The Temple City of Guwahati

ORIGIN OF THE NAME KAMRUP

The Present Assam was referred to as Kamrup in many of the ancient Indian literature. It was also known as Pragjyotishpur due to the astrology (Jyotish Shashtra) practices that prevailed in this part of the country during that time. However, "Kamrup" became a more predominant name in the later part of the history. There is a famous story which says the reason behind the naming of this place "Kamrup":

Lord "Shiva" married Parvati, the daughter of Daksha, a very powerful king of that time. The King however, did not like his son-in-law for some reasons and hence did not invite him for the "Jagna" (the great sacrifice) ceremony which the king organised in a great fashion. Parvati being the daughter of the king could not resist from attending the ceremony and went there with the permission from her husband. As she reached the auspicious venue, "Daksha" did pass on derogatory comments on her husband and that too in front of a huge gathering. She became very annoyed and got disgusted at the discourtesy shown to her husband and sacrificed her life on the spot itself.

Overcome with grief at the death of Sati (Parvati), Shiva began a grim penance and wandered about the world carrying her dead body on his head. Shiva's 'dance of death' and penance alarmed all the gods because it threatened to destroy the world. In order to stop the frightful wanderings of Shiva, the supreme god, Vishnu, cut the dead body of Sati into fifty- one pieces with his great weapon, the "Shudarshan Chakra" (Discus). The pieces fell onto the earth in fifty one different places and wherever they fell, the ground was held to be sacred. One of the important organs of Sati fell on Nilachal hill in Guwahati and the place was thenceforth held sacred and it says that the famous Kamakhya Temple was originated from that "Sati's" organ only.

As Shiva continued to do penance, the other gods became afraid that he would thereby acquire universal power. They sent Kamadeva, the God of Love, to make Shiva fall in love again, and thereby break his penance. Kamdeva succeeded in his mission, but Shiva was so enraged at the result that he burnt Kamadeva into ashes by a fiery glance of his third eye. Kamadeva eventually regained his life and his original 'form' (Rupa) in Assam and the land where this took place become known as "Kamrup" ("Kamarupa").

TEMPLES:

1. KAMAKHYA TEMPLE:

The Kamakhya Temple is a shakti temple situated on the Nilachal Hill in western part of Guwahati city in Assam, India. It is the main temple in a complex of individual temples dedicated to different forms of the mother goddess as the Dasa Mahavidya, including Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta, Tripura Sundari and Tara. It is an important pilgrimage destination for general Hindu and Tantric worshipers.

Description: The current temple structure was constructed in 1565 by Chilarai of the Koch dynasty in the style of medieval temples. The form of the earlier structure, destroyed by the Kala Pahar, is unknown. The current structure has a beehive-like shikhara with delightful sculptured panels and images of Ganesha and other Hindu gods and goddesses on the outside. The temple consists of three major chambers. The western chamber is large and rectangular and is not used by the general pilgrims for worship. The middle chamber is a square, with a small idol of the Goddess, a later addition. The walls of this chamber contain sculpted images of Naranarayana, related inscriptions and other gods. The middle chamber leads to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the form of a cave, which consists of no image but a natural underground spring that flows through a yoni-shaped cleft in the bedrock. During the Ambuvaci festival each summer, the menstruation of the Goddess Kamakhya is celebrated. During this time, the water in the main shrine runs red with iron oxide resembling menstrual fluid. It is likely that this is an ancient Khasi sacrificial site, and worshiping here still includes sacrifices. Devotees come every morning with goats to offer to Shakti. The Kalika Purana, an ancient work in Sanskrit describes Kamakhya as the yielder of all desires, the young bride of Shiva, and the giver of salvation.Shakti is known as Kamakhya.

