The History of Mother Kamakhya Devi and the Reason Behind the Ambubachi Mela
Many may not know the history behind the famous Kamakhya Devi Temple in Assam and the significance of the Ambubachi Mela celebrated there. According to ancient beliefs, when Sati sacrificed her body to escape the humiliation of her husband, Lord Shiva, he went into a rage and performed a destructive dance carrying her body. To save the world from his wrath, Lord Vishnu intervened and used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember Sati’s body into 51 pieces, which fell at different locations and became known as the Shakti Peethas. The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is one of these 51 Shakti Peethas, believed to be the place where Sati’s yoni (female reproductive organ) fell.
The Kamakhya Temple, not only revered for its religious significance but also for its natural beauty, attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the Ambubachi Mela. During this time, the underground area around the temple turns red, which some believe is due to the influence of iron oxide in the soil. This phenomenon is known as the Maye’s Menstruation, and many see it as a divine occurrence linked to the goddess Kamakhya.
The temple, situated at a height of 800 meters on the western part of the Nilachal Hill in the city of Guwahati, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1100 AD by the Pal dynasty. After the decline of the Pal dynasty, the temple was in ruins until it was reconstructed by the Koch dynasty ruler, Vishwasingha. The architecture of the temple, surrounded by various myths and legends, includes four chambers – a sanctum sanctorum and three other shrines. Devotees believe that by crawling through a narrow passage beneath the chambers, they can attain blessings and fulfill their desires.
The Kamakhya Temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and tourists alike, offering a blend of spirituality and natural beauty that continues to attract visitors from far and wide. The Ambubachi Mela, a celebration of fertility and womanhood, is a testament to the temple’s deep-rooted cultural and religious significance. As devotees chant “Jai Maa Kamakhya” and pay homage to the goddess, the temple stands as a symbol of devotion and faith that transcends time.
