, held in great esteem by
Muslims. The mosque is called Pao Mecca, considered
equal in sanctity to one-fourth of the piety that one
acquires by Haj at Mecca.
Sulakshi
Sulakshi, a village 24 km. from Guwahati, is the
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principal
centre of silk production in Assam. In this village, almost
every household is busy producing silk and garments made of
silk. It is also famous for its brassware. |
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