The gateway to north-eastern India, Guwahati has the Shillong Plateau on one side and the Brahmaputra River on the other - the city provides bewitching views and a much-needed rejuvenation to travellers. It also houses many beautiful temples which draw numerous visitors who are either spiritually inclined or are just looking for a peaceful setting to unwind.
The temples in Guwahati cast a spell on the travellers, mesmerizing them with their aura, and offer just the perfect set-up to begin their globetrotting experience in North East India. Here are the unique temples of Guwahati that every traveller must visit once: -
1. Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya Temple is situated on the Nilanchal Hill. Being a revered shrine of Goddess Shakti, the Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati is among the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas. The main entrance of the temple is marvellously designed with carvings and it has a huge dome with three mandapas.
Being a famous temple of Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple surrounds you with a sense of calm the minute you enter its premises. You also get to gaze at the mesmerising view of the entire city from the temple, something that stays with you long after you conclude your trip. A good time to visit the temple is during the Ambubachi Festival when the temple is all decked up. Many Guwahati tourism packages include a trip to this temple.
2. Umananda Temple
Another famous Hindu temple of Guwahati, the Umananda Temple is situated on Peacock Island. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this place of worship exudes serenity from all corners. Apart from the popularity of the beautifully designed temple, tourists also flock to this temple to revel in its beautiful surroundings. In fact, the Umananda Temple of Guwahati has such a peaceful aura that all you want to do is sit there for a while and just be.
3. Ugratara Temple
The Ugratara Temple of Guwahati is dedicated to Goddess Sati. Constructed in 1725, this is a temple of prime importance. This site is situated in a region that enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. So, you do not have to worry about finding the best time to visit this intriguing place. It is one of the most fascinating tourist places in Guwahati that every traveller must visit.
4. Basistha Temple
A Shiv Mandir in Guwahati, the Basistha Temple can come next in your tour itinerary. The temple is located inside Basistha Ashram which belongs to the Vedic age. According to legend, the saint named Basistha founded the ashram. Upon visiting the ashram, you are greeted by the spellbinding views of the mountain streams which originate from the hills of the Indian state of Meghalaya. This makes your visit to Basistha mandir in Guwahati a unique travel escapade.
5. Bhubaneswari Temple
Located on the top of a hill, the Bhubaneshwari temple is one of the most popular temples in Guwahati. A white shrine that is dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, this temple offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Guwahati city. You can even capture a mesmerising view of the sun setting on the Brahmaputra River from the hill. How about that?!
6. Sukreswar Temple
The Sukreswar Temple or mandir in Guwahati is a significant Shiva temple. It is situated on the Sukreswar or Itakhuli hill on the southern bank of Brahmaputra River. The temple is said to be built by Ahom King Pramatta Singha. There is a flight of steps from the temple compound that leads to the river. One can sit on the steps of the Sukreswar Ghat and gaze in silence at the picture-perfect scenery of the place. From gawking at the boats moving across the river to watching the sun go down, you will never have a dull moment at the ghat.
7. Lankeshwar Temple
One of the most famous temples in Guwahati, the Lankeshwar Temple is situated near Guwahati University. Lankeshwar, an avatar of Lord Shiva, is worshipped here. Set at a beautiful location, this mandir in Guwahati provides a sense of calm to anyone visiting the place. To see different forms of celebration at the temple, one can plan to visit the temple at the time of Mahashivratri.
8. Janardana Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Janardana Temple is perched amidst the gorgeous backdrop of Brahmaputra River and the captivating green valleys of Guwahati. The shrine showcases an enchanting amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. When you enter the temple, you notice milky white walls with fantastic carvings of deities on them. The temple’s main sanctum enshrines a Buddhist statue. Once you reach the prayer hall, you can’t help but be engulfed in serenity. Several tourists include this temple in the list of temples to visit in Guwahati in a bid to experience the calm and quiet the place offers.
9. Doul Gobinda Temple
One of the most popular temples in Guwahati, the Doul Gobinda Temple is located on the foothills of the Chandrabati Hills in Northern Guwahati. Its location is idyllic owing to the shores of the Brahmaputra River in the vicinity. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple finds a mention in the list of ‘temples to visit in Guwahati’ by a lot of visitors. The maximum footfall at the temple is recorded during the Holi festival.
10. Purva Tirupati Shri Balaji Temple
The Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the most magnificent temples in Guwahati city. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the shrine should definitely form a part of your list of Guwahati temples to visit. The architectural design of the temple is so unique that it will instantly appeal to anyone who sees it. As soon as you step foot in here, you can’t help but fall in love with the pleasant ambience of the temple.
11. Aswaklanta Temple
Sri Aswaklanta Temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in Guwahati. Situated on the banks of Brahmaputra River, the temple is quite a famous religious site of the city which is known for its attention-grabbing stone inscriptions on the walls. Lord Anantasai Vishnu and Lord Janardana are the two main deities of the temple. Furthermore, Janmashtami and Ashokasthami are the festivals that are celebrated here.
12. Dirgheshwari Temple
Dirgheshwari Temple is a well-renowned temple in Guwahati city. Considered as a Shakti Peetha, the temple was constructed by Ahom king Swargadeo Siva Singha and is a significant historical site that you can visit in Guwahati. At the same time, the temple is also popular among offbeat travellers and history buffs.
Bonus Recommendation: If you have time left on your watch, you can visit a one-of-its-kind temple called Navagraha Temple. Situated on top of the Navagraha Hill in Guwahati, the Navagraha Temple is dedicated to the nine celestial bodies. The temple premises also serve as a research centre for astrology and astronomy. Being a famous pilgrimage spot, the temple is constructed in the old shikhara style architecture. Be it the captivating dome or the beehive architectural pattern, the temple appeals to almost every kind of tourist. Also, the spellbinding views of the Brahmaputra River and the valley are another compelling reason to visit the beautiful Navagraha Temple of Guwahati city.
The temples in Guwahati offer a delightful experience to all kinds of travellers. Be it the enchanting aura of the Tirupati Balaji Temple or the captivating design of the Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati, the temples of the city offer the perfect way to spend a peaceful as well as fulfilling vacation in northeastern India.
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