About Hayagriva Madhava Temple
The Hayagriva Madhava Temple crowns the Manikut hill at Hajo in Kamrup district of Assam, about 30 km north-west of Guwahati across the Brahmaputra. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Hayagriva Madhava. Hajo is a remarkable pilgrimage town where Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims all have sacred places, and this temple is its best-known shrine. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The site is ancient, and the hill is praised in regional sacred literature. The present temple was rebuilt in 1583 by the Koch king Raghudev Narayan, after an earlier structure was damaged. Later, under the Ahom kings, the temple received grants of land and attendants for its upkeep. Some Buddhist traditions, especially among pilgrims from the Himalayan regions, regard Hajo as a place connected with the Buddha, and the image here is honoured by them too; views on this differ. The Vaishnava saint Srimanta Sankardeva is also said to have visited the temple.
The stone temple stands on a high platform reached by a long flight of steps up the hill. Its most striking feature is the continuous row of carved elephants along the base of the walls. The outer walls show the ten avatars of Vishnu, devotees in procession and scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Inside the dim sanctum is the image of Hayagriva Madhava, and tradition says an oil lamp here is kept burning without ever going out. Below the hill lies a large tank called Madhab Pukhuri, where turtles are fed by visitors.
Hayagriva Madhava Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Hayagriva Madhava Temple
By air
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, is about 35 km away.
By train
Guwahati railway station is about 30 km away.
By road
Buses and shared taxis run from Guwahati to Hajo via the Saraighat bridge. The temple is a short climb from the town.
Festivals at Hayagriva Madhava Temple
- Doul Utsav (Holi)Feb/Mar
- Bohag BihuApr
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before climbing to the shrine.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- The climb up the hill involves many steps; go early on hot days.
- Visit the other sacred sites of Hajo, including the Kedareswara temple and Poa Mecca, to see the town's mixed heritage.
- Carry a small offering of food for the turtles in the tank only if permitted locally.
- Combine the trip with the silk-weaving village of Sualkuchi.
Places to visit near Hayagriva Madhava Temple
- Kedareswara Temple, HajoOld Shiva temple on a nearby hill, about 1 km away
- Poa Mecca, HajoRevered Muslim shrine on Garurachal hill, about 3 km away
- SualkuchiFamous silk-weaving village, about 15 km away
- Kamakhya Temple, GuwahatiMajor Shakti Peetha on Nilachal hill, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
Which deity is worshipped at Hayagriva Madhava Temple?
Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Hayagriva Madhava.
Why is Hayagriva Madhava sacred to Buddhists?
Some Buddhist traditions connect Hajo with the Buddha and honour the image here, though views differ.
How far is Hajo from Guwahati?
Hajo is about 30 km north-west of Guwahati by road, across the Brahmaputra.
Who built the present Hayagriva Madhava Temple?
The present temple was rebuilt in 1583 by the Koch king Raghudev Narayan on an older sacred site.
What is the aarti time at Hayagriva Madhava Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Hayagriva Madhava Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Hayagriva Madhava Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before climbing to the shrine.
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