Janardhana Temple, also called Janardana Devalaya, is located on the Shukleshwar hillock near the Sukreswar Ghat on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati city, Assam.
The presiding deity of this ancient temple is Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Lord Janardana, meaning “the protector of mankind.”
Inside the sanctum, the Lord is seen holding the conch (Shankha), discus (Chakra), mace (Gada), and lotus (Padma).
There are also smaller shrines dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Ganesha within the temple complex.
The temple showcases a graceful blend of Assamese and Vaishnava architecture, with a small sanctum crowned by a curved shikhara (spire).
The idol of Lord Janardana bears Buddhist-style features, reflecting the spiritual harmony between Vaishnavism and Buddhism that flourished in ancient Assam. The temple stands amid greenery with a simple mandapa, open courtyard, and a calm riverside ambience ideal for meditation.
The Janardana Temple is one of Assam’s ancient Vaishnava shrines, believed to date back to the Kamarupa period.
An inscription now kept in the Assam State Museum (Ref ID 174034) records the rebuilding of the Janardana Temple in Saka 1672 (1750 CE) under Ahom rule, confirming its medieval restoration.
Archaeological surveys also show traces of older stone sculptures and brickwork, proving that the site has been continuously sacred for many centuries.
Long ago, the hillock on which the temple stands was a sacred site of ancient Kamarupa, revered by sages and devotees.
During a time of great unrest, Lord Vishnu manifested here as Janardana, bringing peace to the land and protecting the righteous.
According to the local legend, the site is linked to the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, who subdued the pride of King Mahabali. After restoring divine balance, Vamana blessed this Brahmaputra-side hillock as a place where the Lord’s presence would forever remain. From then on, it became known as Janardana Tirtha, and pilgrims began visiting the spot for worship and meditation.
As centuries passed, the spiritual atmosphere of the place attracted both Vaishnava devotees and Buddhist monks. A large image of the Buddha—interpreted locally as a compassionate manifestation of Janardana—was installed, symbolising that both faiths worshipped the same divine protector. This fusion gave the temple its unique identity: a sacred space where Buddhist serenity and Vaishnava devotion co-exist.
As centuries passed, the spiritual atmosphere of the place attracted both Vaishnava devotees and Buddhist monks. A large image of the Buddha—interpreted locally as a compassionate manifestation of Janardana—was installed, symbolising that both faiths worshipped the same divine protector. This fusion gave the temple its unique identity: a sacred space where Buddhist serenity and Vaishnava devotion co-exist.
The temple celebrates all major Vaishnava festivals, especially Sri Krishna Janmashtami, when the shrine is illuminated and devotees gather for bhajans and puja.
Other important observances include Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Rama Navami, and Vishnu Jayanti.Regular worship and evening aarti draw devotees daily, especially on Saturdays and Ekadashi days.
