About Umananda Temple
The Umananda Temple stands on Umananda Island, also called Peacock Island, a small rocky island in the middle of the Brahmaputra river opposite the city of Guwahati in Assam. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Umananda, the lord who gives joy to Uma (Parvati). The island is often described as one of the smallest inhabited river islands in the world. The short ferry ride across the wide river, with views of the city and the hills, is part of what makes a visit here special for pilgrims and travellers alike.
According to the Kalika Purana and local tradition, the hill on which the temple stands is Bhasmachala, the place where Shiva burnt Kamadeva, the god of love, to ashes with the fire of his third eye when Kamadeva disturbed his meditation. Tradition also says Parvati stayed here for Shiva's pleasure, giving the place its name. The temple was built in 1694 by the Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique on the order of the Ahom king Gadadhar Singha. It was badly damaged in the great earthquake of 1897 and was later repaired.
A flight of steep stone steps leads up from the landing to the temple on the hilltop. The rock faces around it carry carvings of Hindu deities, including Shiva, Ganesha, Surya and Vishnu, made by Assamese craftsmen. Inside the shrine, Shiva is worshipped in the form of a linga, and there are images of other deities in the complex. The island has trees and rocky outcrops, and golden langurs, a rare primate, have been kept on it. On a clear day the island gives fine views of the Brahmaputra.
Umananda Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to late afternoon; ferries to the island run only in daylight hours. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Before the last ferry, late afternoon (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Umananda Temple
By air
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, is about 22 km from the ferry ghat.
By train
Guwahati Railway Station is about 2 km from the Umananda (Kachari) ferry ghat.
By road
Reach the Umananda Ghat near Kachari in central Guwahati by city bus, auto or taxi, then take a government or private ferry across the river, a ride of about 10 minutes.
Festivals at Umananda Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MondaysJul/Aug
- Bihu celebrations in GuwahatiApr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrine.
- Entry
- Free entry to the temple; a ferry ticket is needed to reach the island.
- Check the time of the last ferry back, as boats stop in the evening.
- Mondays and Maha Shivaratri bring long queues for the ferry.
- The steps up from the landing are steep and can be slippery after rain; wear shoes with grip until the shrine.
- Ferries may be cancelled when the river is high in the monsoon; check before going.
- Respect any wildlife on the island and do not feed animals.
Places to visit near Umananda Temple
- Kamakhya TempleMajor Shakti Peetha on Nilachal hill, about 8 km away
- Ugratara DevalayaShakta temple in central Guwahati, about 3 km away
- Navagraha TempleTemple of the nine planets on Chitrachal hill, about 4 km away
- Assam State MuseumMuseum of the region's history and art, about 3 km away
Frequently asked questions
How to reach Umananda Temple?
Go to the Umananda Ghat near Kachari in central Guwahati and take a ferry across the Brahmaputra. The ride takes about 10 minutes.
What are the Umananda Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from early morning to late afternoon, and ferries run only in daylight. Check locally for current ferry times.
Why is Umananda Island called Peacock Island?
The English name Peacock Island is said to have been given during British times because of the island's shape and appearance. Its local name comes from the Umananda temple.
Which deity is worshipped at Umananda Temple?
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Umananda, in the form of a linga, along with images of other deities in the complex.
What is the aarti time at Umananda Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Evening puja: Before the last ferry, late afternoon (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Umananda Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrine.
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