Kamakhya Temple Guwahati

Kamakhya Temple The Story Of Kamakhya Devi

Kamakhya Temple: The sacred Shrine, sacred to the Hindus of India and abroad, stands on the Neel Parvat at a height of 5.25 ft.

It is one of the most sacred spots generally 51 in number, on which the sacred body of Sati fell over India as a result of being chopped off by the Sundarshan Chakra (The wheel of destruction used by God Vishnu) just to stop the maddening state of Shiva, her lord, who went on bringing destruction of the earth, as He in his stupor could not endure separation from Sati.

The Neel Parvat contains the “Joni Mudra” (The creative organ of Sati). The temple was built by Kamdev, the God of lust who was turned to ashes by Shiva for obstructing His meditation. Kamdev regained the former beauty when He promised to built the temple, hence the name Kamakhya or Kamrup.

HOW TO REACH KAMAKHYA TEMPLE

At Guwahati, taxies will take the passengers to Kamakhya Temple, some 20 minutes ride. From the Bus Stand the temple is within easy reach, say, some 10 to 15 minutes walk.

THE HEIGHT OF KAMAKHYA HILL

The peak of Bhubaneshwari hill is 690 ft
The highest altitude of the residence of the Brahmins (Pandas) is 580 ft
The height of the Pitha Kamakhya Temple is 525 ft
The height of Baraha hill is 450 ft

THE INHABITANTS OF KAMAKHYA HILL

The number of the (Pandas) houses about 1500
The number of Sebaits and other inhabitants about 2500
The number of their houses about 250

The Holy Shrine of Kamakhya Temple (Kamrup)

This sacred land of India is a land of spiritual upliftment, a land yearning after what is life beyond. The rest of the world is along with material plea sures, the life that is present seems to be the summumbonum, of mankind so there is a race for drinking the pleasures of life to the dregs. The glorious annals and antique ties of India regard the birth in India a bliss felicity and a life after death is the goal.

We pay pilgrimage to the places that are deemed sacred, that savour of the relics of some divinity. A visit to these places for the souls uplift them mentally and strengthen them with spiritual fervour frequently.

These places are the playground of nature bearing the supreme skill of Art and Architecture and fraught with historical and spiritual activity and sanctity. They remind us of the fond memories of Ancient Hindu Culture.

The saintly sages of old spent their life in meditation of the. almighty and attained miraculous powers which at first sight seems to be unbelievable. All their activities tended towards the welfare of mankind.

Such sacred spots are there 51 in number to be found all over India from Assam to Sindh (Pakistan) and the Himalayas to the Vindhyas.

The origin of these places of pilgrimage is as old as primary stage of human creation.

The Hindus think that the Trinity Brahma. Bishnu and Maheswar stands for creation, preservation and destruction.

The idea of trinity is quite significant and works at the root of all religious faiths and is naturally scientific. Brahma and Vishnu set to work but Maheswar lost Himself in meditation forgetful of the work alloted to Him. To rouse Him from His revery of meditation Brahma asked His faithful son Daksha to pray to the Supreme Deity for a daughter worthy of being the spouse of Maheswar. Long years passed in meditation and the Almamater condescended to be born as such and the condition that at the slightest neglect on Daksha’s part, She will immolate Herself.

Daksha consented and Sati appeared as His daughter and eventually was married to Maheswar. Maheswar was quite indifferent to the world and lived with Sati in Kailas in Tibet, now under the Chinese domination.

Years rolled on, Daksha intended to perform a Jajna, a sacrificial rite to which all the deities except Shiva (Maheswar) were invited, as He was uncanny and weird in His movement. Sati some how wrested His permission to join the rite though not invited.

In the array of Deities in their dignified seats all were found seated. Daksha forgetful of the promise made to Sati began speaking ill of Shiva and Sati unable to bear all these ill words against husband Shiva, sacrificed Herself. The meditation of Shiva, who was omniscient was disturbed. He came there destroyed the Jajna and took up the dead body of Sati on His, shoulders and travelled the length and breadth of In-1 dia, causing destruction to wherever He traced His steps.

