A Unique Navagraha Temple in Guwahati

   
     


           

Entrance to the Temple

In the Temple Sanctum

Idols of other gods with a tray to give Dakshina

                                   

In Guwahati one finds unique temples with structures quite different from those of other places. In Kamakhya the Goddess is worshipped in the form of Yoni in a dark cave with flowing water. In Ugratara temple a small tank filled with water is considered as the Goddess. In this Navagraha temple the nine planets are seen in forms of nine Lingas draped around with cloths of different colors sacred to nine planets. In the center the Sun God is seen in the form of Linga wrapped with a red cloth. In many other temples the Navagrahas are seen in a subsidiary shrine on an elevated platform as idols along with their mounts(vahanas) and sometimes with their spouses also. But here one finds all nine planets at one place in Linga form in a red-colored dome-shaped temple.

 The ancient name for Guwahati “Pragjyothishapura” is derived from the location of this temple as “Prag” means eastern and “Jyothishapura” means a town with Vedic Astrology. Actually there was an ancient temple here built in 4^th century. Later under the direction of the Ahom king Rajeshwar Singha , Tarun Durarah constructed this present temple in 1752. A stone inscription on the wall of the temple records this fact. The upper part of the temple was damaged due to an earthquake in later times. The Garbhagriha(Inner Sanctum) built with bricks remained intact. A corrugated tin sheet is seen as roof. The temple was renovated in between 1923 and 1945.

This temple serves as a research center for Astrological and Astronomical studies. In the sanctum one can see the nine planetary gods and pour oil in the big oil lamps. The inner sanctum seems very dark and is only lit by oil lamps.The pond constructed by Rajasingha  (Silphukuri Pond) is still  used for water supply. A stone tablet with inscription near the tank testifies this fact. This temple is open from  6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The devotees should be careful about their belongings as there are many monkeys scrambling around.

 Archana, Aarti and Abhishekam are performed every day here. Special poojas are done during festival days like Shiv Chaturdasi and Maha Shiva Rathri. This temple is believed to have aligned the mighty celestial forces of the sacred planets in one place. The temple situated on the top of Chitrachal provides a panoramic view of the city with the river Brahmaputra flowing nearby. One feels a sense of satisfaction of seeing a temple with unique idols surrounded by scenic hills and flowing river.

                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   22nd December, 2018                                 Somaseshu Gutala