Worship: The Kamakhya Temple in Assam symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam. The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan and non-Aryan goddesses. The Yogini Tantra mentions that the religion of the Yogini Pitha is of Kirata origin. According to Banikanta Kakati, there existed a tradition among the priests established by Naranarayana that the Garos, a matrilineal people, offered worship at the Kamakhya site by sacrificing pigs. The goddess is worshiped according to both the Vamachara (Left-Hand Path) as well as the Dakshinachara (Right-Hand Path) modes of worship. Offerings to the goddess are usually flowers, but might include animal sacrifices. In general female animals are exempt from sacrifice, a rule that is relaxed during mass sacrifices 

Legends: According to the Kalika Purana, Kamakhya Temple denotes the spot where Sati used to retire in secret to satisfy her amour with Shiva, and it was also the place where her yoni fell after Shiva danced with the corpse of Sati. This is not corroborated in the Devi Bhagavata, which lists 108 places associated with Sati's body, though Kamakhya finds a mention in a supplementary list. The Yogini Tantra, a latter work, ignores the origin of Kamakhya given in Kalika Purana and associates Kamakhya with the goddess Kali and emphasizes the creative symbolism of the yoni.

Kamakhya During Ahom Era: According to a legend the Koch Bihar royal family was banned by Devi herself from offering puja at the temple. In fear of this curse, to this day no descendants of that family dares to even look upward towards the Kamakhya hill while passing by. Without the support of the Koch royal family the temple faced lot of hardship. By the end of 1658, the Ahoms under king Jayadhvaj Singha had conquered the Lower Assam and their interests in the temple grew. In the decades that followed the Ahom kings, all who were either devout Shaivite or Shakta continued to support the temple by rebuilding and renovating it.

Rudra Singha (reign 1696 to 1714) was a devout Hindu and as he grew older he decided to formally embrace the religion and become an orthodox Hindu by being initiated or taking sharan of a Guru, who would teach him the mantras and become his spiritual guide. But, he could not bear the thought of humbling himself in front a Brahmin who is his subject. He therefore sent envoys to Bengal and summoned Krishnaram Bhattacharyya, a famous mahant of Shakta sect who lived in Malipota, near Santipur in Nadia district. The mahant was unwilling to come, but consented on being promised to be given the care of the Kamakhya temple to him. Though the king did not take sharan, he satisfied the mahant by ordering his sons and the Brahmins in his entourage to accept him as their spiritual guru.

When Rudra Singha died, his eldest son Siba Singha (reign 1714 to 1744), who became the king, gave the management of the Kamakhya temple and along with it large areas of land (Debottar land) to Mahant Krishnaram Bhattacharyya. The Mahant and his successors came to be known as Parbatiya Gosains, as they resided on top of the Nilachal hill. Many Kamakhya priests and modern Saktas of Assam are either disciples or descendants of the Parbatiya Gosains, or of the Nati and Na Gosains.

Festivals: Being the centre for Tantra worship this temple attracts thousands of tantra devotees in an annual festival known as the Ambuvaci. Another annual celebration is the Manasha Puja. Durga Puja is also celebrated annually at Kamakhya during Navaratri in the autumn. This five day festival attracts several thousand visitors.

2. MADAN KAMDEV TEMPLE:

Berely 40 Kms. away from Guwahati, the gateway of North-East and 3 Kms. from Baihata Chariali on National Highway 52, Madan Kamdev is an enigma, a mystery, a marvel which speaks about the ancient Kamrup. Scattered all around the Dewangiri hillock with an idyllic back drop of green hills and flowing rivulet, are griffins, nymphs, dancing fairies, gods and goddesses in cosmic evoluations, walls, pillars, lintels and door frams decorated with flowers, animals, Kalpa-vriksha (the tree of fulfillment), six sided Bhairava, four headed Shiva, Demons, Serpants and men, women and animals in every conceivable erotic postures, all in ruins-ruin of gigantic proportion - that is Madan Kamdev.

Carvings that arrest time and remain ageless proclaiming eternal yearning for Love and Joy. Every curvable surface here is vibrant with a fervour of joy-dee vivre which transformed rocks into living, breathing, dancing beauty - a timeless dream on silent rocks. It is belived that Kama or Madan, the God of Love was reborn in this place after being turn into ashes by angry Lord Shiva. One school belive that Madan was reborn and united to his wife Rati in this tiny hillock. Another school argue that the name Madan Kamdev is romantic association to palce, because of the numarous erotic sculptures. 

