The Kamakhya Temple, located atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, is one of India’s most revered and ancient Temples. Dedicated to the Goddess Kamakhya, it holds immense religious and cultural significance. This blog will take you on a virtual journey to explore the mystical Kamakhya Temple and learn about its history, architecture, and spiritual practices with Shree Maa and Swamiji.
The Kamakhya Temple has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is believed to be one of the country’s oldest Shakti Peethas (sacred sites dedicated to the Goddess Shakti). Legends and myths surround the Temple, making it a place of intrigue and devotion for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The Temple’s architecture is a blend of Assamese and Classical Hindu styles. The main shrine, known as the Garbhagriha, is a small cave-like structure where the Goddess Kamakhya is worshipped. The Temple complex also includes several other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. The intricate carvings, colorful frescoes, and ornate sculptures add to the Temple’s aesthetic appeal. The Kamakhya Temple is known for its association with tantric practices. It is believed to be where the Goddess Kamakhya performs her menstrual cycle, known as the Ambubachi Mela. During this time, the Temple remains closed for three days, and devotees gather to seek blessings and participate in rituals.
The Temple is a hub of festivities throughout the year. The Ambubachi Mela, Durga Puja, and Navratri are some of the major festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm. For devotees, the Kamakhya Temple is a place of spiritual solace and divine blessings. Worshipping at the Temple is believed to fulfill desires, bestow fertility, and bring prosperity. The serene ambiance and the panoramic view of the Brahmaputra River from the hilltop further enhance the spiritual experience.
During the auspicious occasion of Navaratri every year, devotees from all over the world gather at the Kamakhya Temple to seek blessings from Maa Kamakhya. The nine-day festival is filled with singing, dancing, and fervent prayers to the divine Goddess. The day begins early for Shree Maa, who wakes up at 3 am to start her spiritual routine. She starts with japa, a meditative repetition of sacred mantras, followed by a purifying bath. Alongside Swamiji, they recite the Hanuman Chalisa and Lalita Sahasranama, invoking the blessings of Lord Hanuman and the divine mother Lalita. After the morning rituals, Swamiji leads the devotees towards the Kamakhya Temple. As they approach the Temple gates, Swamiji chants the names of various gods and Goddesses, offering flowers as a symbol of devotion. These flowers are then taken by one of the Temple pandits and offered to Maa Kamakhya, deepening the connection between the devotees and the divine.
At exactly 5:30 pm, the preparations for the evening arati begin. All the devotees gather in Shree Maa’s room, where they come together to perform the evening arati. They sing devotional songs dedicated to the gods and engage in japa, the meditative repetition of sacred mantras.
At 6:00 pm, the drummers arrive, signaling the start of the procession towards the Temple. The devotees, accompanied by Shree Maa, leave the Guest House and begin their pradakshina, a circumambulation around the Temple. As they walk, they chant “Jai Maa, Jai Maa,” expressing their reverence and devotion to the divine mother. During the pradakshina, the devotees make three rounds around the Temple, continuing to sing praises to Maa Kamakhya. Finally, they stop near the murti (statue) of Maa Kamakhya located outside the Temple. Here, they sing the Chandi Maa ki arati, a devotional song dedicated to the fierce form of the Goddess Durga. As a gesture of love and blessings, Shree Maa distributes prasad, sacred food offerings, to all the devotees. This prasad is considered to be imbued with the divine grace of Maa Kamakhya and is received with reverence and gratitude by the devotees.
The evening arati and the pradakshina are significant rituals during Navaratri, as they allow the devotees to connect deeply with the divine energy of Maa Kamakhya. Through their collective prayers, chants, and offerings, they seek divine blessings and experience a profound sense of devotion and spiritual upliftment. The procession continues until Navami, the ninth day of Navaratri. On Ashtami and Navami, special rituals take place, including the Kumari Puja in the evening. During the Kumari Puja, Swamiji performs a sacred ceremony dedicated to young girls who are considered embodiments of the divine feminine energy.
