Umananda Temple (Assam)
The temple has inherited some rock-cut figures,
which speak passionately of the masterly skill of
the Assamese craftsmen.
Umananda Temple (Assam) Hindu Temples
Umananda Temple is a magnificent Shiva temple located in Peacock Island on the river Brahmaputra, in Guwahati. The temple was built by an Ahom king in 1594.
The rock-cut figures of gods and goddesses that adorn the walls of the temple are specimens of exquisite Assamese craftsmanship. They also have a historical and legendary legacy.
The temple attracts devotees from all over the country, especially during shivaratri festival. The main shrine is reached by a flight of steep steps. Ferry boats and motor launches ply regularly from Kachari Ghat in Guwahati.
The temple of Umananda was built in 1694 A.D. by the Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique by the order of King Gadadhar Singh (1681- 1696), one of the ablest and strongest rulers of the Ahom dynasty. The original temple was however immensely damaged by a devastating earthquake of 1897. Later, it was reconstructed by a rich local merchant who chose to inscribe the interior part of a Siva temple with Vaisnavite slogans.
The temple has inherited some rock-cut figures, which speak passionately of the masterly skill of the Assamese craftsmen. The sculptures here show that the worshippers there followed all the principal Hindu gods. We find representations of Surya, Ganesha, Shiva and Devi (with a scorpion as emblem) in addition to those of Visnu and his ten incarnations (avatar).
How To reach
Airport : The nearest airport is at Guwahati. From where you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island to visit the temple.
Railhead : The closest railhead is at Guwahati, From here you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. The railhead at Guwahati is connected to almost all the major cities of India.
Road Transport : Guwahati is linked to all the major cities of Assam and nearby states. One can easily Guwahati by road from any part of the state.
Water Transport : As the temple resides in an Island amidst the Brahmaputra River, one has to take a ferry to reach the temple. The ferries are arranged by the state tourism department for the tourists from all the parts of India and world.
Other links
Hindu Temples in India
temples
Assam