Perhaps there is no place in India except Khajuraho and Kanarak, where basic weaknesses of mortals caught in fear, doubt, love, jelously and consumate passion have been so eloquently expressed. It is realy a mystery, how Madan Kamdev, a place exquisite antiquities, so near to Guwahati escaped the notice of all for such a long time. It is now established that many priceless imageses of Madan Kamdev were either stolen by curio hunters or by religion-duped villagers without perhaps realising the value of the curving they removed. 

Assam Archeology more or less has confirmed that the ruins of Madan Kamdev belonged to the 10th to 12th century A.D. when the Pala Dynasty ruled Kamrupa. The ruins are believed to be the remains of more than 20 temples consigned to Lord Shiva. The surviving portion of Madan Kamdev shows that these were perhaps the finest mediaval temples ever built in the entire Brahmaputra Valley. Be it so, or it otherwise Madan Kamdev, continues to remain an archeological challenge. 

3. HAYAGRIVA-MADHAB TEMPLE

Hayagriva Madhava Mandir is situated on the Monikut hill near Hajo of Kamrup district .It is known that the temple was constructed by the King Raghu deva Narayan in 1583. According to some other historians. King of Pala dynasty constructed it in 6th century. It is a stone temple and it enshrines an image of Hayagriva Madhav. The rows of elephants are seen on the body of the temple and they are fine specimens of Assamese art. There is a big pond known as Madhab Pukhuri near the temple. Doul ,Bihu and Janmastami festivals are celebrated every year in the temple. Moreover this temple preaches both Hinduism and Buddhism, which attract Buddhist Monks from far flung places.

4. POA MACCA

Poa Macca is a place of pilgrimage for the Muslims and is located at Hajo, a small town near Guwahati. It is the tomb of seer Giasuddin Auliya. It is believed that by offering prayers here the faithfuls gain one fourth of the spiritual enlightenment of what could be gained at Mecca. Hence the name - "poa" meaning one-fourth.

5.       HAJO:

Hajo is an ancient pilgrimage centre for three religions: Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims. It lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, 24 km from the city of Guwahati in the Kamrup district of Assam, India. The area is dotted with a number of ancient temples as well as other sacred artifacts. The Hayagriva Madhava Mandir is the most famous temple of Hajo. Lesser known temples of Hajo like that of Ganesha was constructed during the reign of Ahom King Pramatta Singha in 1744 AD. The Kedareswara Temple, a Shiva temple, has inscription on the temple showing that it is of Rajeswar Singha period.

Hayagriva Madhava Mandir is situated on the Monikut hill. The present temple structure was constructed by the King Raghudeva Narayan in 1583. According to some historians the King of Pala dynasty constructed it in 6th century. It is a stone temple and it enshrines an image of Hayagriva Madhava. Some Buddhists believe that the Hayagriva Mahhava temple, best known in the group of Hindu temples, is where theBuddha attained Nirvana. At this imposing temple, the presiding deity is worshipped as the Man Lion incarnation of Vishnu by the Hindus. Sayani, the first wife of Kalia Bhomora Barphukan donated a family of paiks and also a plot of land for their maintenance to the Hayagriva Madhava temple during the days of Purnananda Burhagohain. Hajo is also a Muslim pilgrimage centre since the mosque known as the Poa Mecca is thought to have some of the sanctity of Mecca.

6. ASWAKLANTA

This temple being famous for the Hindus was constructed by king Siva Singha in 1720 A.D. situated on the bank of the river Brahmaputra. It consists two big temples. It is said that Lord Krishna, while coming to kill Narakasura, his horse got tired in this place. There are also some others opinion that the horse was attacked near this temple and the name of it should have been Aswakranta and not Aswaklanta. Formally there was a Kunda, a place of sacrifice near the temple. Now this Kunda does not exist because it was eroded by the river Brahamputra. Inside this temple, there are two images one of Janardana and the other of Anantasai Vishnu. The later is a fine art specimen of eleventh century. There is one stone inscription on the body of the temple located at north Guwahati. Ideally located on the bank of the river, it is linked by regular ferry services with the south bank. It can be reached by road across the Saraighat bridge.

