About Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya temple on Nilachal Hill above Guwahati is one of India's most powerful Shakti Peethas, where the yoni (womb) of Goddess Sati is said to have fallen after Shiva's tandava. The goddess is worshipped not through an idol but through a natural rock cleft that oozes red water believed to be the goddess's menstrual blood. Once a year during the Ambubachi Mela (June), the temple closes for three days to honour the goddess's annual menstruation, then reopens to an explosion of tantric celebrations drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees. Kamakhya is the supreme seat of Tantric Hinduism and Shakta worship in eastern India.

An ancient temple predating recorded history stood here. The current beehive-shaped shikhara — distinct from North Indian shikharas — was built by the Koch king Naranarayan in 1565 CE after the original was destroyed by the Bengal Sultanate. The Kalika Purana (10th century CE) is dedicated to this goddess.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Auto-rickshaws and cabs from Kamakhya station. Shared vehicles go up the hill.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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