The Kamakhya Temple is a Shakti Peeth temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. This temple honors the Mother Goddess Kamakhya, the essence of female energy. Kamakhya is one of the 51 Hindu 'Pithas' where as per the mythology the genital organ of the Sati (Parvati) - the eternal wife of Lord Shiva - had fallen down after death in one of her incarnations. It is considered as one of the most important centers of Shakti worship and Tantric Hinduism.
Kamakhya Temple is situated on the top of the scenic Nilachal Hill of Kamrup Metropolitan District of Assam at about 800 feet above the sea level overlooking the majestic river Brahmaputra.
The temple was built in first millennium during the time of Kamarupa. Allahabad rock inscriptions of Samudragupta mentioned about it. Temple was destroyed during the middle of second millennium and revised temple structure was constructed in 1565 by Chilarai of the Koch dynasty in the style of medieval temples. The temple is a natural cave with a spring. Down a flight of steps to the bowel of earth, is located a dark, mysterious chamber. Here, draped with a silk sari and covered with flowers, is kept the "matra yoni". There are images of Ganesha, Chamundeswari, dancing features etc. Other temples on the Neelachala hill include those of Tara, Bhairavi, Bhuvaneswari and Ghantakarna.
A unique festival observed here is the Ambubasi (Ameti) fertility festival. It is believed that, the Goddess (mother Earth) undergoes her menstrual period during this period. At that time the temple is closed for three days and opened with great festivity on the fourth day. It is believed to be inauspicious to till the ground or to plant seeds, during this period. Group of devotees arrive each morning with goats to offer to Shakti. It attracts pilgrims from all over India, especially during the Ambuchi Festivals. This is a celebration of the end of the earth's menstrual cycle.
Durga Puja is celebrated annually during Navaratri (Durga Puja in West Bengal) in the month of September- October. It is a three day festival attracting several visitors.
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