| Temples & Legends of Assam |
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| Temples & Legends Of India |
TEMPLES IN KAMRUP DISTRICT |
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| Among other temples
on the Nilachala mention may be made of Ghantakarna Tara, Bhairavi, Bhuvaneswari, etc. The
temple of Ghantakarna is situated to the west side of the Kamakhya temple into the,
basement of which stone fragments of older temples have been built. One of these
fragments, as described by K. N. Dikshit, "is a beautifully carved frieze in which
the band represents a series of garlands and the lower scroll-work in which some very
spirited representations of animals occur. Only four animal figures of these series, viz.,
a buffalo, a deer, a lion and a tiger are extant, but the quality of the art manifested in
them is unsurpassed in Assam". 21 The celebrated shrine of Kamakhya wears a colourful look during annual fairs and festivals. Of the most important are the Durga Puja, the Ambuvaci fair and Debaddhani festival. The Durga Puja, celebrated during September October, is an autumnal festival of great importance. It goes on for three days ‘ and during this period many people visit the Kamakhya temple. The Ambuvaci (Ameti as is known in some parts of Assam), a menstruation ritual, is celebrated once a year in the first part of the month of Asadha. Mother Earth (goddess Kamakhya) becomes ‘impure’ due to menses. It lasts for three days and during this period the temple doors are closed and pilgrims are not allowed inside the temple. How ever, on the fourth day the doors of the shrine are opened and pilgrims, gathered for the opportune occasion from different parts of Assam including West Bengal and Orissa, are allowed inside the temple. 21. A.R.A.S.I., 1923-24, pp. 80-81. |
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