7.       Chanda's Merghar at Chaygaon

It is a site with which a mythological story is attached to a merchant named Chanda Saudagar and his son Lakhindar and his daughter-in-law Beula. The story goes that Chanda Saudagar , who was a devotee of Lord Siva ,once got a curse from 'Nag Devata' (the God of Snake) that he would have no descendents any further as his only son would be killed on the latter's wedding nite. To prevent this, Lakhindar and his bride was confined in the "Merghar" (a specially built sealed house for the newly wed couple to prevent entry of snakes) However despite every effort , Lakhindar was bitten to death by 'Nag Devata' . It was Beula 's relentless offerings and prayers that saved her husband's life later on. Ruins of 'Merghar' and replica of Siva idols are still found around this site.

8.       Daul Govinda Mandir

Located at the north bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra. It is a place of historic importance. The temple and shrines, copper plates and rock inscription are scattered to suggest a glorious heritage in and around north Guwahati. The holy Daul Govinda Mandir is perfectly placed at the beautiful foot hills of Chandrabharati hill at Rajaduar, a place of the east of North Guwahati and this natural ambience heightens the sanctity of this place of worship.

Everyday hundreds of pilgrims assemble here particularly, during the month of Magha and especially on the auspicious full moon day. Daul Govinda Mandir has two idols i.e. of Lord Shyamaray and Lord Govinda of course most of the devotees offer their prayers mainly to lord Govinda.

9.       Sidheswar Devalaya

It is situated in Sualkuchi of Kamrup district. It is an ancient Siva temple, which was built during the time of Ahom King Siva Singha's rule. A few images of archeological interest exist at the site.

10.    Dirgheswari Temple

Located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra and linked by a motorable road, this shrine is considered as one of the supreme Devi Tirthas of the state. Isolated and lying at the foot of a range of hills, it has several rock cut images which can be traced to the 11^th to 12^th century A.D. This is one of the few temples where buffalo sacrifice is done annually during Durga Puja.

11.    Balaji temple:

The Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple located in Betkuchi, Guwahati, spreads this divine message to all people. The Complex, located on two acres of prime land has a clean environment. A gentle breeze wafts across the lawns surrounded by blooming coconut trees,Ashoka trees, flowers, plantains & bouganvilleas.

The door of the entrance to the Complex is decorated in ancient style. Ganeshji, the acclaimed removers of obstacles, graces the entrance of the temple complex. A Ganesha Temple is at the entrance. The Temple of Lord Balaji has a Rajagopuram (70 ft. in height), A Maha Mandapam, an Ardha Mandapam, and the Sanctum. Between the main entrance and the Temple is the Dhwajastambham (Flag pole) which is 60 ft. in height and is made of single Sal tree and brass from the exterior. As per the rules, It was installed within a month’s time from the Kumbhabhishekham.

The main deity is of Lord Balaji . It is carved out of a single stone weighing 4 tonnes and and the features, the smiling face, ornaments carved on the stone with Sankha (conch) Chakra and Four arms (one Abhya Hastam showering blessings, and the other on the hip) all add to the solemnity and serenity of the Temple. The Utsava Murthy comprises of Lord Balaji, his consort, Ubhayee. Nachiars and Chakrathalwar are carved out of metal. As in Tirupati, Goddess Padmavathi (Avatar of Mahalakshmi) blesses from an adjacent temple. On the directive of His Holiness Sri Sankaracharyya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Guwahati being the seat of Goddess Kamakhya, a temple has been built for Goddess Durga. She has 8 arms, bearing the Sankha, Chakra, knives,bows and arrows. The bow is made of stone which, when tapped produces metallic sound. Garuda, the Vahana of Lord Balaji, has a separate temple. A Yagasala has been built in traditional style to enable devotees to perform Yagnas of their choice. The Gopurams are constructed as per the shilpa shastras and are in the South Indian architectural style. These magnificient Gopurams range from eight feet in the Ganesh Temple to 70 feet in the Rajagopuram. They are painted white and shine the sunlight falls on them. The exquisite wooden doors have been handcrafted in Chennai. The temple is well illuminated at night.

