Umananda Temple in Guwahati
Location:The temple of Umananda is located on the Peacock Island (as named by some poetic British Administrator) in the middle of the river Brahmaputra at Guwahati. Country boats that are available at this place take the visitors to the island mainly from Kachari ghat, Pan Bazar, Guwahati. The hill on which the temple has been built is known as Bhasmacala.
Significance of Umananda temple:
The temple is one of the well-known pilgrimage centers in Assam, where Siva is believed to have resided once upon a time. People from all over India and also from abroad visit this holy place.
History of Umananda Temple:
The temple of Umananda was built in 1694 A.D. by the Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique under the order of one very famous and strongest rulers of Ahom dynasty King Gadadhar Singh (1681- 1696). The devastating earthquake of 1897 had damaged the original temple, as a result of which it was reconstructed by a local merchant. During the renovation process the interior part of the Siva temple has been inscribed with some of the Vaisnavite slogans.
Legends associated with the temple:
Kalika Purana says that, in the beginning of the creation, Siva dropped ashes (bhasma) at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvati (his consort). It is said that, when Siva was meditating on this hillock, Kamadeva interrupted his meditation and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Siva's anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala. The Kalika Purana states that Urvasikunda is situated here and here resides the goddess Urvasi who brings Amrit (nectar) for the enjoyment of Kamakhya and hence the island got the name Urvasi Island.
Presiding Deity:
The presiding deity of the temple is Umananda (Tatrasti bhagavan sambhu- ruma- nandakarah Prabhu). It is believed that, worshiping the deity here on the Amavasya day, which falls on Monday, brings the highest bliss. The Siva Chaturdasi is the most colourful festival that is held here annually. Many devotees come to the temple on this occasion to worship the deity.
Structure of the temple:
Masterly skill of the Assamese craftsmen is seen in the rock-cut figures in the temple site, where one can find the representations of main Hindu deities that include Surya, Ganesha, Shiva and Devi (with a scorpion as emblem) in addition to those of Visnu and his ten incarnations (avatar).
How to reach Umananda temple:
Umananda temple is easily accessible by air, road or rail and river.
Airport: The nearest airport is at Guwahati. From the airport one can take public transport or taxi to Kachari ghat, nearest place to take ferry to the Peacock Island to visit the temple.
Railhead: The closest railhead is at Guwahati, from where one can walk on foot to the Panbazar. At Panbazar you can access a ferry to the Pea Cock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. Guwahati is connected to almost all the major cities of India.
Road Transport: One can easily reach Guwahati by road.
Water Transport: As the temple stands in an Island amidst the Brahmaputra River, one must have to take a ferry to reach the temple. The ferries are arranged by the state tourism department for the tourists from all the parts of India and world. Special ferries are provided during special occasions.
Staying near Umanada temple:
Guwahati city provides excellent lodging facilities ranging from luxurious to pocket-friendly ones. Moreover, from Panbazar which has lots of hotel facilities is very close to the ferry-stand. Guwahati, being the centre of the whole north-eastern part of India provides all types of food starting from traditional delicious Assamese food to continental and other Indian dishes.