History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Ugratara Temple, Guwahati, Assam, India
Guwahati is home to culturally rich temples and religious places. The Ugratara temple located in the city is one of them. It is a Devi temple, and holds immense value in Shaktism sect of the Hindu tradition, located in Latasil area of Guwahati on the western side of Jur Pukhuri tank in Assam. The temple is related to Goddess Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva.
Popular Legend of Ugratara Temple, Guwahati
Different legends relating to the Ugratara Temple circulate among the masses. The temple is considered as an important Shakti Peetha by many believers. According to the Puranic tradition, Goddess Sati immolated herself when her father, Daksha’s yagna after being insulted by him. The agonised Lord Shiva and out of grief he carried the burnt body of Sati all over the universe and thereafter performed the Tandava (dance of destruction). Seeing this, many Gods and Goddesses feared and ran to Lord Vishnu asking for help. Vishnu heard their prayers and cut Sati’s body into pieces with his Sudarshan Chakra and they fell on earth. Sati’s naval is said to have fallen at this palce this spot where the Ugratara temple is located.
There are different descriptions of Shakti Peethas stated in different Puranas. According to Kalika Purana, the prominent Shakti Peethas are concentrated on and around the famous Kamakhya Shakti Peetha. One of those Peethas is called Dikkara Vasini. The Dikkara Vasini has two known forms worshipped among the devotees, the Tikshna kantha and Lalitha kantha. The Tikshna kantha is said to be black and pot-bellied and is also called Ugratara or Ekajata. The Ugratara Temple Guwahati is dedicated to this form of Dikkara Vasini.
Religious significance of Ugratara Temple, Guwahati, Assam
According to another legend, it is stated that Yama, the God of Death made a complaint to Lord Brahma regarding no human coming to hell from Kamarupa because of the sacredness of the Kamrupa area. Yama said that despite committing sins, the people are not sent to hell. Lord Brahma then carried this compliant to Vishnu who then took it to Shiva. Lord Shiva then ordered Goddess Ugratara to drive away all the people who live in Kamakhya. Goddess Ugratara then sent her army to bring the people. On their way, the army laid their hands on Sage Vasistha who became angry as his meditation was being distracted and he cursed Goddess Ugratara and Lord Shiva. From then, all Vedic sadhanas conducted thereby were given up in Kamarupa and Goddess Ugratara became a Goddess of Vamachara sadhana and her entire army thereafter became Mlechhas. Goddess Ugratara is also connected to Buddhism. It is popular as a Sakta shrine and the deity herself is associated with Eka-Jata and Tiksana-Kanta.
Ugratara Temple Formation
The present temple in Guwahati was built by Ahom King Siva Singh in 1725 AD, who excavated a tank years before. This tank, known as Jur Pukhuri is situated on the eastern side of the Ugratara temple. The tank still exists in that same place, though a part of it was destroyed by an earthquake which was later rebuilt. In the Garbha griha, sanctum sanctorum of the Goddess, no idol or image of her is present but small pit filled with water is considered as the Goddess. There is a Shivalaya located beside the temple and also a pond behind both the temples.
Rituals practised at Ugratara Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Goddess Ugratara is worshipped like Goddess Kamakhya with offerings and sacrifices made to her. Goddess Ugratara is presented with liquor, flesh, Modaka, coconuts and sugarcane. There are also traditional animal practices done in the temple to please the Goddess.
Animals like goats, pigeons, ducks and even buffaloes are also sacrificed in the temple. During the annual Durga Puja held in the temple, a certain number of buffaloes are sacrificed to please the Goddess.
Festivals celebrated at Ugratara Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Durga Puja is the main festival held every year in the temple with rituals and much devotion. Large numbers of devotees throng the temple to offer prayers to the deity. Other festivals of different incarnations of Goddess Ugratara are also celebrated in the temple, which are locally followed. Navratri is also celebrated in the temple with equal vigour and faith.
Ugratara Temple, Guwahati Daily Darshan Timings
The temple timings are opened from 5.30 AM to 1 PM in the afternoon and 5:30 PM till 8 PM in the evening.
Best time to visit here at Ugratara Temple, Guwahati, Assam, India
The best time to visit the place in all its glory is during the time of Durga Puja celebrations when the temple lights up in mirth and joy with extensive prayers and elaborate rituals being performed in extraordinary manners. As the site of the Ugratara Temple experiences a pleasant weather all throughout the year, it makes it a very prime travel place of Assam and the North-East.
How to Reach Ugratara Temple, Guwahati, The Temple City and major City of Assam and North East India, Assam, India
Guwahati being one of the major pilgrimage and tourist center along with important city and metropolitan area of Assam, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Thousands of tourist across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Guwahati more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. Guwahati has major railway junction from where you can get train to almost all region of India. Guwahati has International Airport which is the located at just 15 km from city area from where you can find flight to almost every region of world. Guwahati is located at 15 km from Dispur, 98 km from Shillong, 107 km from Udalguri, 30 km from Sualkuchi, 350 km from Kohima, 485 km from Imphal,
