History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Mahabhairab Temple, Tezpur, Assam, India
Tejpur is home to numerous shrines of historical and religious significance in abundance. The city’s association with ancient Indian heritage can be seen in its monuments and temple building. The Mahabhairav Temple situated atop of a small hill in the northern part of Tejpur serves as a major Hindu pilgrimage site in the state of Assam and reflects its exemplary cultural identity. It is of paramount importance to the believers of Shaivism of the Hindu tradition. A number of devotees flock the temple to receive the Supreme God’s blessings and attain spiritual contentment in the hands of natural beauty.
Popular legend behind Mahabhairav Temple Tezpur
According to popular legend, the original Mahabhairav Temple was built by Asura King, Banasura out of a stone. The Shiva Linga of this temple is said to be made of 'Living Stone' which grows over slowly by the years. Some people believe that Banasur attained prosperity by worshipping Lord Shiva in this temple, thus the place is symbolic of spiritual attainment through devotion.
History of Mahabhairav Temple Tezpur
The current structure of this temple was built by Nag Baba while later it was developed by Mahadeo Bharati and his devotees. The original temple was destroyed in 1897 earthquake and the present temple was constructed in the early period of 20th century.
The recorded history of this temple can be traced back to the age of the Puranas around the fifth to sixth centuries. Legend has it that Banasura, the demon king, who had his capital at Tejpur, first introduced the ‘Linga’ worship. Inside the temple of Mahabhairav, there is perhaps the largest stone-phallus or Shiva Linga in the entire world, which is said to have been set up by Banasura.
The archaeologists however believe that the temple was built sometime during eighth to tenth centuries by the kings of the Salasthamba dynasty. Through researches, it is found out that originally there was a stone temple which is evident from the huge pillars scattered all around the temple. But the original temple was destroyed by the ravages of time. It was however, rebuilt by successive kings and rulers, until it was heavily damaged by the catastrophic earthquake of 1897 in the state.
Architecture of Mahabhairav Temple, Tezpur
The main deity of this temple complex is Lord Shiva. It houses one of the world’s largest Shiva Lingams in its premises. At the entrance of the temple, stand the idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman in the form of Dwarpals (gatekeepers). This gateway has elaborated embellishments that have been intricately carved out to add to its aestheticism. The instances of the original temple are seen on the huge pillars of this temple.
Other attractions of Tepur
The temple vicinity also offers a huge number of other places where one can go and have some amazing sightseeing experience like tha Agnigarh Hill, Chitralekha Udyan, Kalia Bhomora Setu, Bamuni Hills, Kamakshya Devalaya temple, Dhekiajuli, Rudrapada temple, Padum Pukhuri, Ouguri hill, Ketakeshwar Dewala and Bura- Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary. All these places can be accessed from the temple conveniently.
Festivals celebrated
Mahashivratri is the main festival that is celebrated with full grandeur and people from all over the country come to attend the festival, as an annual Shivratri fair lasts for a week and is famous all over Assam. Bhang and laddoo are served to people as Prasad during the celebrations.
Temple Timings
The temple remains open between 6.00 AM in the morning and 8.00 PM in the evening.
Best time to visit –Best time to visit the temple is during the festive occasion of Mahashivratri. During the festival, devotees in large numbers throng the temple premises and offer their prayers to seek blessings from the divine Lord Shiva. Apart from that, pilgrims come to visit the temple all around the year.
How to Reach Mahabhairab Temple, Tezpur, The major City of Assam and North East India, Assam, India
Tezpur, the cultural capital of Assam and 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 Tezpur more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. Tezpur has major railway junction from where you can get train to almost all region of India. Tezpur has domestic Airport which is the located at just 15 km from city area from where you can find flight to several cities of India. Tezpur is located at 175 km from Guwahati, 167 km from Dispur, 236 km from Shillong, 76 km from Udalguri, 168 km from Sualkuchi, 283 km from Kohima, 151 km from Itanagar, 415 km from Imphal,
