Kamakhya Temple is situated atop Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam. This sacred site is closely linked to Narakasura, the demon king of ancient Pragjyotishpur (now Guwahati), who ruled the region along with his son Bhagadatta. Narakasura is said to have been the progenitor of the dynasties that ruled Kamarupa. The temple is also one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India, dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, a powerful form of Shakti.
The main deity is Goddess Kamakhya, worshipped in the form of a yoni-shaped stone, symbolizing fertility and creation. Unlike many temples, there is no idol, making it unique among Shakti temples.
The temple’s origins are believed to date back to the 4th–5th century CE, while the present structure mainly belongs to the 8th–9th century CE, with renovations by Ahom and Koch rulers. Historically, the temple gained prominence during Narakasura’s reign and has remained a center of devotion ever since.
Kamakhya Temple is built in the Nilachal style, blending traditional Nagara architecture with local influences. The temple complex includes:
Garbhagriha – Sanctum sanctorum
Antarala – Vestibule
Jagamohan – Assembly hall
Bhogmandir – Offering hall
Natmandir – Dance hall (added by Ahom king Rajeshwar Singha in 1759)
A unique feature is the perpetually moist yoni stone, believed to be due to a subterranean spring.
Legend says Narakasura desired to marry Goddess Kamakhya. She playfully challenged him to build a staircase from the foot of Nilachal Hill to the temple in one night. Narakasura almost completed it, but the goddess tricked him by making a rooster crow prematurely, giving the impression of dawn. Frustrated, Narakasura abandoned the staircase and later killed the rooster.
Drunk with power, Narakasura conquered kingdoms on Earth and challenged the heavens, stealing Aditi’s earrings and kidnapping 16,000 women. The gods approached Vishnu, who incarnated as Krishna. With help from Satyabhama (an avatar of Bhudevi, Narakasura’s mother), Krishna fought and killed Narakasura with his Sudarshana Chakra.
Before his death, Narakasura requested that his demise be celebrated with lights and joy. This is why Naraka Chaturdashi, the day before Diwali, is celebrated with colorful lights and festivities.
Kamakhya Temple celebrates several important festivals throughout the year. The most famous is the Ambubachi Mela, held in June, marking the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing fertility and Mother Earth’s creative power. The temple remains closed for three days and reopens with grand rituals. Another major festival is Pohan Biya, observed in December–January, which commemorates the divine marriage of the goddess. Apart from these, the temple also celebrates Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Ganesha Chaturthi, attracting devotees from all over India. Each festival reflects the temple’s rich traditions of devotion, tantra, and celebration of feminine energy.
