Ambubachi Mela 2025: Dates, Rituals at Kamakhya Temple

Ambubachi Mela, celebrated annually at Assam’s Kamakhya Temple, marks the fertility cycle of the goddess Kamakhya. This spiritual festival attracts thousands of devotees, blending devotion, rituals, and cultural significance, making it a unique and revered event in India.

Ambubachi Mela 2025 Date: 22nd June to 26th June

Why is Ambubachi Mela Celebrated?

The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu festival held at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, India. It celebrates the belief that the presiding Goddess Kamakhya (a form of Mother Earth) undergoes her annual menstruation during this period.

For a few days, the temple remains closed, symbolising Earth’s fertility and regenerative power, then reopens for devotees.

Also Read: Kamakhya Devi Shakti Peeth

Origin of Goddess Kamakhya

The origin of Goddess Kamakhya is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu mythology, primarily from the Dakṣa Yajña and Shakti Peetha legend.

It is believed that when Lord Shiva carried the lifeless body of his consort Sati (who had self-immolated at her father Daksha’s sacrifice), her body parts fell at various spots across the Indian subcontinent. The yoni (womb or reproductive organ) of Goddess Sati is said to have fallen on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam.

This sacred spot became the revered Kamakhya Temple. Here, the Devi is worshipped as the embodiment of feminine creative power, desire, and fertility. The temple itself doesn’t contain an idol but a natural spring flowing over a yoni-shaped stone.

Rituals of Ambubachi Mela And Devi Khamkhya Puja

The Ambubachi Mela is a unique annual event at Kamakhya Temple. It symbolises the Goddess’s menstruation and Earth’s fertility. Rituals are as follows:

Ambubachi Mela Rituals

Temple Closure: For three days (the “Ambubachi period”), the main temple doors remain closed. This represents the Goddess resting and the Earth rejuvenating.
Restrictions: During these days, many devotees observe specific restrictions like avoiding cooking, farming, or reading holy texts, out of respect for the Earth’s sacred resting period.
Tantric Gatherings: Sadhus and Tantrics gather outside the closed temple, engaging in intense spiritual practices and meditations.
Temple Reopening & Purification: On the fourth day, the Goddess and the temple are ritually cleansed and purified.
Prasad Distribution: After reopening, a special ‘prasad’ (blessed offering) called ‘Raktavastra’ (red cloth, believed to be sanctified by the Goddess’s menstrual flow) and ‘Angodak’ (holy water from the spring) is distributed to devotees.
Grand Darshan: Millions of pilgrims then flock to the temple for a special darshan (viewing) of the Goddess.

Kamakhya Puja Rituals

Worshipping at Kamakhya Temple focuses on the powerful yoni-shaped stone that represents the Goddess.

Morning Rituals: The day begins early with priests performing sacred baths (Snana) and daily prayers (Nitya Puja) for the Goddess before the main doors open.
Darshan: Devotees can then enter for darshan, offering prayers and seeking blessings. Unlike other temples, there’s no idol; worship is directed towards the natural yoni-shaped stone.
Offerings: Simple offerings like flowers (especially red hibiscus), sindoor (vermilion), fruits, and sweets are made. While animal sacrifices historically occurred, many devotees now opt for non-violent offerings.
Aarti: Morning and evening aartis (lamp ceremonies) are performed with hymns and prayers, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
Mantra Chanting: Devotees often engage in personal mantra chanting to connect with the divine feminine energy.
Kumaripuja: The worship of virgin girls (Kumaripuja) is also a significant ritual, performed daily or on special occasions, representing the purity of the Goddess.

Why Do Millions Worship Kamakhya Devi?

Devotees come to Kamakhya Devi, especially at her unique temple in Guwahati, Assam, for several deep reasons:

Ultimate Feminine Power (Shakti Peetha): She is one of the most vital Shakti Peethas, believed to be where Goddess Sati’s yoni (womb/reproductive organ) fell. This makes her the ultimate symbol of divine feminine energy, creation, and fertility.
Goddess of Desire & Fulfilment: Her name literally means “she who fulfils desires.” Worshippers believe she grants wishes related to love, marriage, progeny, prosperity, and overall success in life.
Celebration of Menstruation: Unlike many traditions, Kamakhya celebrates the natural process of menstruation (during Ambubachi Mela). Thus, viewing it as a powerful, creative, and regenerative force of Mother Earth. This challenges societal taboos.
Tantric Significance: Kamakhya is a supreme centre for Tantric practices. Tantric practitioners seek her blessings to gain spiritual wisdom, mystical powers, and overcome life’s obstacles.
Protection & Healing: Many believe that worshipping Kamakhya Devi protects from negative energies. Additionally, it helps in removing black magic and aids in healing various ailments.
Spiritual Liberation: For serious seekers, she represents the path to spiritual liberation and a deeper connection with the cosmic creative force.

Ambubachi Mela: The Tantric Fertility Festival of India

The Ambubachi Mela is widely known as a Tantric fertility festival, due to its deep connection with the Kamakhya Temple.

Feminine Power & Fertility: At its heart, the Mela celebrates Goddess Kamakhya’s annual menstruation. This symbolises Earth’s fertility and regenerative power, directly linking to natural and human fertility.
Deep Tantric Roots: Kamakhya Temple is a major hub for Tantric worship in India. Tantra focuses on divine feminine energy (Shakti) and harnessing creative power. The Mela is deeply rooted in these powerful Tantric traditions.
Sadhus and Tantrics Gather: During Ambubachi, many Sadhus (holy men) and Tantric practitioners from across India gather. They perform special rituals, meditate, and sometimes display spiritual powers, enhancing the festival’s mystical vibe.
Breaking Taboos: This festival openly celebrates menstruation. In many cultures, this process is considered taboo. However, Ambubachi embraces it as sacred, aligning with Tantric philosophies that view natural bodily functions as divine.
“Raktavastra” Blessing: A key element is the “Raktavastra” (red cloth) distributed as a blessed offering. It’s believed to be sanctified by the Goddess’s menstrual flow, directly linking to fertility and powerful sacred practices.

Essentially, the Ambubachi Mela is a grand confluence of spiritual devotion, ancient Tantric practices, and a profound reverence for the life-giving power of the divine feminine.