The Umananda Temple is located on Peacock Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the important pilgrimage sites in the region.
Umananda Temple History
During the reign of the Ahom dynasty in the 17th century, people believe that they built the temple. According to legend, Lord Shiva burnt Kamadeva (the god of desire) with his third eye on the island formerly known as Bhasmachal. They believe that Lord Shiva himself resided on this island in the form of Bhayananda.
Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations and repairs. In 1694, Ahom king Gadadhar Singha constructed the current temple structure in the typical medieval Assamese style of architecture. The temple’s notable features include a prominent dome at the top.
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Umananda Temple Significance
The Umananda Temple holds great significance for Hindus, especially for the Shiva devotees. It is considered one of the most important Shiva temples in the region, and pilgrims from all over India come to visit the temple during the annual Shivaratri festival. The temple attracts many tourists due to its unique location on Peacock Island, which offers scenic views of the Brahmaputra River and the surrounding hills.
In addition to its religious significance, the Umananda Temple has historical and cultural significance. It is an important reminder of the Ahom dynasty’s rule in the region, and the temple’s architecture and design reflect the medieval Assamese style. The temple is also an important cultural center and annually hosts various cultural events and festivals.
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Umananda Temple Tradition:
The Umananda Temple dedicates itself to Lord Shiva, a traditional Hindu temple where devotees visit and offer prayers, seeking good fortune and blessings. Celebrated with enthusiasm and passion, the temple is particularly popular during the annual Shivaratri festival.
Opening & Closing Timing of Umananda Temple
The Umananda Temple is open daily to visitors from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. The best time to visit the temple is during the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler, and the crowds are fewer. The temple is busiest during festivals and weekends, so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly.
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Rules & Regulations of Umananda Temple:
To maintain the temple’s sanctity and cleanliness, visitors to the Umananda Temple must adhere to specific rules and regulations. Some of the essential guidelines to keep in mind when visiting the temple are as follows:
- Dress appropriately: Visitors should dress modestly and avoid revealing or provocative clothing.
- Remove shoes before entering: Visitors must remove them before entering the temple premises.
- Follow the designated path: Visitors should follow the designated path while visiting the temple and avoid taking shortcuts or deviating from the path.
- Do not disturb the wildlife: Peacock Island is home to various flora and fauna, and visitors are expected to respect and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
- Do not litter: Visitors should not litter or leave behind any trash on the temple premises or the island.
Umananda Temple Route for Visitors:
The Umananda Temple is located on Peacock Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam. Visitors can reach the temple by taking a ferry from the Sukreswar Ghat in Guwahati. The ferry ride takes 10-15 minutes, and visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Brahmaputra River and the surrounding hills during the journey. Once on the island, visitors can walk to the temple or hire a local guide to show them around.