This concerned the creator and the preserver and Vishnu to bring Shiva to His senses, wanted to take away the dead body of Sati and ordered His wheel of death (Sudarshan Chakra) to do its duty. The different parts of the body of Sati were chopped off and fell to wherever Shiva went. Each became a sacred spot reminiscent of the divine decree.

The private part of Sati (Jyoni Mondal) fell on the Neel Parvat (The Kamakhya Hills). The hills came to be known as Nilachal and presiding deity as Kamakhya Debi (Golda).

Brought to His senses after the disappearance of the dead body, Maheswar returned to the impassable part of the Himalayas to be lost in meditation.

The Demon Tarakasur, the unconquerable, emboldened by the boon of Brahma after long meditation and piety began to tread the sacred land like a colossus, causing destruction everywhere. Dismayed at this, the-deities tried to arouse Mahadev from His reverie and to make Him worldly minded. In the meantime Menaka, the wife of the Himalayas, propitiated Mahamaya, another self of the Alma-mater to obtain a daughter.

This daughter Parvati dedicated Herself to Mahadev to get Him as Her cansort. Maheswar could not be roused from His reverie. The deity Kamdeva with His wife Rati tried level best to perform His duty. Mahadev was roused but the light, that emanated from His brow turned Cupid to ashes and Mahadev came to his senses and left the place of meditation.

Parvati could not be dissuaded, She was bent on having Mahadev, who was Her lord in previous birth, as Her lord. Through the intercession of Narada, the marriage was brought about. At the plight of Rati, by the grace of Mahadev, out of the ashes of Kamdev, came out Kamdev Himself but, Alas ! His former beauty and grandeur was gone.

Bereft of former beauty both husband and wife prayed long to Mahadev for restoring to Kamdev, His original beauty. Mahadev became easily pleased at the adoration of the devotees, goes the adage. At long last Kamdev got back His former status after performing the sacred duty of unearthing the sacred spot, one of the fifty one to be found all over India.

He erected a magnificent temple over the spot with the help of the Divine builder Biswakarma, the God of Vulcan. As Kamdev got back His beauty there, the place came to be known as Kamrup Kamakhya.

The region of Kamrup

In the days of old Kamrup extended from the river Karatoa to the river Dikkarbasini. The “Jogini Tantra” divided the region of Kamrup into (1) Kampith, (2) Ratanpith, (3) Swarnapith, (4) Soumarpith.

1. Kampith : The region between the rivers Swarnakosh and Rupika was known as Kampith and the presiding Goddess was Kamakhya Devi.
2. Ratnapith : Ratnapith stood between the river Karatoa and Swarnakosh.
3. Swarnapith : Lay between Rupika and Bhairab rivers.
4. Soumarpith : Bhairab and Dikkarbasini circumscribed Soumarpith.

We find the name of Prag-Jyotishpur in the “Kalika Puran” dealing with the ancient Kamrup kingdom. In the days out of memory Brahma, the God of creation, Himself began creating the constellation in ‘Prag-Jyotishpur’. The place came to be known as ‘Prag Jyotishpur’. It was the capital of Narakasur. Now it is known as Guwahati and it is the temporary capital of present Assam.

Many legends are current concerning ancient Kamrup, in the Tantras, the Ramayana, the Mahavarata and other books on religion, Kamrup was known, far and wide as the land of charms and compared itself with the land of cyclops. Besides, it was not easy of access. Those who paid pilgrimage to the holy places did not dare to go back and had to settle there. In this connection the interesting accounts of those settlers left by Hu-en-chung, the Chinese traveller during the reign of Hindu king Vaskar Barma may be referred to.

“The anecdotes of Narakasur and the building of the different paths leading to the temple.”

The ‘Tantras’ and ‘Puranas’ hold that Narakasur was born of the Universe and Narayan (in the form of a boar). Though a demon by birth he became attracted to the Aryan culture, brought up as he was in the home of Janaka.