Pujas,Abhishekam, and other rituals like archanas are performed throughout the day, right from Suprabhatam in the morning to Ekantaseva at night – are strictly in line with the Tirupati codes. A token contribution to the corpus is enough to have prayers conducted daily,monthly or yearly in the name of the devotees from other parts of the country. Sahasranama Archana is performed on Sundays. Besides this, devotees can offer ‘bhog’ on any day. It has been decided to host two Yagnas – one for Sri Balaji and the other for Durga – for the peace and prosperity of the region and its people.The first Yagna was performed between 7th and 13th May,1999 and it attracted a large gathering of devotees from all parts of the region. Thirty Vedic pundits attended the week-long functions. Sri Jayendra Saraswati Peetadhipati of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam graced the occasion. Pundits have been chosen for their scholarship in the Vaishnava Sampradaya, Free Prasadam is distributed twice a day. The famous Tirupati Laddu is available in the Temple - prepared by experts from Tirupati.

12.    BASISTHA TEMPLE:

Basistha temple, located in the south-east corner of Guwahati city is a Shiva mandir constructed by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha along with gift of land 835 Bighas for the ashram. The history of the Basistha Ashram where the temple is located dates back to the Vedic age. According to legend the ashram was founded by the great saint Basistha (Vasishtha).

Temple in the ashram stands on the bank of the mountain streams originating from the hills of Meghalaya, which becomes the rivers Basistha and Bahini/Bharalu flowing through the city.

This ashram is believed to be the home of famous sage Basistha, also known as "Vasishtha". The ashram is located a few kilometers (10-12) from Guwahati, on the outskirts of Garbhanga reserve forest which has an ample population of Elephants. This Garbhanga reserve forest is also a proposed Butterfly reserve. Although the ashram has a temple but still the cave in which the Muni Vasistha is believed to have meditated is located 5 K.m. inside the ashram. The ashram also has a Waterfall discovered by some of the local boys of Guwahati, who were trekking the hills surrounding this ashram. Vasishtha / Basistha, the learned sage, is credited with writing the Hindu epic of Vasishtha Ramayana (behind the scenes Ramayana). The fact that this epic has survived millenniums, has been translated into several languages and is still recited daily in majority households speaks volumes about the abilities and knowledge of the author. The sage is believed to have created the Ashram and later died here. A grave dedicated to the Sage can be seen at the Ashram.  Three mountain tributaries Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta flow nearby the Ashram and the picturesque surroundings and the belief of longevity after a holy dip in the three streams have enhanced the popularity of this religious place.

13.    Navagraha Temple

Atop Nabagraha Hill in East Guwahati is the Nabagraha Temple-”the Temple of Nine Planets,” – an ancient seat of astrology and astronomy in Assam. Housed in a red beehive shaped dome, the central lingam is encircled by further nine representing the planets (graha)-Sun (Surya, Ravi), Moon (Chandra, Soma), Mercury (Buddh), Venus (Sukra), Mars (Mangal), Jupiter (Brhaspati) and Saturn (Sani). Two more were added, Rahu and Ketu, the dragon’s head and the dragon’s tail, or the ascending and descending nodes of the moon. This temple is an important important attraction for the tourists, visiting Assam. Local people mostly visits Nabagraha Temple during Saturdays.

Also known as the Abodes of Surya, the Navagraha Temple or the temple of the nine celestial bodies is located in the south eastern part of Guwahati in Assam, on a hill by name Chitrachal. As the name indicates, this temple is dedicated to the nine planets in the solar system. Navagraha Temple at Guwahati Assam is a center of astrological and astronomical research. The Navagraha temple as it stands today was built by the ruler Rajeswar Singh in late 18th century AD. The temple tower was destroyed by an earthquake, but was reconstructed later. 
Enshrined in this temple are nine Shivalingams, representing the nine Celestial bodies, each covered with a colored garment symbolic of each of the celestial bodies. The nine planetary gods, namely area - Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu. There is Surya Mandir near Guwahati on the Surya Pahar hill.

