History of Umananda Temple
The Umananda temple was earlier known as Umananda devaloi which means "The abode of Lord Shiva". As can be gathered from the name, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The magnificent temple was built in 1694 by the Bar Phukan Gadadhar Singha. However, the order was issued by King Gadadhar Singha who was one of the mightiest kings of the Ahom kingdom.
According to a legend, Lord Shiva resided on this island as Bhayananda. It is said that at the beginning of creation, Lord Shiva sprinkled ashes here and imparted the supreme knowledge to his wife, Parvati. The temple's actual history is overshadowed by many such legends. It is said that the Goddess Urvasi resides on this island and brinks "amrit" or nectar for Goddess Kamakhya. That is why the island is also called Urvasi island. Even the Bhasmakuta hill on which the temple is located has a story. Legend says that when Kamadeva disturbed Lord Shiva during his meditation, he turnedKamadevaa into ashes on this hillock, hence earning it the name of Bhasmakuta.
During the Mughal rule in Kamrupa, the Umananda temple received grants and donations from the Mughal emperors Jahangir and Aurangzeb. Sadly, the mighty temple was heavily damaged in an earthquake in 1897. It was later rebuilt by a rich merchant who was a devotee of Lord Shiva.
Architecture of Umananda Temple
Although the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, it has shrines of ten other Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Idols of Surya, Ganesha, Shiva and the Devi, and the ten incarnations of Vishnu are found in the Umananda temple. The beautifully designed temple can be reached by a winding flight of stairs. The temple in itself is an epitome of the mastery of the Assamese craftsmen and architects. The sanctum sanctorum encloses the rock on which Lord Shiva sat to meditate.
Festivals Celebrated at Umananda Temple
Maha Shivratri is celebrated in this temple with great pomp and show. As the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, this festival is of utmost importance here.
Mondays are considered to be the holiest days of the week and devotees from far and wide come to offer their respects on this day.
Umananda Temple Timings
The Umananda Temple is open for visitors from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM on all days of the week.
How to Reach Umananda Temple
The Umananda Temple can be reached easily from Guwahati and North Guwahati by ferries. Ferries are available from the Fancy Bazaar ghat and the Sukleshwar ghats. In spite of being expensive, travelling in ferries is quite an experience. Tourists get to experience the might of the Brahmaputra River, and the view is breathtaking. However, a much cheaper option is to avail the Inland Water transport which connects the Peacock island to Guwahati from Uzanbazaar Ferry Ghat.
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