Hajo

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About Hajo

Hajo Guwahati

Hajo is one of the famous places in Assam as well as in Asia. It is famous for its household bell metal industry in all over the world, produces the maximum amount of silk clothes in Assam contributing a lot to the state's economy.

Location

Stands 28 km away from Guwahati, the center of the Northeast India. This village is around 4 km in length and 3 km in width.

Geographical Description:

Temperature (deg c):
Summer- Max 35        Min 22
Winter-   Max 26       Min 10

Rainfall:180 c.ms (from May to September)

Best Season To Visit:October to March Main Attraction of Hajo:

Hajo in Assam is famous for three reasons:

  • As a center for various religions. Hajo in Assam is a sacred place, where three religions - Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists meet.
  • Hajo is also renowned for its bell metal work. This household industry contributes a lot to the state's economy.
  • Hajo has a large number of temples, the chief among them being Hayagriva-Madhab Temple. Hajo Assam is also considered to be a Muslim pilgrimage center, since the mosque known as the Powa Mecca built by Pir Ghiasuddin Aulia is situated here.
Myth Related To Hajo:

According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas had taken shelter in this region during their agyatvas or during the period in hiding. One can see the stone bowl used by Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers) during this agyatvas. Hajo also boasts the Hayagriba Madhava Temple, accessible via a long stone stairway. At the foot of the stairway is a large pond inhabited by one of Hajo's oldest residents - a giant turtle.

Main Festival In Hajo:

The main festivals that celebrated in Hajo can be listed as below:

  • The birthday of Sankaradeva (Sankaradeva's janmautsav), celebrated in the month of October by observing the rites and rituals of Vaisnaite tradition started by Sankaradeva.
  • Durga Puja, celebrated in October.
  • Id. celebrated twice in a year.
  • Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm, in colloquial language it is known as Doul.

Sightseeing in and Around Hajo:

Inside Hajo mainly two places can be identified.

  1. Hayagriva Madhava Temple

    Hayagriva Madhava temple of Hajo is about 30 miles to the west of Guwahati. The temple houses the image of Vishnu, resembling the image of Jagannath at Puri in Orissa. This temple is also regarded as a Buddhist shrine by Buddhist Lamas and Butiyas, who profess Buddhism. It is believed that, Lord Buddha attained Nirvana at this place.

    The temple was destroyed by Kalapahar ( who is said to have destroyed hundreds of temple in India) and was rebuilt in 1543 by the Koch king Raghudev. A smaller temple was built nearby by Ahom king Pramatta Singh where Doul is celebrated on a grand scale every year.

  2. Powa-Mecca

    There is a celebrated Muslim shrine at Hajo, known as Powa-Mecca (1/4th Mecca). According to the inscription on the wall of the mosque, it was built by Mir Lutufullah-i-Shiraji in 1657, during the period of the Mughal emperor Shahjahan. In front of the mosque lies the tomb of Gyasuddin Aulia, who made the first attempts to impregnate Islam in this part of the world. It is believed that, the foundation of the mosque partly comprises of some earth brought from Mecca.

Certain areas around Hajo carry lots of significance to visit as each of the places has its own attribute. Hajo is very close to Guwahati, the commercial capital of Assam in India. There are several places to visit in Guwahati, just 28 km from here. Further moving for 180 km from Guwahati one will reach Tezpur, one of the most revered historical sights of Assam in India. There are several sights, worth a visit at Tezpur. Pabitora is a small wildlife sanctuary, located at a distance of 60 km from Guwahati. Rhino and various species of deer abound this sanctuary of Assam. Sualkuchi, which is famous for Assamese silk industry and Sankaradeva's Vaisnavite tradition, is only 10 k.m away from Hajo.

How to Reach Hajo

Hajo is easily connected by air, road or rail. Being very close to Guwahati, the capital of Assam, Hajo provides all the facilities of public transportation facilities and taxi service. Guwahati Lokapriya Gopinath Bodoloi International Airport is only 25 km away from the village. Moreover, Guwahati main railway station is 28 km away from the village.

Staying near Hajo

In Hajo, there are guest houses, which is very convenient with all modern facilities and different foods. As Guwahati is only few kilometers away from the village, one can easily visit the village while staying in Guwahati.