Narayan became pleased with him and conferred on him the kingdom of Pragjyotishpur, the land of great boons. Ghatak, the king of the Kirats, was put to death by the indomitable Narakasur made invincible by the bliss of Dharitri (Universe). He married Maya, the daughter of the king Bidarva.

His kingdom had been flourishing so long as he abided by the counsel of Narayana and held the Brahmins, the gods in esteem and regarded and offered his worship to the great Goddess Kamakhya as a staunch devotee. At the end of Dwapar, the third epoch of creation, he formed a great alliance with the demon Bana of Sonitpur.

As a result of which he became desperate in the attitude and inimical to Gods and Brahmans counteracting the very condition of the boon of Brahma which made him invincible. He destrode heaven and earth carrying his torture and destruction everywhere. The Gods became alarmed and be took themselves to Brahma.

Brahma directed them to have recourse to the Alma-mater, they did as directed. Moved at their distress Mahamaya appeared there.

Kalika Puran says, one day Basistha the sage paid a visit to Mahamaya. Narakasur objected. At this Basishta cursed him, “So long as you live, Kamakhya, the almighty mother with Her associate will remain out of sight.”

Mahamaya caused an illusion and Vishnu at Her dictate killed him as his death was predestined. The different gates to be found around the hill were the works of Narakasur, the Tiger gate, the Monkey gate, the Celestial gate and the Lion gate.

The four stone-built paths all speak of Narakasur. The local heresay is that one day Bhagabati appeared before Him with Her captivating beauty. Enamoured by Her beauty. He desired to have Her as his wife.

Maddened with pride as he was Bhagabati realised that death stared him in the face, so She hit upon a plan to put him to death. She promised to wed him if in the course of a night he could erect four stone-stair cases on four sides of the hill and a rest-house other-wise he was sure to die. Proudly assented Narak to perform the same.

Arrangements were made briskly. Bhagabati found that he was difficult to be tackled with. An illusive cock crowed out to mark the last quarter of the night. Thus Bhagabati let Narak know the breach of the promise.

Narakasur inflamed with rage, ran after the deceptive cock, chased it up to the other side of the Brahmaputra and killed it. Lord Vishnu brought the death blow on Narak as desired by Bhagabati. After his death his son Bhagadatta became the king of Kamrup and after his demise, the kingdom fell to pieces.

Unearthing of the Sacred spot of the Goddess by the Maharaja of Coochbihar. The proclamation and propagation of Her greatness.

As a result of the curse of Basishta, the temple built by Kamdev, crumbled down and religious revolution shrouded the memory of the temple. The place became the abode of wild beasts and dense forest covered the locality. A few sheds of Mech and Coach on a great heath were found scattered there. The heath and the surrounding place were considered by the people of Nilachal to be the seat of the Goddess.

At this time in about 1490 A.D. Maharaja Biswa Singh was a great puissant-hero of Kamtapur. The other potentates of Kamrup except the kingdom of Ahome formed allegiance with him.

Maharaja Biswa Singh launched an expedition against the kingdom of Ahome during his expedition one night he and his brother Siba Singh lost all connection with the main force. They came to the Nilachal hill along the staircase built by Narakasur, fatigued with thirst and hunger.

They found no ray of relief so they wanted to retreat. They came across an old lady engaged in worship near the Sacred spot, just as they had tried to trace their steps back. A ray of hope crossed the threshold of their mind. They begged of her water to quench their thirst.

She took pity on them and asked them to take rest at the root of a tree near by. Being refreshed, they came to know from her that – the place was the ever awake sacred spot to be adored by them. Whoever has recourse to her with a devout heart and reverence, gets his desire fulfilled. On hearing all these they went on knees and offered their worship to the goddess with all their heart.

The Maharaja prayed to be united with the main force and to make his kingdom free from all obstacles. He promised to build a temple of gold and make arrangements of regular worship if his desires were fulfilled. The grace of the merciful Goddess brought his main-force to him.

AT this occult turnover, he asked the lady how to pay homage to the Goddess. The lady directed him to offer goats, vermillions, scent, flowers, red cloth and ornaments. Thus both the brothers came to know the glory of the Sacred spot containing the female organ of the divinity.

