About Negheriting Shiva Doul
The Negheriting Shiva Doul crowns a small wooded hill near Dergaon in Golaghat district of Upper Assam, a short distance off the national highway between Jorhat and Kaziranga. It is a working Shiva temple and also a protected monument of national importance. The temple follows the Panchayatana plan, with the main shrine of Shiva at the centre and four smaller shrines at the corners for Vishnu, Durga, Ganesha and Surya, bringing the five main deities of Hindu worship together on one platform.
The history of the site is a mix of record and local tradition. An older stone temple in this region is mentioned in the Ahom chronicles (Buranjis) in connection with wars against the Kachari kingdom in the early 16th century. Local accounts say the old shrine was ruined by floods and the shifting course of the Dihing river, and that a devotee later found the linga in shallow water. The present brick temple was built in the 18th century by the Ahom king Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha, and the family of priests he appointed is said to continue the worship. The name is explained as coming from the negheri, a bird once common here. Another legend says a sage wished to create a second Kashi at this spot and gathered many lingas.
The main shrine houses a large bana linga. Its curved tower and the four smaller shrines show the typical Ahom style of brick temple-building, with plastered surfaces and simple decoration. A flight of steps leads up through trees to the temple, and a large troop of rhesus monkeys lives on the hill, which visitors find either charming or challenging. The quiet setting and the view over the surrounding tea and paddy country make it a pleasant stop.
Negheriting Shiva Doul 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 Negheriting Shiva Doul
By air
Jorhat (Rowriah) airport is about 40 km away.
By train
Dergaon station is nearby (about 5 km) with limited services; Furkating Junction near Golaghat is about 30 km away.
By road
The temple is about 1.5 km off the national highway near Dergaon. Buses on the Jorhat–Golaghat–Kaziranga route stop at Dergaon, from where local transport is available.
Festivals at Negheriting Shiva Doul
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MondaysJul/Aug
- Durga PujaSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended; footwear is removed before entering the shrines.
- Entry
- Free.
- Keep food, bags and spectacles secure; the monkeys on the hill are bold.
- There are steps up the hill, so wear footwear that is easy to remove.
- Go early in the day for cool weather and a quieter darshan.
- It makes a good stop on the drive between Jorhat and Kaziranga National Park.
Places to visit near Negheriting Shiva Doul
- Dergaon townLocal market town, about 5 km away
- GolaghatDistrict headquarters, about 25 km away
- JorhatTea city and gateway to Majuli, about 35 km away
- Kaziranga National ParkUNESCO-listed home of the one-horned rhino, about 60 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Negheriting Shiva Doul?
The present temple was built in the 18th century by the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha, on the site of an older shrine.
Why is Negheriting called a Panchayatana temple?
Because the main Shiva shrine is surrounded by four smaller shrines for Vishnu, Durga, Ganesha and Surya.
What are the Negheriting temple timings?
It is usually open from early morning to evening, with an afternoon break at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
How far is Negheriting from Kaziranga?
It is roughly 60 km by road from the Kohora area of Kaziranga National Park.
What is the aarti time at Negheriting Shiva Doul?
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 Negheriting Shiva Doul?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended; footwear is removed before entering the shrines.
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