History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Tilinga Mandir, Bordubi, Assam, India
A temple that exerts such a powerful influence among millions is located in a place isolated in a tea territory. The Tilinga Mandir is very scenic with forests and tea gardens and is famously known as the Bell temple. It is located in the small town of Bordubi in Assam. The temple’s presiding deity is Lord Shiva. It is mystically and spiritually stronger than other temples because of its astonishing architecture and rituals followed. Hundreds and thousands of bells of all size throng the complex of the temple, all stringed together in heaps from iron bars, that unintentionally creates a sculptural bouquet to stun out an amazing visual experience. This forms a metal mountain as the bells are made up of different metals like bronze, brass, aluminium, copper and are tied to a huge Peepal tree. Hundreds of Shiva tridents are also speared in Sand, giving the much religious and spiritual touch of the Tantric tradition of the Hindu philosophy.
History of Tilinga Mandir, Bordubi, Tinsukia, Assam
Nearly half a century ago, in 1965, the tea garden workers noticed a black rock in the shape of Shiva Lingam emerging from the ground near a Banyan tree at the place. It was unearthed and nestled among the roots of the peepal tree. Over the years, people discovered its mysterious power: Make a wish and it will be granted. And when it is done the appreciation is shown by hanging a bell on the bars. People also present pigeons and tridents (trishuls), or a sacred thread around a pillar.
Popular rituals observed at Tilinga Mandir
The temple is highly revered among the locals as they believe that all their wishes come true by praying to Lord Shiva. Once the boon is granted, a donation in the form of a bell is made to the temple. Devotees often present a pigeon, a trishul or a bell when their wishes are fulfilled. As the temple is almost half a century old, it is widely acclaimed that the Shiva Linga here emerged from underground near a banyan tree which is still present in the temple.
The sheer volume of bells of Tilinga Mandir fulfils wishes
Architecture of Tilinga Mandir also famed as Bell Temple, Bordubi
Unlike other north Indian temples, this one is not draped in silk or gold and ritualistic extravaganza, with no architectural splendour or artistic details of temple craftsmen with no amount of sculptures and religious figures.
Spiritually and mystically strong, there are holy bells dangling from everywhere. The temple itself has three bell-shaped domes each smaller than the other, from left to right, so that when you look from the front, it looks just like a single bell.
Other attractions of Tilinga temple, Assam
This temple is of high religious importance for people from all over the country. Across the tea gardens nearby, visiting the local shops to buy lovely bells of all sizes can be a fun activity.
Other worth visiting places in your city's itinerary are also situated nearby such as the Rukmini Island, Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, Om House Boat and Lakhipathar among many other palces.
Temple Timings of Tilinga Mandir
The temple is opened on all days of the week, from 6 am to 8 pm.
Best time to visit Tilinga Temple or Bell Temple, Assam
The best time to visit the temple is during the month of February to May when the weather is pleasant. It could be visited during the month of October and November as well.
Festivals celebrated here at Tilinga Mandir, Bordubi
Mahashivratri is the main festival celebrated in the temple complex, with devotees thronging in here to fulfil their wishes and aspirations. The temple complex is decorated beautifully and fairs and cultural performances are organised for the same.
How to reach Tilinga Mandir, Bordubi, Tinsukia, Assam, India
Tilinga temple or bell temple, the prime attraction of small town Bordubi of Tinsukia district of Assam. You can easily reach here at Bordubi via road, rail and air network. Thousands of tourist and devotees across the state visits here throughout the year which makes Bordubi more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. It is just 14 km away from Tinsukia which has major railway junction from where you can get train to almost all region of India.
