Maa Kamakhya’s origin is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and folklore. She is often associated with the Shakti Peethas, which are revered places of worship dedicated to the goddess Shakti. According to one popular legend, the goddess Sati, an embodiment of Shakti and the wife of Lord Shiva, immolated herself in sorrow after her father, King Daksha, insulted Shiva. To pacify the grieving Lord Shiva, Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to dismember Sati’s body, scattering her remains across various parts of the Indian subcontinent. The place where Sati’s genitalia fell is believed to be the Kamakhya Temple in Assam.
Another legend links Maa Kamakhya to the ancient practice of tantra, an esoteric spiritual discipline that seeks to harness the divine energy within oneself. Kamakhya Temple is considered to be one of the most significant centers of tantric worship, where rituals focus on the yoni (the female reproductive organ) as a symbol of the goddess’s divine energy and fertility.
Kamakhya Temple, situated atop the Nilachal Hill in the western part of Guwahati, is the primary center of worship for Maa Kamakhya. This ancient temple, constructed in the 8th to 9th century, is a marvel of Assamese architecture, with a distinctive beehive-like shikhara (dome). The temple complex comprises multiple chambers, each housing various forms of the goddess and other deities.
The central sanctum of the temple, known as the Garbhagriha, contains the yoni-shaped stone representing the goddess’s creative energy. The temple doors remain closed for three days during the annual Ambubachi Mela, as it is believed that Maa Kamakhya undergoes her menstrual cycle during this time. Afterward, the doors are reopened, and the goddess is bathed and worshiped.
The worship of Maa Kamakhya involves a mix of Vedic and tantric rituals. Animal sacrifices, particularly goats, were historically a part of these rituals, but they have now been banned by the government. Instead, devotees offer symbolic sacrifices to honor the goddess.
During the Ambubachi Mela, the temple attracts a massive crowd of pilgrims and tourists. People come from various parts of India to seek the blessings of Maa Kamakhya. The atmosphere during this time is charged with spirituality and devotion.
