Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati – Worship
Practices
Giver of Salvation:
The Kalika
Purana, an ancient work in Sanskrit describes Kamakhya as
the yielder of all desires, the young bride of Shiva, and the
giver of salvation.
Worship Modes:
The goddess is worshiped
according to both the Vamachara (Left-Hand
Path) as well as the Dakshinachara (Right-Hand
Path) modes of worship.
Tantrik Worship:
Kamakhya is also an unrivalled
centre of Tantrik worship. The worship of all female deity in Assam symbolizes
the fusion of faiths and practices of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in Assam.
The different names associated with the goddess are names of local Aryan and
non-Aryan goddesses. The Yogini
Tantra mentions that the religion of the Yogini
Pitha is of Kirata origin. According to Banikanta
Kakati, there existed a tradition among the priests established by Naranarayana
that the Garos, a matrilineal people,
offered worship at the earlier Kamakhya site by sacrificing pigs.
There is today a society of
Tantrik here who celebrate their important Rajaewari pooja. All their rituals
are conducted in secret and are open only to initiates. There are no outward
displays of this cult except that one sees people in weird clothing lost in
their own pursuits. The practice of Tantrik rites is also prevalent on the
Nilachal Hill. Before the advent of Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam, Tantrism
flourished in the area during the reign of the Pala dynasty.
Secret esoteric rites were
practiced in the shadow of the night, upon the hill by a sect known locally as
the Rati Khowa sampradaya. To attain heavenly bliss, they indulged in orgies,
relating to the practice of the five 'Ma', namely; the eating of matsya and
mamsa (fish and meat), drinking of madira (alcohol), indulging in maithuna or
sexual intercourse, and mudra or hand gestures.
Offerings:
Offerings to the goddess are
usually flowers but might include animal sacrifices. In general female animals
are exempt from sacrifice, a rule that is relaxed during mass sacrifices.
Sacrificial Site:
It is likely that this is an
ancient Khasi people sacrificial site, and
worshipping here still includes sacrifices. Devotees come every morning with
goats to offer to Shakti.
Kamakhya Sindoor:
Shakti is
known as Kamakhya. Symbolic to this is a very special form of Sindoor,
available here, made from rock and called Kamakhya Sindoor, which is
believed to be a blessing bestowed by Kamakhya Devi herself,
to the wearer.
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