Umananda Temple Guwahati History, Timings and Darshan details
Umananda Temple is the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the Peacock Island that resides on Brahmaputra River. The Umananda is referred from 2 Hindi names Uma and Ananda which means Lord Shiva’s wife and happiness. Peacock Island is one of the smallest island but most beautiful. Visiting this place is heaven for nature lovers.
The temple is located on the top of the hill Bhasmakala or the Bhasmakuta. The island was originally built in 1694 AD and was later rebuilt in 1897 due to the destruction by an earthquake. 10 other gods reside in the temple apart from Lord Shiva.
Umananda Temple Guwahati History
The Umananda Temple was previously known as Umananda Devaloi which means “The Abode of Lord Shiva”. According to history Lord Shiva resides on the Island as Bhayananda. At the beginning of human creation, Lord Shiva powdered ashes here and transmitted the supreme knowledge to his wife Parvati. Goddess Urvasi stayed on the island and rims ‘Amrutham’ for Goddess Kamakhya.
During the Mughal rule, the temple received permissions and offerings from the emperors Jahangir and Aurangzeb. The temple was badly damaged at the time of earthquake in Kamrupa in 1897. The temple was rebuilt by rich merchant.
Architecture:
The temple also comprises of 10 other Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The processional deities of Surya, Ganesh, Shiva and Parvati Devi and the 10 incarnations of Vishnu are placed in the temple. The temple is known for its Assamese craftsmen and architects.
Festivals at Umananda Temple:
Maha Shiva Ratri is the festival celebrated with extraordinary shows and pomps.
As the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva all the festivals related to Shiva are celebrated grandly.
Timings:
Open from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Time to be spent:
2-3 Hours
Entry Fee:
Free Entry
Ferry Ride- Rs 20 which start from Kachari Ghat.
How to Reach:
Guwahati Airport to Umananda Temple – 28 KM
Guwahati Railway Station to Umananda Temple – 2 KM
Guwahati Bus Station to Umananda Temple – 1 KM
Address:
Peacock Island, Guwahati, Assam – 781001.