Situated on the northern banks of River Brahmaputra, on the foot hills of Chandrabharati Hill, the Doul Govinda temple is one of the most important religious spots in Guwahati, Assam dedicated completely to the Vaishnava sect of Hindu tradition. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna. This temple is one of the most revered shrines of Lord Krishna in the city. There is also a Namghar, Assamese place of worship present inside the temple premise. The Doul Govinda Temple is also known to possess immense scenic beauty. Many tourists come to visit the temple and offer their prayers to Lord Krishna. The temple is not only visited by Krishna devotees but by people of all faiths and beliefs for its astonishing scenic beauty. It is said that deity of Lord Krishna in this temple was installed by some spiritual agent named Ganga Ram Baruah who brought it from a place in Nalbari named Sadhyasar.
The temple is open and accessible all the year round, but one can enjoy the thrill of a river cruise as well as walking on white sands of the riverine beaches of River Brahmaputra, from the month of November to April.
History of Doul Govinda Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Numerous legendary stories exist regarding the presiding deity of the temple and how the deity was brought here by late Ganga Ram Barooah from a holy place called Sandhyasar, situated near Nalbari. The first structure of the present remnants of Doul Govinda Temple was erected more than a hundred and fifty years ago but it was again renovated in 1966 through public donations received by the trust.
Festivals celebrated at Doul Govinda Temple, Guwahati, Assam
The temple is known for its Holi celebrations, annually held between the months of February and March. Holi is observed by the local people for five consecutive days with various programmes and about five thousand pilgrims are always assembled at the temple premises during this time. A special Ferry service is available to the temple from Guwahati to Rajaduar at this time, to add on the festivities.
Daily activities at Doul Govinda Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Daily activities of the temple start early, with the opening of the entrance doors as early as 7 am in the morning. The priest bathes the main idol and then performs the Archana, while the worshipers start coming in an hour after this. This continues till the end of the day. The temple remains closed during the afternoons.
In the evening the main Hari Krishna Arati is performed by singing devotional songs or 'Kirtaan'. Holy offerings (Prasada) followed by Bhoga is distributed among the devotees in a large open hall, during afternoon hours on a daily basis.
Other major attractions nearby Doul Govinda Temple, Guwahati, Assam
After visiting the shrine of the divine temple and experiencing spiritual contentment, sightseeing in North Guwahati would be a visually aesthetic treat to one’s eyes. This part of the city is beautiful and serene and is not usually crowded to be explored. The temple is very close to the mighty Brahmaputra River and its riverine sand beach is an ideal picnic spot for family vacations and excursions.
Doul Govinda Temple, Guwahati, Assam, Daily Darshan Timings
The temple remains open between 7.00 AM in the morning and 8.00 PM in the evening.
Best time to visit Doul Govinda Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Holi is the best time to visit the Doul Govinda Mandir as this festival is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show at the place. It is the most visited site during the festival in the state, with celebrations ranging from cultural performances, grand holi events. One can also consider visiting it during Janmashtami. The season of Monsoons may be avoided because of the heavy rainfall received in the state.
How to Reach Doul Govinda 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,