Before the puja begins, Shree Maa takes on the responsibility of adorning the young girls, who are chosen to represent the Kumari form of the Goddess. She decorates them with beautiful attire, jewelry, and flowers, enhancing their divine presence. The devotees ensure that the Kumari’s food and gifts are prepared and ready for the ceremony. Swamiji then initiates the Kumari Puja, which holds immense significance and is considered highly auspicious. The puja involves offering prayers, mantras, and rituals to the Kumari, symbolizing the worship of the divine feminine energy in its purest form. The young girls, representing the Kumari, are revered as manifestations of the Goddess herself.
The Kumari Puja is a deeply spiritual and sacred ritual that highlights the divine presence in young girls and celebrates the power and purity of feminine energy. It is believed that through this puja, devotees can receive blessings, protection, and guidance from the Goddess. The Kumari Puja during Navaratri is a testament to the reverence and devotion towards the divine feminine energy. It serves as a reminder of the inherent divinity within every woman and the importance of honoring and respecting the feminine aspect of creation.
Then Swamiji will perform Sandhi Homa. Sandhi Puja is a significant ritual that takes place during the transition period between Ashtami (the eighth day) and Navami (the ninth day) of Navaratri. It is considered a highly auspicious and powerful moment when the energy of the Goddess Durga transforms from her fierce form to her nurturing form. The word “sandhi” refers to the juncture or the meeting point between two phases. During this juncture, it is believed that divine energy is at its peak, and performing the Sandhi Puja holds immense spiritual significance. The duration of this auspicious period is exactly 48 minutes, which is divided into two halves – the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami. The Sandhi Puja is performed with great devotion and precision. Swamiji leads the puja, invoking the divine presence of the Goddess Durga. Special mantras, prayers, and rituals are conducted during this time to honor and connect with the transformative energy of the Goddess. One of the highlights of the Sandhi Puja which Shree Maa does is the lighting of 108 lamps, symbolizing the removal of darkness and the illumination of divine knowledge. The lamps are arranged in a specific pattern, creating a mesmerizing sight that adds to the spiritual ambiance. The energy during the Sandhi Puja is believed to be highly potent and conducive to fulfilling desires, seeking blessings, and overcoming obstacles. Devotees offer their prayers, perform rituals, and chant mantras with utmost devotion, seeking the divine grace and blessings of the Goddess. The Sandhi Puja is considered a sacred and transformative moment during Navaratri. It signifies the transition from the fierce aspect of the Goddess to her nurturing and compassionate form. It is believed that during this juncture, the Goddess is most receptive to the prayers and offerings of her devotees, granting them strength, protection, and blessings. Participating in the Sandhi Puja allows devotees to experience a deep connection with the divine energy and to tap into the transformative power of the Goddess. It is a time of heightened spiritual energy and devotion, where devotees seek divine intervention and guidance for their spiritual growth and well-being.
On the auspicious day of Navami, Shree Maa, the divine guide, encourages all her devotees to participate in the tradition of brahmin bhoj seva, It is a spiritual party which is loving and fun, and people come from all over the world to share in the joy of our sincere worship. This sacred ritual involves feeding as many Brahmins as possible, with each meal holding a special significance. By feeding Brahmins, devotees seek their blessings and guidance, believing that it can bring prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual growth. Shree Maa, always caring for her devotees, believes that acts of service and kindness, such as feeding Brahmins and the less fortunate near the Temple, can bring blessings and prosperity to those who participate. The act of feeding Brahmins is not just about providing physical nourishment but also nourishing the soul. It is a way to express gratitude for the blessings one has received and to seek blessings for the future. By coming together to feed others, devotees not only fulfill a religious duty but also strengthen their sense of community and compassion. On this sacred day of Navami, all devotees unite as the Temple priest cooks the meal, performing the food brahmin bhoj seva, spreading love and abundance to all encountered. May we be blessed with the wisdom and grace of Shree Maa as we continue our spiritual journeys.
On Dashami, the tenth and final day of Navaratri, a special visit is made to the Umananda Temple in Guwahati, Assam. This Temple is located on a small island in the mighty Brahmaputra River, and devotees reach there by boat. Shree Maa and Swamiji have also established a Hanuman Temple on this island.