MUSEUMS AND PARKS:

1. ASSAM STATE MUSEUM:

The Assam State Museum is located in the southern end of Dighalipukhuri tank in the heart of Guwahati city, Assam. It was established 1940 and have a large collection of archaeological and historical objects.The museum remains open 06 days a week with Monday being the holiday. The museum has separate sections for archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics and iconography.

The collection includes archaeological, wooden and bell-metal objects, ivory, terracotta, pith, tribal objects and dioramas of tribal life. Painting, old textiles, arms and weapons, ethnographic objects and stone sculptures are the other artifacts on display.

The Assam State Museum, situated in the city center at the southern end of Dighalipukhuri tank, has an envious collection of antiques dating back to the prehistoric times. These includes a large collection of archaeological and historical objects, sculptures, paintings, metal, ivory and woodwork, costumes and ethnology etc. This large multipurpose museum of the north east region was established in 1940 as a non-government body and was taken over by the state government in 1953. There are exhibits of reconstructed huts of Assamese tribes and one can walk right through these village huts. There are also displays of weaving and musical instruments. The museum is open from 10am to 5pm during summer and 10m to 4.30pm during winter. It is closed on Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays. Photography inside the museum is allowed only with the permission of authorities.

Contact Address: 
Directorate of Museums
Guwahati 781001
Phone : 0361-2540651, 2550245.

2. STATE ZOO-CUM BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Assam State Zoo and the landscaped Botanical gardens are located about 5km east of the railway station. The zoo spread over 130 hectares of land has a very good collection of wild animals in their natural habitat, some of which are very rare and extinct species. Swamp tapirs, whiter tigers, leopards, Assam's famous one horned rhinos are some among them. It also has a rich and rare species of bird life. 
The botanical garden within the zoo was established in 1982. Spreading over an area of 82 hectares, the garden houses various types of palm, shrub, herbs, conifers and broad leaved plants. It also contains an orchid house packed with 44 varieties of rare orchids of the North East region. Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden is open on all days except Fridays.

3. ASSAM FOREST MUSEUM

About 35 km from Guwahati, Madan Kamdev is famous for its impressive archaeological ruins and stone sculptures. Located in a picturesque surrounding, this historical spot has a large ruined temple with sculpture of the god Shiva and the goddess Uma dating back to the Pallava dynasty (11th & 12th centuries). The wall, pillars, lintels and door frames of the temple are scattered with flowers, images and icons of griffins, nymphs, dancing fairies, six headed Bhairava, four headed Shiva, women and animals with various postures. It is more of a mystery in the sense that very little is known about the origin of this magnificent archaeological ruins.

4. PLANETARIUM

Guwahati Planetarium is located on MG Road, in Guwahati, Assam. It is one of the finest and most sophisticated planetariums in India. It conducts various programs related to astronomy, meant to increase the awareness about astronomy and to stimulate interest in stargazing among children. The planetarium attracts domestic as well as foreign tourists.

5. REGIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM

Regional Science Museum, situated at Khanapara in the Kamrup district, was established in 1994. It is one of the favorite places for the kids and learners. The museum has interactive exhibits on science education and pre historic life. Scientific apparatus like magic tap, the fun mirror, the cliff lift, the colamin etc are some among the exhibits. It also houses scientific developments and contributions by Indian scientists and Nobel Laureates. The museum is open from 10:00am to 5:30 hrs on all days except Holi and Diwali.

Contact Address : 
Regional Science Center and Museum
Jawahar Nagar, Khanapara, Kamrup District, Guwahati
Phone : 0361-2561699.

6. Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra

The Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra has been set up as a grand exposition of the life and culture of the people of Assam. Named after the greatest Vaishnava saint and the greatest integrator of the Assamese society Srimanta Sankardeva, the Kalakshetra is a multi-Arts complex.

