India Travel: Guwahati Important information

Wednesday 19 February 2014

Guwahati Important information

Guwahati

Guwahati, the 'Gateway to the North East' sprawling along the banks of Brahamputra is the main industrial, commercial and communication centre of the region. It was an important religious and political nerve centre of ancient Assam and was earlier known by the names of Kamrupa and 'Pragjyotishpura' or the 'City of Eastern Lights'. Today, this bustling business city is associated with various products like tea, oil, forest produce and handlooms etc.

Tourist Acctration in Guwahati

Kamakhya Temple
Assam State Museum
Umananda Temple
Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalashetra
Assam State Zoo

Kamakhya Temple : The sacred shrine of Goddess Kali is the most important temple of Assam and the main attraction of Guwahati. The temple with bee-hive shaped 'shikaras' is perched on the Nilachal hill and is a fine example of Assamese architecture. It is one of the three most important tantric temples in India. According to mythological legends, the 'yoni' of Shakti, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati fell over here and thus it is also known as 'Yoni Pith'.

Assam State Museum: It has a rich collection of archaeological and ethnographic artefacts like stone sculptures and bronzes etc., dating back to 7th century. Nabagraha Temple : The temple of the 'Nine Planets' at the Chitranchal hill is an ancient seat of astrology and astronomy. The lingam inside the shrine is surrounded by nine representations of the planets.

Umananda Temple : The Shiva temple is set on the Peacock island in Brahmaputra river and can be reached by boat from Umananda Ghat.

Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalashetra : The cultural centre is named after Sankaradeva, a 15th century Vaishnavite saint. It preserves and Promotes the cultural identity of the Assam.