About my Visit to Sukreswar temple, Guwahati

Steps to Sukreswara temple

Sukreswar temple

Sukreswar Temple Premises

Temple Hall

Sukreswara Linga in the sanctum

Sukreswar Ghat

                     

Sukreswar Temple Tower

  Sukreswar or Shukleswar temple located on the southern banks of the river Brahmaputra is one of the prime attractions of Guwahati city. It is in Pan bazar locality  in the heart of the city and has a very beautiful scenic background with the river Brahmaputra flowing beside it. In this temple one can see one of the largest Shiva lingas in India. As per legend Sage Shukracharya lived here and did penance and worshipped Shiva here on this hillock called Sukreswar Hill or Itakhulli hill. In Kalikapurana this hill on which the Sukacharya used to stay was named as Hasti Giri as the shape of the hill resembles the round hump of an elephant.

     One has to climb steps to reach this temple. In a large space the temple is seen with a spacious hall and inner sanctum. In the hall one can see the beautiful idols of Shiva Parivar—Lord Ganesha with his mount mushaka, Lord Subrahmamnya with six faces mounted on a peacock, Lord Shiva and His consort Parvati. These idols are made of panchaloha and seem very bright and shining. In the inner sanctum one sees a very large Shiva Linga made of  dark grey-colored stone. Many people consider it to be the sixth Jyothirlinga.

   Originally a temple was here belonging to 10^th century. In 1744 the Ahom King Pramatta Singha renovated the temple. In 1759 King Rajeswar Singha gave much wealth in charity and promoted Shiva Cult during his rule. This temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.  Archana, Abhishekam and Arati are performed here every day. During Maha Shivaratri and Shiv Chaturdasi special poojas are done and thousands of devotees are seen visiting this temple.

    Just beside this temple there is a ghat called Shukleswar Ghat with the river Brahmaputra flowing by. There are steps here to go down and offer pooja to the river. It is considered that the funeral or post-death rituals done here will give salvation to the dead person. There is ferry service from here to go to the other side of the river. The scenic beauty especially during sunrise and sunset is extremely fascinating.

Janardana temple

Janardana temple sculptures on the walls

Janardana Temple Hall

Janardana temple Entrance

    Near this temple there is another temple for Vishnu called Janardana templebelieved to be built in 17^th century by Pramatta Singha. A Buddhist idol is seen in the sanctum and is considered as an incarnation of Vishnu. A combination of Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles are seen in this holy shrine with milky white walls and carved figures of various gods and goddesses. The prayer hall is quite spacious and serene. Many Hindu and Buddhist devotees come here to worship the deity and do meditation. This temple opens at 5.30 a.m. and closes at 8.00 p.m. One can see both temples and can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the Brahmaputra river. The nearby tourist places are Dol Govinda temple (1.5 kms)  Assam State Museum (4kms.) and Guwahati planetarium (3kms).

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    25th November, 2018                                    Somaseshu Gutala