It houses a Central Museum where cultural objects and day-to-day articles used by different ethnic groups will be preserved and exhibited, an Open Air Theatre with 2000 capacity to hold folk festivals and to present traditional dance and drama of the State, an Artists’ Village which offers the visitors and the residents an atmosphere of the village of Assam, the Sahitya Bhavan which is a library of rare books and manuscripts, the Lalit-Kala Bhavan which has sufficient space for exhibition, art and sculpture workshops, and a Heritage Park. The Kalakshetra has been chosen as the venue for many cultural activities.

7. DIGLALIPUKHURI

Dighalipukhuri is a prominent tourist attraction in the heart of Guwahati with boating facilities and recreational activities. It is an old rectangular lake of half a mile long originally engraved out from the Brahmaputra. Later, it was separated from the river when a portion was filled up.Dighalipukhuri derived its name from the word ‘dighal’ which means length. The lake is believed to be dug by Bhagadutta, the king of Pragjyotishpura. It is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. Curzon Hall, Earle Law College, Handique Girls’ College, Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti, Assam State Museum, Cotton College, Assam Sahitya Sabha, Assam Lawn Tennis Association, District Library, Rabindra Bhawan and High Court are located on the banks of Dighalipukhuri.

8. NEHRU PARK:

Situated at heart of the city at Panbazar by the side of Cotton College. Nehru Park is another place that visitors should never miss.The highlights of the park are the concrete statues of Bihu dance, Ojapali dance, Deodhani dance, Jhumur dance, Bhoor tal dance etc. There are altogether 45 concrete statues depicting these various aspects of Assamese life and culture.

9. Deeporbeel Bird Sanctuary

Deeporbeel bird sanctuary covering an area of around 4sq.kms is situated at a distance of 18kms from the city. It is an extensive wetland within the municipal limits of Guwahati. The sanctuary is home to more than 150 species of birds. Ferruginous duck, adjutant storks, fishing eagle, water cock, grey-headed lapwing, kingfisher etc are among the birds found here. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from December to March.

10. ACCOLAND

Accoland, The family fun amusement park is the biggest amusement park in North East India. It is located in the Rani Road, Near BSF Headquarters, Patgaon, Kamrup, Assam. It is the best place to fun and spend the leisure time with family.

The Transportation facility to the Accoland is very good by Bus, Train, and by the Air. The nearest railway station is Paltanbazar while the nearest Airport is LGB International Airport.The Local bus facility is also available from guwahati at any time.There are many sports facility inside the accoland. To view the various types of games inside the park please go through the website.
The Tickets rates : The Tickets rates are....
Ticket Price ( includes entry & unlimited use of all rides)

Adult(Above 4ft.4")
Weekdays Rs. 165/-
Staturday & holidays Rs. 190/-
Sundays Rs. 225/-

Children bellow 4'4"
Weekdays Rs.125/-
Staturday & holidays Rs. 150/-
Sundays Rs. 175/-

The Park Timings : The Park timings are....
Park Timings (includes entry & unlimited use of all rides)
Gate opens Tickets Available Park Closes
Weekdays 11.30 am 10.30 pm 8.00 pm
Staturdays, Sunday
& Holidays 11.30 am 10.30 pm 8.30 pm

11. GANDHI MANDAP

The Gandhi Mandap located at Sarania Hills in Guwahati, Assam, is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation. This memorial was built in 1969. A comprehensive exhibition on the life of the Mahatma (Great Soul) and a library are other notable features of this memorial. NON VIOLENCE IS THE GREATEST FORCE AT THE DISPOSAL OF MANKIND.IT IS MIGHTIER THAN THE MIGHTIEST WEAPON OF DESTRUCTION DEVISED BY THE INGENUITY OF MAN.........MAHATMA GANDHIGandhi-mandap is a memorial dedicated to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.It is located in the very heart of the city,right at the top of the Sarania Hillock.It was built in year 1969 and was opened to the public in 1970.As newly weds it was ours favourite morning walk track.....it still is but since we shifted to our new house,we come here only on Sundays because it is little far from our home.

