Facts about Kamakhya temple in Assam – The temple that openly celebrates the biological process of menstruation

In a country like ours where talking openly about menstruation and other topics related to women’s health is still considered taboo to some extent, here is one temple that openly celebrates the biological process of menstruation and womanhood. Located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, Kamakhya Temple is a holy pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

“Before you plan your trip, here are a few facts about the Kamakhya temple in Assam that are worth delving into.”

• Every year, in the month of Ashaad, the Brahmaputra River near the temple is said to turn red. During that time, the deity of the temple, Kamakhya Devi, often revered as the ‘Bleeding Goddess’ is believed to be menstruating.
• The deity is a manifestation of ‘shakti’ in every woman, the story of which revolves around Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva.

• Upon Sati’s death, Lord Vishnu had to cut her body with his chakra. The body parts fell in various locations across the earth and the place her reproductive organs (womb and vagina) fell is where Kamakhya temple is located today.
• The name ‘Kamakhya’ is originated from Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love. Since it is Sati’s reproductive parts that helped him gain his potency back (which was lost before due to a curse), he installed the deity of Kamakhya Devi as a tribute to Sati and celebrate ‘shakti’ present in every woman.
• One of the interesting facts about Kamakhya Temple in Assam is that there is no image of Goddess Sati in the temple. It is Yoni or the female genitalia of the goddess which is regarded as the object of reverence.
• The current structure of the Kamakhya temple was built by Naranarayan, a king of Kooch Bihar, in the 17^th

“Number Of devotees who visited kamakhya Temple for Ambubabachi Mela  annually”

There is nothing like getting your facts right before planning a trip anywhere. Stay updated on this space for more such travel information. Until then, happy travels!