Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Kamrup

Madan Kamdev Temple

Berely 40 Kms. away from Guwahati, the gateway of North-East and 3 Kms. from Baihata Chariali on National Highway 52, Madan Kamdev is an enigma, a mystery, a marvel which speaks about the ancient Kamrup. Scattered all around the Dewangiri hillock with an idyllic back drop of green hills and flowing rivulet, are griffins, nymphs, dancing fairies, gods and goddesses in cosmic evoluations, walls, pillars, lintels and door frams decorated with flowers, animals, Kalpa-vriksha (the tree of fulfillment), six sided Bhairava, four headed Shiva, Demons, Serpants and men, women and animals in every conceivable erotic postures, all in ruins-ruin of gigantic proportion - that is Madan Kamdev.


Carvings that arrest time and remain ageless proclaiming eternal yearning for Love and Joy. Every curvable surface here is vibrant with a fervour of joy-dee vivre which transformed rocks into living, breathing, dancing beauty - a timeless dream on silent rocks.


Gateway to Madan Kamdev





Sculpture, Madan Kamdev

It is belived that Kama or Madan, the God of Love was reborn in this place after being turn into ashes by angry Lord Shiva. One school belive that Madan was reborn and united to his wife Rati in this tiny hillock. Another school argue that the name Madan Kamdev is romantic association to palce, because of the numarous erotic sculptures.

Saraighat war Memorial Park
This Park is at Agyathuri on the northern bank of river Brahmaputra .The Park has been constructed for preservation and promotion of the memories associated with the Battle of Saraighat which took place in the year 1671 A.D. between the Ahoms and Mughals under the command of the great Ahom "Senapati" Lachit Barphukan .

Statue at War Memorial Park




Aswaklanta : This temple being famous for the Hindus was constructed by king Siva Singha in 1720 A.D. situated on the bank of the river Brahmaputra. It consists two big temples. It is said that Lord Krishna, while coming to kill Narakasura, his horse got tired in this place. There are also some others opinion that the horse was attacked near this temple and the name of it should have been Aswakranta and not Aswaklanta. Formally there was a Kunda, a place of sacrifice near the temple. Now this Kunda does not exist because it was eroded by the river Brahamputra. Inside this temple, there are two images one of Janardana and the other of Anantasai Vishnu. The later is a fine art specimen of eleventh century. There is one stone inscription on the body of the temple located at north Guwahati. Ideally located on the bank of the river, it is linked by regular ferry services with the south bank. It can be reached by road across the Saraighat bridge.


Chanda's Merghar at Chaygaon :- It is a site with which a mythological story is attached to a merchant named Chanda Saudagar and his son Lakhindar and his daughter-in-law Beula. The story goes that Chanda Saudagar , who was a devotee of Lord Siva ,once got a curse from 'Nag Devata' (the God of Snake) that he would have no descendents any further as his only son would be killed on the latter's wedding nite. To prevent this, Lakhindar and his bride was confined in the "Merghar" (a specially built sealed house for the newly wed couple to prevent entry of snakes ) However despite every effort , Lakhindar was bitten to death by 'Nag Devata' . It was Beula 's relentless offerings and prayers that saved her husband's life later on. Ruins of 'Merghar' and replica of Siva idols are still found around this site.


Chandubi :- A natural lagoon and a fine picnic spot which is 64 km from Guwahati. The lake and its surroundings broken by glades, is in ideal holidays resort and has the added attraction of fishing and rowing in the lake. The place is easily accessible by bus from the central bus stand at Adabari, Guwahati.
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Daul Govinda Mandir: Located at the north bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra. It is a place of historic importance. The temple and shrines, copper plates and rock inscription are scattered to suggest a glorious heritage in and around north Guwahati. The holy Daul Govinda Mandir is perfectly placed at the beautiful foot hills of Chandrabharati hill at Rajaduar, a place of the east of North Guwahati and this natural ambience heightens the sanctity of this place of worship.

Everyday hundreds of pilgrims assemble here particularly, during the month of Magha and especially on the auspicious full moon day. Daul Govinda Mandir has two idols i.e. of Lord Shyamaray and Lord Govinda of course most of the devotees offer their prayers mainly to lord Govinda.
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Sidheswar Devalaya : It is situated in Sualkuchi of Kamrup district. It is an ancient Siva temple, which was built during the time of Ahom King Siva Singha's rule. A few images of archeological interest exist at the site.
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Dirgheswari Temple : Located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra and linked by a motorable road, this shrine is considered as one of the supreme Devi Tirthas of the state. Isolated and lying at the foot of a range of hills, it has several rock cut images which can be traced to the 11th to 12th century A.D. This is one of the few temples where buffalo sacrifice is done annually during Durga Puja.

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