The Dirgheswari temple is located on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam, India. It is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site and is dedicated to the goddess Durga. The temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are revered as the most sacred abodes of the Hindu goddess.
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Story of Dirgheshwari Temple
According to Hindu mythology, when Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva, died, Lord Shiva was carrying her dead body around the world in his grief. In order to pacify him, Lord Vishnu and other Gods decided to get rid of the body of Sati, which had become a source of sorrow for Mahadeva. Lord Vishnu instructed his disc, Sudarshan Chakra, to cut the body of Sati into several parts. The Sudarshan Chakra acted as instructed, and the pieces of Sati’s body were scattered in different parts of the world. It is believed that one of Sati’s body parts fell on Sitachal Hill, which is where Dirgheshwari Temple is located.
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Dirgheshwari Temple History
Dirgheshwari Temple has a rich history and cultural heritage. It is said that Ahom King Swargadeo Siba Singha and the Ahom Viceroy Tarun Duwarah Barphukan issued a royal order for the construction of the temple and granted lands in the name of the temple. During the royal tour of Ahom king Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha in 1756 CE, the king visited the temple and granted more lands and men for the proper maintenance of the temple. The king also presented a silver Japi or hat, which is still used to cover the main idol of Devi Durga in the temple.
The temple is said to be a sacred place where great sage Markandeya, one of the immortals according to Hindu tradition, performed penance to Goddess Durga. The Goddess appeared before him and granted him blessings, and since then, Dirgheshwari has become an important place of worship for Goddess Durga.
The Dirgheshwari Temple is built on top of a hill that is filled with solid rocks. The Garbha-griha or the inner chamber of the temple, where the idol of Goddess Durga is present, is located underground, in a small cave. The temple has a unique architecture that combines both Hindu and Ahom style, making it one of the most beautiful temples in the region.
Dirgeshwari Festivals
The annual Durga Puja celebrations, held in the temple, are the main attraction of Dirgheshwari Temple. Devotees from far-off places come to attend the festival, which includes animal sacrifice, especially buffaloes. During this time, the temple is beautifully decorated, and there are several cultural and religious events that take place. The temple compound is extended every year to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims and visitors.
The Dirgheswari Mandir Present Attraction for Devotees
Presently, the Dirgheswari temple continues to be a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, and today it stands as a beautiful example of traditional Assamese architecture.
The temple complex consists of several smaller shrines, each dedicated to a different deity. The main deity, Goddess Durga, is housed in the central sanctum sanctorum, which is adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures. The Dirgheswari temple continues to be an important religious and cultural landmark in Assam, and it holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees.
In conclusion, Dirgheshwari Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus in the region, and it holds significant historical and cultural importance. The temple’s unique architecture, combined with the annual Durga Puja celebrations, makes it a must-visit place for anyone interested in the culture and heritage of Assam.
Route for Visitors
If you are traveling by air, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is the nearest airport, which is about 30 km away from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
If you are traveling by train, Guwahati railway station is the nearest railway station, which is about 14 km away from the temple. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the railway station to reach the temple.
If you are travelling by road, you can take a taxi or a bus from Guwahati to reach the temple. The temple is located on NH27, and there are regular buses and taxis available from Guwahati.
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