Hindu Temples of India: Sukreswar Temple, Guwahati, Assam

Sukreswar Temple, Guwahati, Assam

Sukreswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the Itakhuli hill on the south bank of river Brahmaputra in the Panbazar locality of Guwahati City in Kamrup District of Assam, India. Itakhuli Hill, also known as Sukreswar Hill, has a strategic importance as it was the seat of the Viceroys and Governors right from the days the King of Ahom, Mughals and the British. From the summit of the hill one can get a panoramic view of the Brahmaputra River and the Uma Nanda Temple on the Peacock Island.

Legends

As per legend, Sage Sukra made his hermitage on this Sukreswar hillock. The sage used to meditate and regularly worship Lord Shiva in that place. As per the Kalika Purana, the hillock where the sage used to pray is called Hastagiri as it has the shape like that of the hump of an elephant.

History

The Temple was constructed in 1744 CE by Ahom King Pramatta Singha (1744–1751). His Successor King Rajeswar Singha (1751–69) also made donations to this Temple in 1759.

The Temple

The temple is situated on the Sukreswar or Itakhuli hill on the south bank of river Brahmaputra. The temple provides a picturesque view of the mighty river flowing alongside its banks. There are steps leading to this river from the temple complex. Presiding Deity is called as Sukreswar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. It is one of the largest Shiva Lingas in India. Though the sanctum is still in good condition, but the adjacent Nat temple has been replaced by sheet of iron. The temple complex also have a Vishnu Temple.