On his return to his Kingdom, the Maharaja was pleased to find peace reigning all over his kingdom. To arrive at a decision at to what was to be done, he called a meeting of the Pandits, learned men and let them know all about his travel and mystery.

The Pandits after consulting the scriptures and Puranas came to the conclusion that the Spot was one of the fifty one Sacred spots, the sacred seat of the ever awake Kamakhya Devi, the great goddess. The Maharaja to fulfill his promise pitched tents at Nilachal and his men cleared the place of Jungles and Banyan trees and unearthed the sacred spot. The stone built lower portion of the temple and at the end the sacred private part of the goddess were traced. The joy of the Maharaja knew no bounds.

Instead of golden temple, the Maharaja began building a big brick-temple on the lower portion that had crumbled down. To his surprise he found the new structure coming down. One night the Maharaja saw the vision of a girl reminding him of his promise of building a temple of gold.

He entreated her to come to his rescue and spoke of his inability of securing such huge quantity of gold. The ever merciful lady asked him to put a ‘rati’ of gold in between each brick and build the temple. Saying this the lady went out of sight. The temple was built as such and Brahmin priests were appointed for due worship of the Goddess.

Guidance : To climb up on the Nil saila hill to visit the Kamakshya Temple.

Arohan Bidhi : Purbey Tu Dhanakastu Rajyakamastu Parchimey Uttarey Muktikamastu Dakshiney Maranang Dhubam. If any one climbs up through the Eastern gate of the hill, he will become rich and climbing up through the northern gate, will make one deserve a kingdom. Where as any one who climbs through the western gate, will be blessed with salvation and climbing up through the southern gate will cause one’s death.

Arohan Mantra : Nilasaila Girishrestha trimurti Rupdharak Tabahang satarang Jata Padasparshang Kshamaswa May. Oh Tri-peaked (three peaks) honourable great Nilsaila I am surrendering to you, forgive me for bowing down my head on your feet.

Long ago there were many paths proceed to all around the temple built by Narakasur. Among these two paths at the northern and eastern sides have been abolished because the paths were not used by the travellers and pilgrims as it were narrow and difficult for trecking.

The Northern gate is known a swargadwar and the western gate is known as Hanumantadwar. A marble statue of Hanuman is still found now in the western gate on the bank of the river Brahmaputra proclaiming its prior-existence. In the former days travellers used to climb up on Kamakshya hill coming by boat along the river way from distant places fastening their boats in the ghat Brahmaputra river.

At present water is stored in the tank by pumpset with help of electricity conducted from the power station near Hanumantadwar ghat of Brahmaputra river. Problem of water supply for inhabitants of Kamakshya and pilgrims has been solved.

In addition to the ancient paths mentioned in the scriptures the Government of India, by expending a huge sum of money, has constructed a metal road surrounding the Kamakshya hill fit for plying motor cars for the benefit of the public.

Starting from the year 1956 and within a brief period and time in 1958 this road was opened by the ex-minister, Government of India Govinda Ballav Panth, who came to Guwahati to join the 63rd National Congress of his political party. This great and beneficial job was the out come of his wholehearted and long-standing effort.

This road led to highest peak of the hill Bhubaneshwari near Kamakshya Temple. So the pilgrims and travellers can easily visit the Temple by motor car from every where of Assam State. If any one desires to visit the Kamakshya Temple from east-south part of Assam State he will come to Guwahati Railway station from Lamding railway station by train. After that he will travel by motor car or bus about 5 k.m. to reach the east gate of Kamakshyadham.

As the railway authority has set up a railway station in this place so the station has been well-known as Kamakshya Railway Station. This station was the link station between Guwahati and Pandu Passengers. But the railway authority has abolished Kamakshya Railway Station and for that reason the public of the both places are facing much difficulties. It is necessary to mention here that the Government of India specially Railway Minister should think over to reconsider the case.

Pilgrims and travellers would come to visit the Kamakshya Temple from Bengal and western part of Assam by link Railway of Assam to the railway station Amingao and from there they had to come to Pundu Railway station crossing the river Brahmaputra by steamer or boat at their own choice. This journey was very risky as because there was frequent changes of Conveyances and at the rainy season there was danger from flood which often wrech the steamer and boat.

