A journey to Peacock Island – Umanand Temple, Guwahati

 

 you are in city of Guwahati, it is one of the best places to visit in the northeast of India. With the mighty Brahmaputra River flowing through it and nature’s abundant beauty, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this charming city. Umananda Temple is one of the must visit place. At a distance of 3 km from Guwahati Railway Station, the temple is located on Peacock Island in the middle of mighty Brahmaputra River in Guwahati city of Assam.

It can be reached by taking a boat from the Kachari Ghat, right in the heart of the city. We get to sail through the strong waves of the Brahmaputra and the ride is a memorable affair! And yes, there will be a repetition of the same when you head back.

The Umananda Temple is nestled in the lap of serene Peacock Island whose shores are washed by the mighty Brahmaputra. The Peacock Island is the smallest inhabited riverine in the world and possibly one of the most beautiful too. Then, there is a climb of almost 100 steps to reach the temple. Placed atop the Bhasmakuta or Bhasmachala Hill, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the most respected temple in the entire state of Assam

The island is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that Shiva built this place for the happiness of his wife. Uma means Shiva’s wife and Ananda means happiness. there are several famous stories, related to the temple, the most famous being that the God of Love, Kamadeva was burnt by Shiva when Kamadeva disturbed him in his course of meditation and he(Kamadeva) turned into ashes. The story is something which goes along the history of the temple and is necessary to be told every time one is describing about the place. It is also believed that Kamadeva was burnt into ashes by the anger of the Lord Shiva in this island. So this hill is also known as Bhasmakuta Hill.

The sanctorum of the temple has a beautiful Shiva Linga. There are plenty of engravings and sculptures of Hindu gods like Lord Surya, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Goddess on the rock walls of the temple. Apart from these, sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his ten incarnations can also be found near this temple. There is a Hanuman Temple besides the main temple on the island. One can also visit Urvasi Island situated nearby where the goddess Urvasi, who brings Amrit (nectar) for the enjoyment of Kamakhya, resided once.

The sun had just begun to set over the horizon and the Brahmaputra looked mightier than ever. This place has a serene environment which makes you want to sit down for a while and absorb the beauty of the place.

Come fall in love once again with the nature. Many people visit this place to experience the ambience of serenity, while other set foot in this island to enjoy the beauty of this region from the river banks.

Temple Timings: 5.30 AM - 6 PM

Ferry Timings: 7 AM - 4.30 PM