18 Famous Temples in North East India
Wherever we go through India, the vibes of spirituality and cultural importance brings special glory and attention towards the place. Alike, many historical and prominent temples of Northeast India preaches valuable morals and cultural significance of the land. As we were very well-known, Northeast India is culturally rich and prospered land being home to an imaginary number of temples. Irrespective of religion, different religious deities are getting worshiped and honored on this auspicious land.
Many temples of Northeast India and their historical prominence make us witness many legendary tales and the back day’s religious importance. Just in a few words, temples are like the portraits of culture gifted by our ancestors not to forget the importance of spirituality and cultural being.
So, if you want to experience the cultural side of Northeast India, take way to different temples and spiritual sites to explore the divine beauty. For your cultural trip, here some of the famous temples of Northeast India listed below:
1. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam
Location : Nilanchal Hill, Guwahati, Assam.
In Assam, Kamakhya Devi Temple is a very well-known and a must-visit Hindu temple in Northeast India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya an exposure of Goddess Shakti. From all corners of India, devotees visit the temple to be blessed by the Goddess. History says about this temple is, when Goddess Sati burnt herself the womb and yoni of the goddess were fallen here and this temple is considered as one of the 51 “Siddha Shaktipeetas”. Due to this reason, people throngs to visit the temple.
The major attraction of the temple is its Annual fair called “Ambubasi Mela” occurs in June. During the fair, tantrics, sadhus, and saints perform different unusual rituals to please the Goddess. Kamakhya goddess was known for tantrics that’s why here many unusual things make us surprise.
2. Bhuvaneswari Temple, Assam
Location : Nilanchal Hill, Guwahati, Assam.
Bhuvaneswari Temple is another famous attraction near the Kamakhya temple in Assam. Just 165ft above the Kamakhya temple Bhuvaneswari temple is located, which is a very pleasant and tranquil atmosphere place. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and also this temple is an ancient significant one. Same alike Kamkhya temple, Bhuvaneswari temple receives hordes of worshipers during Ambubasi Mela and Manasha Puja.
As per mythological stories, Goddess Bhuvanewari is considered as the ruler of the universe. Maybe due to the reason, the fantastic views from the temple like the lush valleys, hills, Bhramaputra river, etc seem to be under her control in a pleasant environment. Here we can experience the magical bond of nature and spiritual ambiance.
3. Billeswar Temple, Assam
Location : Nalbari, Assam.
Billeswar Temple is a perfect example of a blend of culture and beauty with its spectacular presence built nearly 500 years back. This temple was dedicated to Lord Krishna, which is a famous temple in Nalbari town of Assam. The story behind the construction of this temple was a cow and a famous priest of the town. The priest’s cow used to give milk only on the bushes of virina, then the king of the town ordered to dig that particular place. After digging, a Shivalinga came out and then this Billeswar temple was constructed.
The interesting thing is Lord Krishna temple was built even Shivaling found there. However, for Lord Krishna devotees this temple is very famous. From many parts of the country, devotees pay a visit to the temple.
4. Sri Surya Pahar, Assam
Location : Goalpara district, Assam.
In Northeast India, Sri Surya Pahar is a famous and an interesting pilgrimage site, where three religions deities of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism are worshipping. The followers of these three religionsvisit the site in a large number.This pilgrimage site located on a hilltop showcasing three different religions at one stand is a great attraction to capture in Assam. Here you can go through magnificent ancient temples which are dated back long ago. Some of the best masterpieces to see here Surya Mandir, carvings of Jain Tirthankaras, Buddhism stupas, etc.
The history of this land says thatthis creation was done by Lord Brahmato fill the city with 99999 carvings of Shivalingas to make it popular as Second Kashi. But the number of Shivalingas not figured out. However, the sculptures and temples here are wonderfulthings to visit the temple.
Location : Goalpara district, Assam.
5. Asvakranta Temple, Assam
Location : Guwahati, Assam.
Asvakranta temple is a well-known and popular temple for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. Here Asva means “Horse” and Kranta means “Tired”. In this temple, Lord Vishnu is the god getting worshipped in the form of reclining position on the thousand-headed serpent.As per the historians, the temple was located where Lord Krishna rested for a while when his horse gets tired. That’s why the temple named “Asvakranta”. A large number of devotees of Lord Krishna visits the temple for “Shradha Puja”, which washes away the sins of deceased people. On the banks of the Brahmaputra river,you can observe this ritualperforming of Shradha Puja by the people.
