The most amazing Umananda Island
Surely you have heard about the small islands in the big ocean? If you ever get a chance to go to such an island, will you miss that opportunity? Of course not!
One such island and my hour-long journey to that island will be detailed today. Guwahati is the capital of the state of Assam, one of the hill states of North East India. It has always been one of the most commercial and technologically advanced cities in India. Moreover, many people travel from different places in this state due to the job. More significant than that is a Shakti Pitha of 51 Pithas of Goddess Sati built in a part of this capital. We are talking about Kamakhya Shakti Pith. It is basically one of the 4 Shakti Pithas of Goddess Sati. It is said that this Shakti Pitha is one of the best for Tantra Sadhana. Many Aghori and Tantra saints visit here at different times of the year from different parts of the country. Moreover, there is a crowd of devotees here at different times of the year. Each of these 51 Sati Pithas has a Lord Shiva temple. For example, Bhairava Temple is located near the Tripura Sundari Temple in the temple city of Udaipur in our state of Tripura. Similarly Umananda Bhairava Temple is located near Kamakhya Maa Temple located in Guwahati. And that temple is built on an island. And our detailed discussion is around that island. The word Umanand literally means Uma or Parvati and Ananda means joy. That is, this Umananda Bhairav temple was built for the joy and happiness of Goddess Parvati.
Mythology behind the construction of the temple
Every temple has a story behind its construction. There is one such myth behind the construction of Umananda Bhairava temple. It is said that Mahadev built this island keeping in mind the happiness of Goddess Sati. Which is called Umanand Island. Temples were built here later. There is a lot of history behind how who built this temple. But before that we will know how you can go to this temple or island.
How to go to Umananda Temple
The Brahmaputra, the only river in Asia, flows through Gauhati. Umananda Bhairava Temple is located in the middle of that river. This temple is quite far from Kamakhya temple. It is mainly located in Baruah Souk in North Guwahati. From Gauhati city to Umanand Bhairav there are vehicles. You can get a car from anywhere. Or you can go by Ola or Uber. After reaching the other side of the Brahmaputra river, you have to take a launch to the island. Umanand Island is also called Peacock Island. It takes about 15 minutes by launch to reach the island from one side to the other. Besides, you can go to the roof top if you want. But it may take more time. You may understand the details when you go yourself. The temple that is here is the location of this island long before its construction. It can be said that there is another history or folklore behind it.
History of Umananda Island
Another name of the hill on this island is Bhasmachal Hill. According to popular belief, Shiva exists here in the form of Bhayananda. According to an account of the Kalika Purana, after the death of Sati, Shiva was engaged in intense penance. Enraged at breaking the penance, Shiva burnt Kamdev by his Trinayana at this place of Umananda. That is why its other name is Bhasmanchal
In other words, because Kamdev got burnt in the fire of Shiva’s anger, this hill got its name as Bhasmachal hill.
History behind Umananda temple
After that many kings and maharajas came here with time. Gradually a temple was built here. According to history, in 1694, Ahom king Chupatpha ordered his minister Garaganya Sandikai Phukan to build a Hindu temple named Umananda Mandir. An earthquake in 1897 caused extensive damage to this temple.
But later a local businessman rebuilt this temple. This temple is a blend of both styles of Hindu Vaishnavism and Shaivism and clear traces can be seen. There are also Assamese style idols of Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu and other deities. Some Vaishnavite inscriptions were carved in this temple during the reconstruction and repair. Sculptural specimens can also be seen on various rocks scattered around Umananda Island. The priest of the temple has also given various informations about this.
Special occasions celebrated
Apart from the daily pujas, special pujas are also organized here on special occasions. One of the special times is Maha Shiva Ratri.
Mahashivratri is celebrated in Umanand. Fairs are held on the banks of Umananda and Brahmaputra for Shivaratri. Monday is considered as the holiest day in this temple. And on every new moon Umananda is visited by devotees from far and wide.
Conclusion
North East India is a special attraction for tourists. Something new must be found here every day. Tourists flock from far and wide to enjoy the hilly beauty of the entire North East India. Along with that, many people come again to search for various mysteries. If you are a nature lover and love mountains and of course if you have the urge to discover something new then definitely come to North East India and if you ever visit Guwahati then don’t forget to visit Umananda Bhairav Temple.
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