Kamakhya Devi Shakti Peeth

Kamakhya Devi: Understanding The Goddess

Shakti Peeths are temples dedicated to worshipping the divine Goddess in different forms based on the body part or ornament of Goddess Sati that fell in that location. The Kamakhya temple Shaktipeeth is built in the location where the vulva (genital organ) of Goddess Sati fell after she self-immolated.

Adi Shakti here is worshipped in the form of Kamakhya Mata, “The Mother Goddess”. Kamakhya Mata is known to be the Goddess of desire. She is also called the bleeding Goddess. Kamakhya Devi is also one of the significantly important deities of the Shakta Tantric practices.

Significance Of Kamakhya Temple Shaktipeeth

The Kamakhya Shakti Peeth is one of the most visited Shakti Peeth. Dedicated to the Kamakhya form of the Adi Shakti, this temple symbolises fertility and creation. Let us explore more about the cultural and astrological significance of this temple.

• Astrological Significance Of Kamakhya Temple

The Kamakhya temple is known for worshiping the Yoni (reproductive organ). The Vagina is considered the source of all creation and the idol of this temple is a vulva shaped stone. Goddess Kamakhya is believed to be linked to planet Venus, and worshipping her helps one reduce Venus’s ill effects.

Apart from this, worshipping Goddess Kamakhya can help a person channel positive energies within themselves. It helps awaken the Muladhara Chakra, also known as the root chakra. This also helps facilitate the Kundilini energy within oneself.

• Cultural Significance Of Kamakhya Temple

The Kamakya temple Shaktipeeth is the abode of the Goddess Kamakhya. It is believed to be the center for Tantrik practices and rituals. This temple is also known to have different rituals from other temples.

The temple represents the feminine power of creation and fertility. It is the only temple that worships the raw form of the Goddess. The Kamakhya Shakti Peeth is known for having spiritual power and is believed to hold a strong divine presence.

Every year, the temple premises are closed for 3 days. These 3 days are the days when it is believed that the Goddess is menstruating. An annual fair, known as the Ambubachi mela, is held during this time, celebrating the Goddess’s menstruation. The nearby flowing Bramaputra River also turns red during this time, signifying the process of purification.

Mythology Of Kamakhya Temple Shakti Peeth

The main Kamakhya Devi story in english is of the one where Goddess Sati self-immolates and Lord Shiva rams around the world with her corpse, forgetting all his duties. So Vishnu, using his Sudarshan Chakra, cuts Sati’s body. Wherever these parts fell, the Shakti Peethas were formed.

However, apart from this, there are also other stories related to the Kamakhya Shakti Peeth. Let us have a look at these not-so-well-known tales of the Kamakhya temple history.

• Lord Shiva, Kamdev And Rati

This tale starts when Sati’s demise deeply hurt Lord Shiva, and he went into deep meditation. In his meditation, he forgets all about his duties. This became a cause of great concern for all the devas. They then sent Kamdev to awaken Shiva from his meditation. However, because Kamdev attempted to wake him up, Shiva was furious. In his anger, he burned Kamdev to ashes.

Kamdev’s wife, Rati, got to know all about this and performed severe penance to please Shiva and seek his blessings. Shiva was pleased by her efforts and restored Kamdev to life. However, he did not return Kamdev his lustour. Lord Shiva asked Kamdev to construct a temple in the Nilanchal Hills. Once he does so, Shiva will bless him back with his lustour.

Upon hearing this, Kamdev asked Vishwakarma for help to build the Kamakhya Shakti Peeth. He built the temple where the Yoni of Goddess Sati fell. After the temple was built, Lord Shiva blessed Kamdev with his original lustour and shine.

• Naraka And Kamakhya Devi

Naraka was the ruler of Assam. He was a true devotee of Goddess Kamakhya. Pleased by his devotion, the Goddess decided to visit him. Upon seeing the Goddess in front of him, Naraka was immediately captivated by her beauty. He asked to marry the Goddess. Kamakhya Devi agreed to marry him, but only if he could fulfill one of her conditions.

She asked Naraka to build a temple, a tank and a stone pathway from the Brahmaputra riverside to the top of the Kamakhya hills in one night. Naraka agreed and continued with the preparations. Naraka was near completion but the Goddess make a cock crow beforehand. This signaled the coming of dawn. Angered by his inability to fulfil the task, Naraka left the incomplete way and went home.

About The Architectural Marvel Of Kamakhya Temple

Set in the Nilanchal Hills of Guwahati, the Kamakhya temple’s architecture combines different architectural styles. According to the Kamakhya temple history, it holds traditional styles while cultivating a modern look.

• The Kamakhya Shakti peeth is built in the traditional Nagra and Saracenic style. The Nagra style is typically found in the parts of Nothern India. On the other hand, the Saracenic style is the Mughal architectural style that has been influenced by Indian history, being a blend of Indian, Islamic, and Victorian architectural forms.
• The temple is divided into five chambers:
• Garbhagriha: The main sanctum of the temple where the idol resides
• Antarala: The roof design of the temple
• Jagan Mohan: The central and principal chamber of the temple
• Bhogmandir: The Ritual Chamber, also called the Pancharatna
• Natmandir: The open hall of the temple

Learn About Other Shaktipeeth