As part of the tradition, Shree Maa takes the responsibility of cleaning the Hanuman Temple. With utmost devotion and care, she ensures that the Temple is immaculate and ready for the day’s rituals. This act of cleaning the Temple is considered a sacred service and a way to express reverence towards Lord Hanuman.
Swamiji then proceeds to perform the Hanuman Puja, a ritual dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Hanuman is revered as the epitome of devotion, strength, and loyalty. The puja involves offering prayers, chanting mantras, and performing rituals to invoke the blessings and grace of Lord Hanuman.
The visit to the Umananda Island and the Hanuman Temple on Dashami holds great significance. It is a way for devotees to express their gratitude and seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman, who is believed to bestow courage, protection, and spiritual strength.
The location of the Umananda Temple on a small island in the Brahmaputra River adds to the spiritual ambiance and serenity of the experience. The boat journey to reach the Temple creates a sense of anticipation and reverence among the devotees. Visiting the Umananda Temple and participating in the Hanuman Puja on Dashami is a culmination of the Navaratri celebrations. It is a time to reflect on the spiritual journey undertaken during the nine days and seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman for a prosperous and fulfilling life ahead.
During Dashami last year, Shree Maa had a significant dream in which she envisioned adorning Maa Kamakhya, the divine Goddess, with exquisite jewelry and clothes outside the Temple. This dream has since become a reality, and Maa Kamakhya in beautiful attire continues to this day. The devotees who visit the Temple take immense pride and joy in witnessing the stunning deity adorned with intricate jewelry and elegant clothes. The sight of Maa Kamakhya in her resplendent form creates a sense of awe and reverence among the devotees, deepening their connection with the divine. The act of decorating Maa Kamakhya is considered a sacred offering and a way to express devotion and love towards the Goddess. It is believed that the adornments enhance the divine presence and radiance of Maa Kamakhya, creating a captivating atmosphere within the Temple premises.
The beautiful attire and jewelry symbolize the divine beauty and grace of Maa Kamakhya, and they serve as a visual representation of the devotion and reverence of the devotees. The act of witnessing Maa Kamakhya in such a splendid form is considered a blessing and a source of inspiration for the devotees on their spiritual journey. The dream that Shree Maa had last year has brought about a wonderful tradition that continues to touch the hearts of all who visit the Temple. It is a testament to the divine connection and the deep spiritual experiences that unfold during the Navaratri celebrations at the Kamakhya Temple.
As the Navaratri festivities come to an end, Shree Maa, along with all the devotees, bids farewell to Maa Kamakhya as they express gratitude for the divine blessings received during these nine sacred days. After the farewell, everyone begins their journey back to their normal routines, carrying with them the cherished memories and experiences of the enchanting devotion displayed by Shree Maa and Swamiji during Navaratri. These nine days hold immense significance for all the devotees, and they eagerly look forward to participating in the various rituals led by Shree Maa and Swamiji each year.
The Navaratri experience at the Kamakhya Temple is transformative and deeply spiritual for all who partake in it. The devotion, rituals, and prayers led by Shree Maa and Swamiji create a profound impact on the hearts and minds of the devotees. The energy and atmosphere during Navaratri are filled with divine grace, love, and spiritual growth. The devotees carry the essence of this enchanting devotion with them as they return to their daily lives. The memories of the sacred rituals, the divine presence of Maa Kamakhya, and the guidance of Shree Maa and Swamiji serve as a source of inspiration and strength throughout the year.
The Navaratri experience at the Kamakhya Temple is a reminder of the power of devotion, the beauty of rituals, and the transformative nature of spiritual practices. It is a time of deep connection with the divine and a celebration of the divine feminine energy.
Each year, devotees eagerly anticipate the opportunity to participate in the Navaratri celebrations at the Kamakhya Temple, knowing that they will be immersed in the enchanting devotion of Shree Maa and Swamiji. The memories and experiences gained during this auspicious time continue to resonate in their hearts, guiding them on their spiritual journey until the next Navaratri arrives.