6. Ugratara Temple, Assam
Location : Uzan Bazar, Guwahati, Assam.
The name of the temple itself suggests the power of the goddess. Ugratara temple is another famous temple of Goddess Shakti in Assam. An interesting thingabout this temple is it doesn’t have any image or idol of the deityin that place a small pit filled with water address as the goddess. According to history, the temple was built in 1725 ADand dedicated to the Goddess Ugra Tara. The history says this temple also one of the 51 Shaktipeetas, where the naval of Goddess Sati had fallen here.Due to thisreason, the temple lookscrowd with a large number of devotees.
Especially, Friday an important date for this temple and different special pujas and rituals will be performed here and Navarati also a great event to gather here.
7. Hajo Powa Mecca, Assam
Location : Garurachala Hills, Kamrup district, Assam.
For Muslims, Hajo Powa Mecca is a very sacred and precious pilgrimage site in Assam located on a hilltop. Here Powa Mecca means “A quarter of Mecca”. What does it mean, in the 12thcentury an Irani prince Pir Giasuddin Auliya brought a mass of soil from Mecca. That’s why Muslims believe that visiting this Mecca credits one-fourth of rewards that acquired with a “Haj Yatra”. To honor his efforts, in 1657 AD Shah Jahan built this Mecca with his Tomb.
From all over India, people rush to this Mecca in a large number to offer prayers. Interestingly, you can see Hindus also visiting this Mecca. Those who can’t afford Haj Yatra this Mecca fulfill their wish at least they can feel the soil of Mecca.
8. Parsuram Kund, Arunachal Pradesh
Location : Near Lohit River, Arunachal Pradesh.
Parsuram Kund is like a pristine pilgrimage site nestled with nature’s beauty. This Kund was located on the banks of the Lohit river surrounded bylush greenery, hills, terrains, and forests.According to the historical myths, Lord Parsuram takes a holy dip in this kund to purify himself from the sin of killing his mother. During Makar Sankranthi taking holy dips in this kund is a good thing to do here. Visiting Arunachal Pradesh and missing this holy site is a big mistake,such a beautiful and refreshing spot it is.
9. Akashganga Temple, Arunachal Pradesh
Location : At foothills of Siang Hills, West Siang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Familiarly known as Malinithan Temple as well as Akashganga Temple in Arunachal Pradesh is like a wonderful archaeological site to explore in Northeast India. In Arunachal Pradesh,this temple is quite famous for its architectural beauty and carvings. The temple houses Goddess Durga and people visit the temple in a large count. The temple dates back 14th to 15thcentury but it was revealed to humans in the 20thcentury by the excavations of archeology.
History says about this temple is, at this temple Lord Krishna and Rukmini rested for sometime in the journey to Dwaraka. At the time, Goddess Parvathi welcomed them and she addressed Rukmini as Malini that ’s why the temple also known as Malinithan temple. Anyway, the architectural styles and the artifacts of the temple surprises you a lot.
10. Unakoti Hill Temples, Tripura
Location : Forests of Tripura, Unakoti Hills, Tripura.
Unakoti Hill temples in Tripura is like a neverseen wonder anywhere throughout the world. For Hindu pilgrims, Unakoti hills are a prime attraction. What’s the specialty of these hills means, its rock-cut images of Hindu deities one less than of crore that’s why these hills are known as Unakoti hills. Inaddition to these marvelous wonders, greenery, scenic wonders around, and waterfalls at these hills adds more joy.
Why these hills turned into rock-cut images of idols means, two story tellings of history reveals that once a sculptor requested Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati to take him with them to Kailasha. Then, Lord Shiva ordered him to sculpt one crore images of him in one night. But when he counted in the morning the count was one less of crore. Another story says Once Lord Shiva was traveling with one crore gods to Varanasi, at these hills they stopped to take rest. But Lord Shiva ordered everyone to wake up before dawn but when Lord Shiva wakes up all were sleeping. This made Lord Shiva angry and cursed them to be stone sculptures and he left. That’s why one less than crore sculptures are figured out here.
11. Tripura Sundari Temple, Tripura
Location : Fulkumari, Udaipur, Tripura.
After visiting Tripura, no one leaves the place without missing the Tripura Sundari Temple, which is a famous pilgrimage site in Tripura. This temple was an ancient one in the city holding 117 years of history built-in the rule of Manikya Dynasty. This temple is an abode to Goddess Tripura Sundari, who is amanifestation of Goddess Parvati and also the shrine of Lord Vishnu be worshipped here.
