Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati – Worship Practices

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.