Are you struggling in the hustle and bustle of city life or just looking for a calm and spiritual holiday? Then, visiting the Umananda temple can be ideal for you. This beautiful temple is a combination of craftsmanship and mythological history. The Umananda temple is one of the most famous temples in Assam. Its backstory also makes it an exceptional place to experience Hindu mythology. But before visiting, read this guide below to learn everything you must know.
An Overview
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Umananda temple is situated atop the Peacock Island of Assam. This island is right amidst the Brahmaputra River. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the beautiful and serene temple. This is also why, each year, thousands of devotees visit this temple on Shiv Ratri.
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Umananda Temple History: The Folklore Behind
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The Umananda temple history is about the love story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. Sati was the daughter of the Asura King Daksha. Despite Daksha’s opposition to their union, Sati married Shiva, which led Daksha to sever ties with his daughter. Deeply saddened by her father’s rejection, Sati finds solace in Shiva’s company on the serene Umananda Island in the Brahmaputra River. Despite years passing, Sati longs to reconcile with her father, especially upon learning of a grand worship event he hosts. However, he did not invite her and Shiva.
Now Shiva was reluctant to go uninvited, but Sati insisted they attend. Daksha’s fury erupts upon seeing them and publicly humiliates Sati and Shiva. But Sati cannot bear the sight of Shiva being humiliated by her father, so she immolates herself in despair. Enraged by Sati’s death, Shiva unleashed his powerful Asuras Rudrakaali and Vadhrakaali to avenge her. They slay Daksha, but Shiva’s anger threatens to destroy creation until Lord Vishnu intervenes.
Later, Vishnu recalls Shiva’s peaceful moments with Sati on Umananda Island and sends Kamdeva to disrupt Shiva’s meditation. Despite Kamdeva’s efforts, Shiva remains unmoved until Kamdeva’s dance breaks his trance. However, remnants of Shiva’s anger remain, resulting in Kamdeva’s temporary demise. Upon realisation of the consequences of his action, Shiva returns to his duties. This marked the end of this tale of love, loss, and reconciliation in Hindu mythology. Therefore, the Umananda mandir was later established on Peacock Island to celebrate Shiva’s love in 1694 CE.
Temple Design and Architecture
Visit this temple to witness the remarkable craftsmanship of Assamese artisans. It boasts exquisite rock-cut figures depicting reverence for various Hindu deities, including Surya, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Devi, and his ten avatars.
To access the main shrine, you will need to climb some stairs. However, your experience will be no less than worth it! The main shrine is a testament to the temple’s architectural beauty.
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What Is The Best Time to Visit?
Now that you know so much about this beautiful and pure place, it must make you eager to visit it, right? But don’t just pack your bags and leave. You would be able to make the most of your visit by going between November and April.
Assam’s pleasant and dry atmosphere, with the refreshing feeling of the Brahmaputra River, will ensure you get your money’s worth! It is recommended that you visit this temple on Shiv Ratri, as you can witness the biggest celebration of this temple.
How To Reach
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Umananda mandir is in the Guwahati region of Assam. Thus, the temple can be visited by all forms of transport.
By Road
Guwahati city has state-of-the-art infrastructure and is well-connected by roads. Thus, you can travel to Guwahati by bus or car. So, pack your bags and be playlist-ready for an exciting road trip.
However, to visit the Umananda temple, you would have to take a ferry ride as it is situated on Peacock Island. The nearest point to get a ferry for the island is approximately 7.4 Km away from the Guwahati city centre.
By Air
If you want to save time and travel comfortably, you can start your trip to Umananda temple by flying to Guwahati. Guwahati has its own airport, Lok Priya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (GAU).
The Guwahati airport is approximately 21.6 Km away from the nearest Umananda temple. Thus, you would have to switch to a taxi from the airport and then take a ferry ride to visit the temple.
By Rail
You can even travel to Guwahati by train and visit the temple on Peacock Island. The Guwahati railway station is just a 15-minute walk from the nearest point from where you can take the ferry to the Umananda temple.
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Umananda Temple Timings
Now that you know how to reach the Umananda temple, it would be a turn-off if you went there during the no-visiting hours. So, here is the opening and pooja timing of the temple. Ensure that you go there within the time frames stated below only.
The temple is open all week long. The temple times for visitors are 5:30 am in the morning. The pooja offerings can be done in the Umanada temple from 5:30 am to 6 pm.
Umananda Temple: Dress Codes
There is no strict dress code that you are required to wear to visit the temple. However, it is advised that you wear something subtle and sophisticated. Men should prefer wearing jeans, a T-shirt, a shirt and pants, or a kurta and a pyjama. Women, on the other hand, should wear a saree, salwar kameez, and kurtis.
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Umananda Temple: Things to Remember
Well, that is not all. Here are some bonus pointers for a top-notch experience visiting the Umananda temple. They are as follows:
Photography Restrictions
Taking photos in certain areas of the temple, like the shrine, might not be allowed. Thus, confirming with the relevant temple authorities and obeying what they say would be best.
Footwear
Remove your shoes or sandals and submit to the relevant keeping space before entering the temple.
Offerings
Praying and offering offerings to the deity are customary when visiting Hindu temples. So, ensure you buy some offerings from the stalls outside the temple.
Beware of Monkeys
There are numerous monkeys on the Umananda temple premises. So, ensure you take care of your goods and maintain a healthy distance from them, as they are known for snatching goods from visitors.
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Here is all you must know about the Umananda temple to experience a memorable visit! While there are many more places to visit in Guwahati, this temple is one of the most visited. However, that does not mean your trip must end at this temple; visit other Guwahati tourist places and try their traditional delicacies.
Whether you go on a solo trip or with your family and friends, the Umanada temple will give you an all-around serene and spiritual experience. So, plan your trip to Assam today!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Umananda Temple
On which hill is Umananda located?
The Umananda temple is situated on the Bhashmakut Hill. This hill is also known as the Bhasmachalla Hill.
Is there a ropeway for the Umananda temple?
Yes, there is a ropeway facility to help you avoid climbing your way up to the Umanada temple after reaching Peacock Island. This ropeway will give you a beautiful view of Peacock Island from above, allowing you to see the beauty of the temple from a different angle.
Where do you get the ferry to Umananda temple?
To reach the this Temple, you can book ferry rides from Uzan Ferry Ghat. It is also known as Kachari Ghat through the Inland Water Transport. The ferry ride fee is ₹20/- per person. The official boat service operates from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Why is Umananda called Peacock Island?
The island's name, Umananda, originates from the Assamese term 'Uma.' It is an alternate name for the Hindu goddess Parvati, consort of Shiva, and 'ananda,' meaning 'joy. Additionally, a British officer dubbed the island Peacock Island because it resembled the splayed feathers of a peacock.
Which home king built the temple?
The Umananda Temple was constructed in 1694 A.D. by Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique under the directive of King Gadadhar Singh (1681–1696), a renowned and influential ruler of the Ahom dynasty.
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