Kamakhya Temple is one of the most well-known and aesthetically built temples in India. It is located in Guwahati, Assam. The temple is located in the western region of Guwahati, on the Nilachal Hill. It is the main temple of a temple complex, in which different temples are dedicated to different forms of Mother Goddess. The Kamakhya Temple is dedicated to Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. It is a shrine of ‘Shakti’ worship. It is one of the most acclaimed Shakti shrines in the country. Every year, thousands of devotees and pilgrims from all parts of the country, throng here to offer their prayers to Goddess Sati.
Different myths and legends abound about the construction of this temple at this particular place. According to the legend of Kalika Purana, after the Rudra Tandav of Shiva, in which Shiva danced with the corpse of Sati, Sati’s body parts fell in different places in India. The reproductive organ or yoni of Goddess Sati had fallen at this place while her husband was dancing; drenched in the emotion of deep sorrow, while carrying her deceased body. The legend goes that the temple was built at the same spot where her yoni had fallen. However, according to a latter legend of Yogini Tantra, the Kamakhya Temple had been associated with the Goddess Kali. Another legend says that Narkasur, who was a demon king, built this temple.
However, if we leave aside the myths, the history of the temple in its present form dates back to 1565 AD. An earlier version of this temple of unknown historicity existed, but it was decimated by Kala Pahar- the notorious plunderer in the Indian history.