So the Government of India by expanding 11 crores of rupees has constructed an ultra modern bridge over the Brahmaputra river about 4258 f.t in length linking Amiongao and Pandu railway station. The bridge is two storied. The down stair is used two railway lines and there is a 23 f.t. wide metal road for vehicles in up-stair and there is a foot path for public walking.

Steamers can easily ply away in the rainy season also when water is increased in volume as the bridge is 40 ft high from mass of water. The name of the bridge is Saraighat Bridge and name of the railway station is Jalubari.

The railway authority makes this station Jalubari after the erection of Saraighat Bridge in the year 1963. But they changed the name of Jalubari railway station as Kamakshya Railway Station in the year 1976.

At present visitors will get down of Kamakshya railway station from train and then they travel by motor car or bus on the newly made metal road up to Kamakshya Temple easily. There is an aerodrome near Guwahati. Rich men can take the facility of travelling by air by spending extra money and from airport they can easily travel by private car on hire. This is a comfortable journey for rich and wealthy men.

From eastern part of Assam visitors may come-to Pandughat by water way. Harish Chandra Roy Choudhury, King of Golakpur in the district of Mymensingha made a road which led from Pandughat to Hanumantadwar. The new path made by Harish Chandra Roychoudhury till remains open for an easy journey for travellers to get at the top of the hill. In the rainy season as the river water grows much in volume with a swift tide on it, becomes dangerous to travel by water route then. The name of the ghat is Amrajuli ghat which earned a reputation of its own.

The visitors or pilgrims may travel 800 metre by motor car from Kamakshya station to Pundughat and climb up the hill from the foot of hill. There is a statue of God Ganesh made by Narakasur which till remains on this road and seems to be a gate-keeper.

There is a path besides this road. If any one travels by boat he will get a path to climb up hill and this path has end with this road. Any one climbs up hill both of this two sides. Generally the travellers use eastern hill side path to climb up hill. To climb up eastern hill side path visitors will come by conveyances from Guwahati station to Kamakshya gate by travelling 3 K.M.

The eastern side road is a metal road and wide. There are two statues on this road. One is of Ganesh and the other is of Agnibetal as guards of the gate. There are so many flowers and plants on both sides of the road which are so beautiful and pleasant the travels

No one should climb up hill in the straight way and in speedy motion because it will give more trouble to the travellers. Walking in zigzag way by observing natural sights around is the right way of travelling. It is a comfortable journey and will reach to goal easily. In the time of returning form hill travellers should come-down in the slow motion, otherwise he may slip the stepping and with accident.

This sacred land of India is a land of spiritual upliftment, a land yearning after what is life beyond. The rest of the world is along with material plea sures, the life that is present seems to be the summumbonum, of mankind so there is a race for drinking the pleasures of life to the dregs. The glorious annals and antique ties of India regard the birth in India a bliss felicity and a life after death is the goal.

We pay pilgrimage to the places that are deemed sacred, that savour of the relics of some divinity. A visit to these places for the souls uplift them mentally and strengthen them with spiritual fervour frequently.

These places are the playground of nature bearing the supreme skill of Art and Architecture and fraught with historical and spiritual activity and sanctity. They remind us of the fond memories of Ancient Hindu Culture.

The saintly sages of old spent their life in meditation of the. almighty and attained miraculous powers which at first sight seems to be unbelievable. All their activities tended towards the welfare of mankind.

Such sacred spots are there 51 in number to be found all over India from Assam to Sindh (Pakistan) and the Himalayas to the Vindhyas.

The origin of these places of pilgrimage is as old as primary stage of human creation.

The Hindus think that the Trinity Brahma. Bishnu and Maheswar stands for creation, preservation and destruction.

The idea of trinity is quite significant and works at the root of all religious faiths and is naturally scientific. Brahma and Vishnu set to work but Maheswar lost Himself in meditation forgetful of the work alloted to Him.

