Umananda temple is a Shiva temple located at the Peacock Island in the middle of river Brahmaputra.It was built by the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha,who was a devout Shaivaite.
Shrine’s History
The temple of Umananda was built in 1694 A.D. by the Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique by the order of King Gadadhar Singha (1681?1696), one of the ablest and strongest rulers of the Ahom dynasty. The original temple was however immensely damaged by a devastating earthquake of 1897. Later, it was reconstructed by a rich local merchant who chose to inscribe the interior part of a Siva temple with Vaisnavite slogans. During the short period of the Mughal occupation of Kamrupa,support and money were received by the priests of the temples of Umananda from the Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Aurangzeb
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Siva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to the Kalika Purana, in the beginning of the creation Siva sprinkled ashes at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvati . It is said that, when Siva was in meditation on this hillock, Kamadeva interrupted his yoga and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Sivas anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala. This mountain is also called Bhasmakuta. The Kalika Purana states that Urvasikunda is situated here and here resides the goddess Urvasi who brings Amrit (nectar) for the enjoyment of Kamakhya and hence the island got the name Urvasi Island.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The temple has inherited some rock-cut figures, which speak passionately of the masterly skill of the Assamese craftsmen. The sculptures here show that the worshippers there followed all the principal Hindu gods. Representations of Surya, Ganesha, Shiva and Devi in addition to those of Visnu and his ten incarnations (avatar) are found here. The main shrine is reached by a flight of steep steps.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Guwahati is linked to all the major cities of Assam and nearby states. One can easily Guwahati by road from any part of the state.
By Rail
The closest railhead is at Guwahati, From here you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. The railhead at Guwahati is connected to almost all the major cities of India.
By Air
The nearest airport is at Guwahati. From where you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island to visit the temple.
Shrine Timings
5:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Shivratri
Extra Information About this Shrine
To reach the umananda temple , one has to cross the river in a boat. It can be reached from Guwahati and North Guwahati by ferries and steamers. This boat service is available from the Kachari ghat. There is also a ferry service that is available from 7 am in the morning to 5 pm in the evening. One can hire a ferry from Sukleshwar ghat or Fancy Bazar Ghat. During the Hindu festival of Shivaratri, every year the devotees from all parts of Assam and other parts of India come to this place. This is also a home to some golden langur.
