About Mahabhairav Temple
The Mahabhairav Temple stands on a small hill in the northern part of Tezpur, the riverside town on the north bank of the Brahmaputra in Assam. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mahabhairav, the fierce and protective form of the god. For the people of Sonitpur district and the wider Brahmaputra valley it is one of the most important Shiva temples, and it becomes the centre of the town's religious life during Maha Shivaratri, when devotees come from far and near to offer water, bel leaves and prayers.
Tezpur is identified in tradition with Sonitpur, the city of the asura king Bana (Banasura), a great devotee of Shiva whose daughter Usha appears in the Puranic story of Usha and Aniruddha. Local belief says that Bana himself established this shrine and gained his power and prosperity by worshipping Shiva here. Devotees also believe the linga is a "living stone" that grows very slowly over the years. The original temple is said to have been of stone; it was damaged over time, and the present structure is a later reconstruction in concrete. Some customs at the temple are distinctive, such as releasing pigeons as a symbol of freeing the souls of ancestors.
The temple is reached by a short climb from the road and has a simple, modern shrine housing the large linga, with a courtyard where festival crowds gather. Pieces of older carved stone found in the area hint at the long history of worship on this hill. From the top there are glimpses of Tezpur town, and the temple is close to other sites tied to the Bana and Usha legends, such as Agnigarh hill, which makes it easy to combine with a heritage walk around the town.
Mahabhairav 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 Mahabhairav Temple
By air
Tezpur (Salonibari) airport is about 10 km away; Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, is about 180 km away.
By train
Rangapara North Junction is about 30 km away and has better connections than the small Tezpur station.
By road
The temple is inside Tezpur town and easy to reach by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Tezpur is well connected by road to Guwahati and other towns of Assam, including over the Kolia Bhomora bridge.
Festivals at Mahabhairav Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MondaysJul/Aug
- Durga PujaSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended; remove footwear before entering the shrine.
- Entry
- Free.
- Expect very large crowds and long queues on Maha Shivaratri; arrive early in the morning.
- There is a short climb to the shrine, so wear footwear that is easy to remove and carry.
- Ask before taking photographs inside the shrine.
- Combine the visit with Agnigarh hill and the Chitralekha Udyan in town.
- Carry an umbrella in the monsoon months, when rain can be heavy.
Places to visit near Mahabhairav Temple
- AgnigarhHillock linked to the Usha-Aniruddha legend with river views, about 2 km away
- Chitralekha Udyan (Cole Park)Park with ancient stone relics, about 2 km away
- Bamuni HillsRuins of carved early medieval temples, about 4 km away
- Da ParbatiaRemains of an early stone temple doorway, about 5 km away
Frequently asked questions
Which deity is worshipped at Mahabhairav Temple, Tezpur?
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mahabhairav, in the form of a large linga.
Who built the Mahabhairav Temple?
Tradition says the asura king Bana of Sonitpur founded it. The present building is a modern reconstruction on the old site.
What are the Mahabhairav Temple timings?
It is usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
How to reach Mahabhairav Temple?
The temple is inside Tezpur town. Tezpur airport is about 10 km away, and Guwahati is about 180 km by road.
What is the aarti time at Mahabhairav 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.
Is there a dress code at Mahabhairav Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended; remove footwear before entering the shrine.
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