Umananda Temple - Guwahati

Umananda Temple is one of ancient temples of Assam dedicated to Lord Shiva.This temple is situated on the Pea cock Island in the midst of the river Brahmaputra at Guwahati.

Legends :

 According to legend, the deity Lord Shiva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda.Lord Shiva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to the Kalika Purana, in the beginning of the creation Siva sprinkled ashes (bhasma) at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvati (his consort). It is said that, when Siva was in meditation on this hillock, Kamadeva interrupted his yoga and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Sivas’s anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala. This mountain is also called Bhasmakuta. The Kalika Purana states that Urvasikunda is situated here and here resides the goddess Urvasi who brings Amrit (nectar) for the enjoyment of Kamakhya and hence the island got the name Urvasi Island.

History :

The Umananda temple was built in 1694 A.D. by the Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique by the order of King Gadadhar Singh (1681- 1696), one of the ablest and strongest rulers of the Ahom dynasty. The original temple here was however immensely damaged by a devastating earthquake of 1897. Later the temple was reconstructed by a rich local merchant who chose to inscribe the interior part of a Siva temple with Vaisnavite slogans.

Temple :

The Structure of the Umanand Temple has inherited some rock-cut figures, which speak passionately of the masterly skill of the Assamese craftsmen. The sculptures have shown that the worshippers there followed all the principal Hindu gods. The devotees can find representations of Surya, Ganesha, Shiva and Devi (with a scorpion as emblem) in addition to those of Vishnu and his ten incarnations (avatar).

The presiding deity of the temple is Umananda (Tatrasti bhagavan sambhu- ruma- nandakarah Prabhu). It is believed that, worship here on the Amavasya day when it falls on Monday brings the highest bliss. The Siva Chaturdasi is the most colourful festival that is held here annually. Many devotees come to the temple on this occasion for the worship of the deity

Festivals :

Maha Shivaratri is the most celebrated hindu festival celebrated in Umananda. Monday is considered to be the holiest day in the temple and new moon brings bliss to the pilgrims. 

Best Time to visit : October To May

Temple Timings : 6.00 am to 6.00 pm

How to get here :

Airport : The nearest airport is at Guwahati. From where you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island to visit the temple.

Railhead : The closest railhead is at Guwahati, From here you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. The railhead at Guwahati is connected to almost all the major cities of India.

Road Transport : Guwahati is linked to all the major cities of Assam and nearby states. One can easily Guwahati by road from any part of the state.