To rouse him from His revery of meditation Brahma asked His faithful son Daksha to pray to the Supreme Deity for a daughter worthy of being the spouse of Maheswar. Long years passed in meditation and the Almamater condescended to be born as such and the condition that at the slightest neglect on Daksha’s part, She will immolate Herself.

Daksha consented and Sati appeared as His daughter and eventually was married to Maheswar. Maheswar was quite indifferent to the world and lived with Sati in Kailas in Tibet, now under the Chinese domination.

Years rolled on, Daksha intended to perform a Jajna, a sacrificial rite to which all the deities except Shiva (Maheswar) were invited, as He was uncanny and weird in His movement. Sati some how wrested His permission to join the rite though not invited.

In the array of Deities in their dignified seats all were found seated. Daksha forgetful of the promise made to Sati began speaking ill of Shiva and Sati unable to bear all these ill words against husband Shiva, sacrificed Herself. The meditation of Shiva, who was omniscient was disturbed.

He came there destroyed the Jajna and took up the dead body of Sati on His, shoulders and travelled the length and breadth of In-1 dia, causing destruction to wherever He traced His steps.

This concerned the creator and the preserver and Vishnu to bring Shiva to His senses, wanted to take away the dead body of Sati and ordered His wheel of death (Sudarshan Chakra) to do its duty. The different parts of the body of Sati were chopped off and fell to wherever Shiva went. Each became a sacred spot reminiscent of the divine decree.

The private part of Sati (Jyoni Mondal) fell on the Neel Parvat (The Kamakhya Hills). The hills came to be known as Nilachal and presiding deity as Kamakhya Debi (Golda).

Brought to His senses after the disappearance of the dead body, Maheswar returned to the impassable part of the Himalayas to be lost in meditation.

The Demon Tarakasur, the unconquerable, emboldened by the boon of Brahma after long meditation and piety began to tread the sacred land like a colossus, causing destruction everywhere. Dismayed at this, the-deities tried to arouse Mahadev from His reverie and to make Him worldly minded.

In the meantime Menaka, the wife of the Himalayas, propitiated Mahamaya, another self of the Alma-mater to obtain a daughter. This daughter Parvati dedicated Herself to Mahadev to get Him as Her cansort. Maheswar could not be roused from His reverie. The deity Kamdeva with His wife Rati tried level best to perform His duty.

Mahadev was roused but the light, that emanated from His brow turned Cupid to ashes and Mahadev came to his senses and left the place of meditation.

Parvati could not be dissuaded, She was bent on having Mahadev, who was Her lord in previous birth, as Her lord. Through the intercession of Narada, the marriage was brought about. At the plight of Rati, by the grace of Mahadev, out of the ashes of Kamdev, came out Kamdev Himself but, Alas ! His former beauty and grandeur was gone.

Bereft of former beauty both husband and wife prayed long to Mahadev for restoring to Kamdev, His original beauty. Mahadev became easily pleased at the adoration of the devotees, goes the adage. At long last Kamdev got back His former status after performing the sacred duty of unearthing the sacred spot, one of the fifty one to be found all over India.

He erected a magnificent temple over the spot with the help of the Divine builder Biswakarma, the God of Vulcan. As Kamdev got back His beauty there, the place came to be known as Kamrup Kamakhya.

In the days of old Kamrup extended from the river Karatoa to the river Dikkarbasini. The “Jogini Tantra” divided the region of Kamrup into (1) Kampith, (2) Ratanpith, (3) Swarnapith, (4) Soumarpith.

1. Kampith : The region between the rivers Swarnakosh and Rupika was known as Kampith and the presiding Goddess was Kamakhya Devi.
2. Ratnapith : Ratnapith stood between the river Karatoa and Swarnakosh.
3. Swarnapith : Lay between Rupika and Bhairab rivers.
4. Soumarpith : Bhairab and Dikkarbasini circumscribed Soumarpith.

We find the name of Prag-Jyotishpur in the “Kalika Puran” dealing with the ancient Kamrup kingdom. In the days out of memory Brahma, the God of creation, Himself began creating the constellation in ‘Prag-Jyotishpur’. The place came to be known as ‘Prag Jyotishpur’. It was the capital of Narakasur. Now it is known as Guwahati and it is the temporary capital of present Assam.

