Devotees from all corners of the nation have converged on the sacred grounds of the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, marking the commencement of the revered annual Ambubachi Mela.
The event, which started today, signifies the temple’s celebration of the goddess Maa Kamakhya’s yearly menstruation period, a unique and significant festival in the Hindu calendar.
Following the Pravritti ceremony of the Ambubachi Mela, the temple’s main doors will be sealed for a period of three days and nights. According to Kabindra Prasad Sarma-Doloi, the head priest of Kamakhya Temple, the Nivritti ritual will take place on June 26, culminating in the reopening of the temple doors on the morning of the same day. “After Pravritti, the main door of the temple will be closed for three days and three nights,” confirmed Sarma-Doloi.
This year’s festivities are jointly organized by the Assam government and the Kamakhya Temple Management Committee. Given the anticipated increase in devotees compared to the previous year, extensive arrangements have been made to ensure a seamless experience. These preparations include enhanced security measures, transportation, and food provisions.
In a significant announcement, Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah stated that no VIP passes will be issued for temple visits on June 26 and 27, when the temple doors will be opened. “The state government and various departments are working on it. There will be no VIP passes to visit Kamakhya temple on June 26 and 27 when the temple door will be opened,” Baruah said.
The Kamakhya Temple, perched atop the Nilachal Hills, is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India. It is a site of immense religious significance, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike. The temple is believed to house the yoni (genitalia) of the goddess Sati, the wife of Shiva, symbolizing feminine power and fertility. The Ambubachi Mela, held annually, celebrates the goddess’s menstruation, considered a powerful and auspicious period.
The head priest expressed optimism about this year’s attendance, attributing the expected increase in devotees to the collaborative efforts of the Assam government and the district administration. “The Assam government and district administration have also extended their support, including security, transportation, food, etc.,” Sarma-Doloi added.
As the temple doors close and the rituals begin, the anticipation builds among the devotees. The reopening on June 26 promises a rejuvenating spiritual experience, concluding the significant annual observance of the Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple.
