About Kamakhya Temple
Kamakhya Temple stands on Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati, Assam, overlooking the Brahmaputra river. It is one of the oldest and most revered Shakti Peethas and an important centre of Tantric worship. The goddess Kamakhya is not worshipped as an idol; instead she is revered in a natural stone in an underground cave, kept moist by a spring, which symbolises the yoni, the source of creation. Devotees from across India and beyond come here to pray for blessings.
According to legend, when Lord Shiva carried the body of Sati in grief, Vishnu used his discus to divide it, and the places where her body parts fell became Shakti Peethas. At Kamakhya, her yoni is believed to have fallen. Every year in June, the temple closes for three days during Ambubachi Mela, when the goddess is believed to undergo her annual menstrual cycle, and then reopens to huge crowds. The temple was destroyed in the 16th century and rebuilt by the Koch kings in 1565.
The temple is built in the Nilachal style, with a beehive-shaped dome over a cross-shaped base. Its walls carry carved images of deities. The sanctum is a dark cave reached by steps down from the main hall. Nearby on the same hill are temples to the ten Mahavidyas, forms of the Divine Mother.
Kamakhya Temple timings & aarti
Usually open for general darshan about 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM, with early morning rituals before opening. The temple closes for three days during Ambubachi Mela in June. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Puja and Snan | Early morning before opening (approx.) |
| Midday Bhog | Around 1:00 PM (darshan pauses) |
| Evening Aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kamakhya Temple
By air
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, is about 20 km away.
By train
Kamakhya Railway Station is about 6 km away; Guwahati Railway Station is about 8 km away.
By road
Taxis, autos and city buses go up the hill road to the temple from Guwahati city.
Festivals at Kamakhya Temple
- Ambubachi MelaJun
- Durga PujaSep/Oct
- Manasha PujaAug
- Pohan BiyaDec/Jan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- General darshan is free; paid special darshan tickets are available for a shorter queue.
- Arrive early, as general queues can take several hours.
- Check dates before travelling in June, since the temple is closed during Ambubachi.
- Visit the Bhuvaneshwari temple at the top of Nilachal Hill for views of Guwahati.
- Be respectful of local traditions; animal sacrifice is part of worship here.
Places to visit near Kamakhya Temple
- Bhuvaneshwari TempleHilltop temple on Nilachal with city views, about 1 km away
- Umananda TempleShiva temple on a river island, reached by ferry, about 8 km away
- Navagraha TempleTemple of the nine planets, about 8 km away
- Basistha AshramAshram linked with sage Vashistha, about 15 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Kamakhya Temple timings?
General darshan is usually from about 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Timings may vary on festival days.
When is Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya?
It is held every year in June, and the temple remains closed for three days during it.
Why is there no idol at Kamakhya Temple?
The goddess is worshipped in the form of a natural yoni-shaped stone, as tradition holds that Sati's yoni fell here.
How far is Kamakhya Temple from Guwahati airport?
It is about 20 km from Guwahati airport.
What is the aarti time at Kamakhya Temple?
Morning Puja and Snan: Early morning before opening (approx.); Midday Bhog: Around 1:00 PM (darshan pauses); Evening Aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Kamakhya Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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