Vashistha
Travel to India > Guwahati > VashisthaLocation: Vashistha temple, located in the south-east corner of Guwahati
Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva
Also Known As: Basistha Ashram
Significance: Temple and picnic spot.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Shiva mandir constructed by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha along with gift of land 835 Bighas for the ashram. The history of the Basistha Ashram where the temple is located dates back to the Vedic age. According to legend the ashram was founded by the great saint Basistha (Vashistha).
Construction of the Temple:
This ashram is believed to be the home of famous sage Basistha, also known as "Vashistha". The ashram is located a few kilometers (10-12) from Guwahati, on the outskirts of Garbhanga reserve forest which has an ample population of Elephants. This Garbhanga reserve forest is also a proposed Butterfly reserve. Although the ashram has a temple but still the cave in which the Muni Vashistha is believed to have meditated is located 5 K.m. inside the ashram. The ashram also has a waterfall discovered by some of the local boys of Guwahati
Origin of River Bharalu:
Temple in the ashram stands on the bank of the mountain streams originating from the hills of Meghalaya. The rivers Basistha and Bahini/Bharalu flow through the city of Guwahati.
How to Reach Vashistha Ashram:
It is easily connected by air, road or rail. Being very close to Guwahati, the capital of Assam, Vashistha provides all the facilities of public transportation facilities and taxi service. Guwahati Lokapriya Gopinath Bodoloi International Airport is about 45 km away from the ashram. Moreover, Guwahati main railway station is 25 km away from the ashram.