Today, thousands of devotees visit the Bagheswari Temple every year, making it one of Guwahati’s most popular tourist attractions. The temple’s architecture blends the Assamese and Mughal styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning its walls and pillars. The temple is also an important cultural landmark in the region, and its annual festival, the Bagheswari Puja, is a significant event that draws visitors from across the state.
Bagheswari Temple History
Bagheswari Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in the city of Guwahati, Assam, India. Goddess Bagheswari considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga, is the deity to whom the temple is dedicated. The history of the Bagheswari Temple dates back to the 9th century AD, and the temple has undergone several renovations and additions over the years.
Legend has it that the Bagheswari Temple was first built by King Suaka, who ruled the Kamarupa Kingdom in the 9th century AD. The temple authorities constructed the temple to honour Goddess Bagheswari, believed to be the protector of the kingdom. After reconstructing it over the years, the authorities relocated the temple from its initial location on top of a hill to its current location near the Brahmaputra River.
The Bagheswari Temple was rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries. The temple underwent a major renovation during the 16th century under the patronage of the Koch dynasty. The temple authorities expanded the temple complex and added several new structures, including a Natmandir, a Hati (elephant) Mandap, and a Kirtanghar.
During the 19th century, the temple underwent another renovation under the patronage of the Ahom dynasty. The temple authorities further expanded the temple and added several new structures, including a Rajghar, a Manikut, and a Gobindadhari Mandap.
Read More:- List of Famous Temples in Assam
Bagheswari Temple Tradition
The Bagheswari Temple in Guwahati, Assam, has a rich tradition deeply rooted in the local culture and customs. Here are some of the traditions associated with the temple:
Bagheswari Puja: The Bagheswari Temple is famous for its annual festival, the Bagheswari Puja, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Thousands of devotees from across the state attend the festival held in the month of Chaitra (March-April). The temple authorities decorate the temple with flowers and lights during the festival and perform special prayers and rituals to honour the goddess.
Animal sacrifice: The tradition of animal sacrifice is a controversial practice associated with the Bagheswari Temple. According to some beliefs, animal sacrifice is a way to appease the goddess and seek her blessings. However, the practice has faced criticism from animal welfare organizations and has been banned by the government.
Naivedya: Naivedya is a traditional offering of food made to the goddess, which is later distributed among the devotees as prasad. The temple offers various types of naivety, including rice, fruits, sweets, and other delicacies.
Folk music and dance: The Bagheswari Temple is also known for its rich folk music and dance tradition. The temple authorities organize various cultural events during the annual festival, showcasing local music and dance forms, such as Bihu and Ojapali.
Visiting during Navaratri: Navaratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is a popular time to visit the Bagheswari Temple. The temple authorities decorate the temple with lights and flowers and perform special prayers and rituals every day to honour the goddess.
Overall, the Bagheswari Temple is an important cultural and religious landmark in Assam. It attracts many devotees and tourists every year who come to experience its rich traditions and customs.
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Bagheswari Temple Opening Timing
The Bagheswari Temple in Guwahati, Assam, has specific times for devotees to visit and seek blessings. The temple is open every day of the week from early morning until late evening. The following are the timings for the temple:
Monday to Saturday: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Note that these timings are subject to change during festivals and special occasions, such as the Bagheswari Puja. It is always a good idea to check with the temple authorities or their official website before planning a visit to the temple. It is also important to follow the temple’s rules and regulations inside the premises, such as removing footwear before entering the temple and refraining from photography in certain areas.
Rules and Regulations of The Bagheswari Temple
Like most Hindu temples, the Bagheswari Temple in Guwahati, Assam, has specific rules and regulations that visitors must follow. These rules are in place to ensure the temple’s sanctity and maintain a peaceful environment for all devotees. Some of the standard rules and guidelines to keep in mind while visiting the temple are:
Dress Code: Visitors must dress modestly and appropriately inside the temple. The temple authorities prohibit wearing shorts, skirts, and revealing clothing inside the temple premises.
Footwear: Visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering the temple premises. Shoe racks are available near the entrance for visitors to store their footwear.
Photography: Photography is prohibited inside some regions of the temple, such as the inner sanctum or Garbhagriha. It is advisable to check with the temple authorities before taking photographs inside the temple.
Silence and Respect: Visitors are expected to maintain a calm and peaceful environment inside the temple premises. The temple authorities prohibit loud talking, shouting, or disturbing other devotees. Visitors should also show respect to the deities and the temple premises.
Animal Sacrifice: As mentioned earlier, animal sacrifice is not allowed in the temple premises.
Offering: Visitors are welcome to make offerings to the deities as a sign of devotion. However, the temple authorities advise checking about the type of offerings allowed.
Cleanliness: Visitors are expected to maintain cleanliness and hygiene inside the temple premises. The temple authorities prohibit littering or spitting inside the temple premises.
It is always advisable to check with the temple authorities or the official website for any specific rules or regulations that may be in place during festivals or special occasions.
Must Visit:- Sivadol Temple In Assam
Bagheswari Temple Route for Visitors
The Bagheswari Temple is located in the heart of Guwahati, Assam, India. Here are some ways to reach the temple:
By Road: One can reach Guwahati from other cities in Assam and neighboring states through a well-connected road network. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple from any part of the city.
By Air: The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Assam, which is well-connect to the major cities in India. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to the temple.
By Train: The Guwahati Railway Station is the central railway station in the town. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus from the railway station to the temple.
The Bagheswari Temple is located near the Brahmaputra River in the Fancy Bazar area of Guwahati. Visitors can take the MG Road or the GNB Road to reach the temple. The temple is easily accessible by public transport, and plenty of buses and taxis are available near the temple.