According to Purans, this temple was one of the 51 Shaktipeetas because the right foot of Goddess Sati had fallen here. People also throng to this temple in a huge crowd and also, the architectural styles of the temple are another attraction to see especially roof with tortoise shape is a spectacular one.
12. Sri Govindajee Temple, Manipur
Location : Wangkhei, Imphal, Manipur.
In Manipur, Sri Govindajee is an ancient and largest Hindu temple with astonishing architectural styles. The temple was dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. If you observe in Manipur’s Imphal it is the oldest temple built in 1846by the Manipur king Chandrachur. The deities called in the temple are Govindajee means Lord Krishna itself and his consort Devi Radha. Other deities like Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra also be worshipped in the temple. During Holi and Krishna Janmashtmi festivals, the temple will be cherished with full of celebrations with folk dances and other festivities.
13. Sivasagar Sivadol, Assam
Location : Sivasagar City, Guwahati, Assam.
Sivasagar Sivadol is a major and important temple of Assam. Sivadol means the temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is a group of three temples Sivadol, Vishnudol, and Devidol located on the banks of the Sivasagar tank. What’s the major attraction of the temple is the central tower in Sivadol, whichis the tallest Shiva temple tower in India recording a height of 104ft. The temples were constructed in 1734 by Bar Raja Ambika. The environment and surroundings of these temples are tranquil and pleasant with a pleasing atmosphere. Especially, during Maha Shivaratri the temple will be more attractive with full of festivities and a huge mela will also be placed.
14. Nartiang Durga Temple, Meghalaya
Location : West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.
In Meghalaya, Nartiang Durga Temple is a famous and holiest ancient temple built nearly 600 years ago. The temple is home to Goddess Jainteshwari, who is another form of Goddess Durga. This temple also one of the 51 Shaktipeetas, where the left thigh of Goddess Sati had fallen here in the Jaintia Hills. Tribals of these hills also strongly believe that this temple is a permanent home for Goddess Durga.The special occasion to visit the temple is Durga Puja, which draws a large number of worshippers to the temple.
15. Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Sikkim
Location : Legship, Sikkim.
The temple is a well-known Shiva temple in Sikkim located on the banks of Rangeet River and surrounded by lush greenery and hills offers atranquil environment. As per the historical mythical tales, Lord Shiva encouraged Arjuna at this place to be victorious in the war of Mahabharata. Due to this reason, there is a belief that worshipers will be blessed with divine powers. During Bala Chaturdashi and Maha Shivaratri, people will rush to this temple to get blessings of Lord Shiva.
A suspension footbridge to this temple is an interesting thing to take part in and enjoying it swings in walking.
16. Mahabali Temple, Manipur
Location : Wangkhei, Imphal, Manipur.
Mahabali Temple, a popular Hanuman temple in Imphal, which dates back to1725 AD. This temple was built by Maharaja Garib Niwaji, it is like anideal topopular Ramanadi Hindu cult in Manipur. The very special thing of this temple is Lord Hanuman idol in the human form in dancing posture wearing a dhoti. The architectural styles of the temple are also a good attraction to the temple. During Hanuman Jayanti, the celebrations will reach sky end with full of celebrations.
17. Dimapur Kalibari, Nagaland
Location : Dimapur town, Nagaland.
Dimapur Kalibari is a famous Kali temple in Nagaland located close to Kamalasagar Lake due to the reason it is also called Kamalasagar Kali Temple. This temple was built in 1956 but it was said to be the 17th-century temple. The lake here is the major attraction to this temple andhistorians say that this lake was dug by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in the 15th century. Also, history reveals that first this temple was dedicated to Goddess Durga but now it is dedicated to Kali. However, the environment and the presence of the temple will be very pleasant and peaceful to relax.
18. Om Temple, Aizawl
Location : Thuampui, Aizawl, Mizoram.
Om temple in Mizoram is a different and special temple of Lord Shiva with its structure and architectural styles. The specialty of the temple is its shape reflecting the structure of OM. For Hindus in Aizawal, this temple is the most worshipped because there were fewer Hindu temples.
This is all about you can explore Northeast India’s spiritual and cultural side of the famous temples. Wherever you go in Northeast India spare some time to visit these temples to get some knowledge of our culture and history.
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