Guwahati,
the gateway to the states of the Seven Sisters in the north eastern part of
India was historically known as Pragjyotispur. The capital city of the state
of Assam is referred to as the Light of the East. The city, founded on the
banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, reveals mystery of unbelievable tantrism
that are depicted at the temple of Kamakhya situated on the top of the
Nilachal hills.
Split in to two parts on either side of the Brahmaputra, Guwahati and North
Guwahati the state government offices are to the southern side of it in the
nearby Dispur, 8 km away. An important place of the Hindus, numerous temples
are seen around the city. On the north bank lies Hajo, a pilgrimage place of
historic importance.
Climate
The temperature is warm in the summers while during the winters, it is
chilly and cold. The best time to visit the place is from the month of
October to May.
Major Attractions
» The Kamakhya Temple - The temple is situated on
the top of the Nilachal hills at a distance of 10km from the railway
junction. The temple is noted among the sacred shrines of tantric practices
and is commonly known as the Yoni Peeth. It is the resting place of the
genitals of Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The much vaunted Ambumachi mela
is held every year during the month of June when pilgrims flock from all
over to mark the occasion.
The Kamakhya temple was built in the 10th century by the Koch king,
Naranarayana A phenomenon practice of this land is to offer animal sacrifice
to appease the Goddess. Above Kamakhya lies another temple, Bhubaneshwari
from where one can have a full view of the city around.
» Navagraha Temple - 
The
temple of nine planets is an ancient seat of astrology and astronomy. The
structure of the temple is like a bee hive dome where the central lingum is
encircled by nine planets representing the different grahas and their
importance. The grahas are placed according to the dragon or rahu's head or
tail and the ascending modes of the moon.
» The Vashista Ashram - The old shrine of Rishi
Vashista Muni is seen flowing with the criss crossing of three rivers namely
the Lalita, Kanta and the Sandhya. In this abode of the great sage, people
are seen in plenty every day offering their puja. Celebration of events like
marriage and namakaran of child are a common sights. All these people come
to take the blessings of the great Vashista Muni. The Ugatara temple famous
for the golden idol and buffalo sacrifices are seen nearby.
» Shankardev Kalashetra - The remarkable cultural
center gives ample insight in to the cultural richness of Assam. Various
form of traditional dances are performed at regular intervals to show case
the indigenous culture of the north eastern region.
» ManasTiger Reserve - The only tiger reserve in Assam, it is
situated on the bank of river Manas with the background of the
Sub-Himalayan hills. Covering an area of about 360 km, the sanctuary is
famous for the tigers and the rarest species of hispid hares, pigmy hog
and the golden langur. Migratory birds are seen during the winter
seasons including the great hornbill and the shel duck.
North
India States
