In Northeast India with the scenic beauty divine energies flow that awaken your spiritual senses, writes ABHI SINGHAL

Travel is not just about discovering new places but also about embracing different cultures, landscapes, adventures and experiences. It has become more important than ever to explore destinations that offer both natural beauty and unique cultural richness. Northeast India, a region often overlooked by traditional travellers, offers an incredible journey for those seeking something beyond the ordinary. With its pristine landscapes, diverse ethnic communities, and rich history, it presents an adventure unlike any other.

To attract you all towards Assam, let me begin by saying that the state has secured the fourth place on The New York Times prestigious list of 52 places to visit on Earth in 2025. The treasure of Northeast India is Guwahati, the largest city in the state of Assam. It is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River; Guwahati is a perfect blend of traditional charm and the modern vibrancy. Also known as the ‘Gateway to the Northeast,’ it serves as the entry point to explore the natural wonders, wildlife, and hill stations that define the region. In addition to its cultural landmarks, Guwahati is famous for its temples and unique local cuisine.

As I entered the it was all scattered with red roli (vermilion) around and inside, the Maa Kamakhya Temple epitomised spirituality, power, and strength. The temple is located atop Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam. The temple being on the top will let you have a decent walk. The distance has a market of beautiful flowers, local Assam items, and more.

As soon as you enter the Kamakhya Temple, you feel something different and makes you feel more powerful, especially if you are a woman. The premises of the temple have goats roaming all around the temple surrounded by devotees. The worshipping structure is in the form of a yoni (womb) with water inside it.

Ancient Tantra

Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, the temple is celebrated as a vital centre of tantric practices, symbolising the divine feminine energy. It is one of the oldest among the 51 Shakti Peethas, believed to mark the spot where the yoni of Goddess Sati fell, as per Hindu mythology. The temple's primary focus of worship is an an iconic yoni set in natural stone having a deep connection with fertility and creation.

Historical Significance

The Kamakhya Temple is a blend of 8th- and 9th-century architecture, influenced by various dynasties that ruled the region. Its unique Nilachal architectural style is an amalgamation of local designs and influences from the Palas, Koch, and Ahoms.

The sanctum sanctorum houses Tripurasundari, Matangi, and Kamalatmika, while individual temples for Kali, Tara, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, and other Mahavidyas are spread across the precinct. This distinctive layout makes it an unparalleled center for the worship of the Mahavidyas.

Sacrificial House

Not all the happenings need an explanation, some are done because they are needed from the ancient time and carry a spiritual importance. One of the same is the Sacrificial House in the Kamakhya Temple, which offers bali (sacrifice) of animals to the Goddess. Soft-hearted people are requested not to watch the same, but the ones who can watch it could feel different because some happenings open that side of your soul and life that you might have never imagined.

Ambubachi Mela

The temple is globally renowned for hosting the Ambubachi Mela, an annual festival that celebrates the Goddess's menstruation, symbolising the fertility of the Earth. This festival attracts lakhs of devotees. The mela is a powerful reminder of the sacredness of womanhood and its connection to creation. With heaps of crowds, and hours of line people stand in to get the darshan.

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