Many legends are current concerning ancient Kamrup, in the Tantras, the Ramayana, the Mahavarata and other books on religion, Kamrup was known, far and wide as the land of charms and compared itself with the land of cyclops. Besides, it was not easy of access.

Those who paid pilgrimage to the holy places did not dare to go back and had to settle there. In this connection the interesting accounts of those settlers left by Hu-en-chung, the Chinese traveller during the reign of Hindu king Vaskar Barma may be referred to.

“The anecdotes of Narakasur and the building of the different paths leading to the temple.”

The ‘Tantras’ and ‘Puranas’ hold that Narakasur was born of the Universe and Narayan (in the form of a boar). Though a demon by birth he became attracted to the Aryan culture, brought up as he was in the home of Janaka. Narayan became pleased with him and conferred on him the kingdom of Pragjyotishpur, the land of great boons.

Ghatak, the king of the Kirats, was put to death by the indomitable Narakasur made invincible by the bliss of Dharitri (Universe). He married Maya, the daughter of the king Bidarva.

His kingdom had been flourishing so long as he abided by the counsel of Narayana and held the Brahmins, the gods in esteem and regarded and offered his worship to the great Goddess Kamakhya as a staunch devotee. At the end of Dwapar, the third epoch of creation, he formed a great alliance with the demon Bana of Sonitpur.

As a result of which he became desperate in the attitude and inimical to Gods and Brahmans counteracting the very condition of the boon of Brahma which made him invincible. He destrode heaven and earth carrying his torture and destruction everywhere. The Gods became alarmed and be took themselves to Brahma.

Brahma directed them to have recourse to the Alma-mater, they did as directed. Moved at their distress Mahamaya appeared there.

Kalika Puran says, one day Basistha the sage paid a visit to Mahamaya Temple. Narakasur objected. At this Basishta cursed him, “So long as you live, Kamakhya, the almighty mother with Her associate will remain out of sight.”

Mahamaya caused an illusion and Vishnu at Her dictate killed him as his death was predestined. The different gates to be found around the hill were the works of Narakasur, the Tiger gate, the Monkey gate, the Celestial gate and the Lion gate.

The four stone-built paths all speak of Narakasur. The local heresay is that one day Bhagabati appeared before Him with Her captivating beauty. Enamoured by Her beauty. He desired to have Her as his wife. Maddened with pride as he was Bhagabati realised that death stared him in the face, so She hit upon a plan to put him to death.

She promised to wed him if in the course of a night he could erect four stone-stair cases on four sides of the hill and a rest-house other-wise he was sure to die. Proudly assented Narak to perform the same.

Arrangements were made briskly. Bhagabati found that he was difficult to be tackled with. An illusive cock crowed out to mark the last quarter of the night. Thus Bhagabati let Narak know the breach of the promise. Narakasur inflamed with rage, ran after the deceptive cock, chased it up to the other side of the Brahmaputra and killed it.

Lord Vishnu brought the death blow on Narak as desired by Bhagabati. After his death his son Bhagadatta became the king of Kamrup and after his demise, the kingdom fell to pieces.

Unearthing of the Sacred spot of the Goddess by the Maharaja of Coochbihar. The proclamation and propagation of Her greatness.

As a result of the curse of Basishta, the temple built by Kamdev, crumbled down and religious revolution shrouded the memory of the temple. The place became the abode of wild beasts and dense forest covered the locality. A few sheds of Mech and Coach on a great heath were found scattered there. The heath and the surrounding place were considered by the people of Nilachal to be the seat of the Goddess.

At this time in about 1490 A.D. Maharaja Biswa Singh was a great puissant-hero of Kamtapur. The other potentates of Kamrup except the kingdom of Ahome formed allegiance with him.

Maharaja Biswa Singh launched an expedition against the kingdom of Ahome during his expedition one night he and his brother Siba Singh lost all connection with the main force. They came to the