WAR MEMORIALS

12. GUWAHATI WAR CEMETRY

The Cemetery was started during the war, when several military hospitals were posted in the area and was originally for the burials from these hospitals. Later other graves were brought in by the Army grave service from Amari Bari Military Cemetery, Sylhet Military Cemetery, where permanent maintenance could not be assured. There are now 517 causalities buried in this Cemetery. Total area of the cemetery is 1.50 acres. 

13. SARAIGHAT WAR MEMORIAL

This Park is at Agyathuri on the northern bank of river Brahmaputra .The Park has been constructed for preservation and promotion of the memories associated with the Battle of Saraighat which took place in the year 1671 A.D. between the Ahoms and Mughals under the command of the great Ahom "Senapati" Lachit Barphukan .

The total cost of this project is Rs. 65 lakhs which has been made available by the Planning and Development Dept. Govt. of Assam under the untied fund 2005-06. The entire project has been completed within the record time utilizing 100% of the fund. 

14. CHANDUBI:

A natural lagoon and a fine picnic spot which is 64 km from Guwahati. The lake and its surroundings broken by glades, is in ideal holidays resort and has the added attraction of fishing and rowing in the lake. The place is easily accessible by bus from the central bus stand at Adabari, Guwahati.

SHOPPING PLACES:

There are several interesting and lively places in the city. These areas provide the city with hotels, restaurants, shopping and business areas, the most lively being the city center. Momos and chicken rolls are a popular form of fast-food available in almost every restaurant. Moreover, there are several good restaurants offering Indian, South Indian, traditional Assamese, Chinese, and continental food. There are also several good book shops and music stores. A few of these areas are:

1. Pan Bazaar: A lively part of the city center on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra. Cotton College, Digholy Pukhury (Dighali Pukhuri), The State Museum, RBI, District Court (Kamrup District), etc. are all major landmarks. Moreover, the area also possesses many libraries, major government offices, and a shopping district. Restaurants and bookshops in the area provide a unique environment. It also contains a major wholesale market for drugs and pharmaceutical products, and a hub for printing and publication. Close to Digholy Pukhury, there are many stores with traditional arts and crafts from Assam and other parts of the NER. Kacari Ghat, next to the district court is an important local river port.
2. Fancy Bazaar: Situated in the western part of the city-center is a busy commercial district for both wholesale and retail. Originally called Fansi Bazaar after the district jail that executed criminals by hanging (fansi, in the local language), the name has slowly transformed to Fancy Bazaar to denote the retail stores for clothes and garments. The place is also the hub for various wholesale products ranging from food and beverages, garments, to hardware and building materials.
3. Paltan Bazaar: In the central part of the city-center is the hub for transportation and hotels. With Guwahati railway station, the regional bus stand (ASTC), numerous hotels, restaurants and offices and stops of numerous private regional bus service providers, this area is the busiest and most congested. There are also many small shops selling traditional garments from various parts of the NER.
4. Ganeshguri: A newly developed commercial area in the south, outside of the city-center. Its proximity to the state capital complex and rapidly growing southern residential areas have made it an important city sub-center. Ganeshguri is a busy part of the city with retail shopping areas, hotels and restaurants, and small businesses.
5. Beltola Bazaar: A traditional weekly fruits and vegetables market with historic importance. The market has existed since its historic past and is an important traditional trading point between the people from the Khasi hills (Meghalaya) and local people. It is a rich market with various types of local food products. It is located in Beltola, a predominantly residential area in the south.
6. G S Road: A long stretch of road between Ganeshguri and Paltan Bazaar, G S Road has emerged as the new commercial hub of Guwahati. G S Road boasts of some of the finest malls and restaurants Guwahati has to offer, and is considered by many to displace Fancy Bazaar and Pan Bazaar as the major shopping centers in the years to come. It is now also one of the most important and expensive pieces of property in Guwahati, containing some of the most commercially important buildings.
7. NEDFi Haat

             NEDFi Haat is located at a leased building of Industries & Commerce Department Govt. of Assam.In      

              NEDFi Haat visitors can buy various handicraft & handloom products . As well as they can buy varieties of   

             traditional food items produced by the Self Help Groups of the State in the Bihu seasons.