Dirgheshwari
Temple, Guwahati,
Assam
Dirgheshwari Temple is a Hindu Temple
dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in the northern banks of the river Brahmaputra in
Guwahati City in Kamrup District of
Assam, India. The
Temple was built by Ahom King Swargadeo Siva
Singha. The Temple is considered one among the 51 Shakti
Peethas. The Temple is recognized by Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) as an important historical site and accordingly steps are taken to
preserves its structure.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
The present temple at Dirgheshwari
was constructed by Ahom king Swargadeo Siva
Singha (1714 CE – 1744 CE), under the supervision of Tarun
Duwarah Barphukan,
the Ahom viceroy of Guwahati and Lower
Assam.
The Temple
The temple was constructed using
bricks, at the top of the hill, which is filled with solid rocks. The Garbha-Griha or
the inner chamber of the temple, where the idol of Goddess Durga was present is
located underground, in a small cave. Local people considers this Temple, as
the second-most holiest place after Kamakhya
Temple. It is believed that even after offering one’s prayer
in Kamakhya, it is necessary to visit Dirgheshwari
Temple, to obtain the full blessing of Devi Durga. There is a small water tank in the near the
temple, in which small fishes and a turtle is present.
Rock Images
Apart from the temple, there are
many images of God and Goddesses engraved in the rocks of the hill. It is not
known from which period these images belonged. Just like any ancient temples or
Hindu holy sites, one can find a big image of Lord Ganesha engraved
in the rock, at the entrance of the temple. According to Hindu beliefs before
performing any religious rites, first prayers should be offered to Lord
Ganesha. There are two-foot prints engraved in the rocks near the temple,
believed to be of Goddess Durga. There is also a stone structure, which the
local believes as boat, which is used by Apasaras or
nymphs for water sports in a nearby water pond.
Inscriptions
A rock inscription is present at
the back entrance of the Temple in which the names of Ahom King Swargadeo Siba
Singha and the Ahom Viceroy Tarun Duwarah Barphukan are
present, issuing the royal order for the construction of temple and grants of
lands in the name of Dirgheshwari Temple. During the royal tour of Ahom king Swargadeo Rajeswar
Singha in 1756 CE, the king visited the temple and granted more
lands and men for the proper maintenance of the temple. The king also presented
a silver Japi or hat, which is still used to cover the main idol of Devi Durga in
the temple.
Festivals
The main attraction of Dirgheshwari
temple is the annual Durga Puja celebrations, in which devotees from far of
places use to attend. The prime attention of Durga Puja is the sacrifice of
animals, especially Buffaloes.
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
No comments:
Post a Comment