Maa Kamakhya Temple
Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam · Goddess Kamakhya (Shakti), worshipped as a yoni-shaped stone in a natural spring; the complex also houses the Dasa Mahavidyas
The foremost Shakti Peetha and centre of Tantric worship, on a hill above the Brahmaputra – famous for the Ambubachi Mela.
Kamakhya is the most important Shakti Peetha in India, where the yoni (womb/genitals) of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. There is no idol: the goddess is worshipped as a cleft in a stone in an underground cave, kept moist by a natural spring. The present temple was rebuilt in 1565 by the Koch king Naranarayan in the distinctive Nilachal style. Every June the temple closes for three days during Ambubachi, when the goddess is believed to menstruate, and lakhs of pilgrims and sadhus gather on the hill.
Timings
- Temple doors open for devotees: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:15 PM (regular days)
- Special days: Doors open 9:00 AM, close 1:00 PM for offerings, then until sunset
- Evening aarati: 7:30 PM
- Ambubachi closure 2026: Closed 22 June (night) – 26 June 2026 (reopened in the morning after the ritual bath)
Darshan types and costs
- General queue darshan – Free
- Special Darshan (Rs 501 ticket) – ₹501 per person
- Defence personnel special entry – Check official site
Sevas and costs
- Special Darshan ticket – ₹501 per person (Daily, morning and afternoon slots (doors 8 AM – 1 PM and 2:30 – 5:15 PM))
- Puja through a temple priest (panda) – Varies – agree with the priest; offerings sold in shops are extra (Daily, during temple hours)
- Kumari Puja – Varies (Part of major pujas, especially Durga Puja; also on request)
- Anna Bhog prasad – Free (distribution) / donations welcome (Daily, after 1:00 PM offering)
- Ambubachi Mahayog – Free (Ashadha (around 22 – 26 June); 2026: Pravritti 22 June 9:26 PM, Nivritti 26 June morning)
- Bali (sacrificial offering) – Varies (Daily, especially Tuesdays/Saturdays and Durga Puja)
How to book darshan
Special Darshan (₹501) and the free general-queue token are booked only on the temple's official portals.
Dress code
Modest traditional clothing is recommended (saree/salwar for women, dhoti or trousers for men). Leather and footwear are not allowed inside.
Best time to visit
October to April for pleasant weather. Ambubachi (June) and Durga Puja (Sep/Oct) for festivals, with very large crowds.
How to reach
- air: Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, about 20 km (approx. 45 minutes).
- rail: Kamakhya Junction (KYQ) about 6 km; Guwahati station (GHY) about 8 km.
- road: Buses and shared taxis from Kamakhya Gate at the foot of the hill; cars can go up to near the temple. The traditional stone path can be climbed on foot.
Festivals
- Ambubachi Mela – Around 22 – 26 June
- Manasa Puja and Deodhani festival – August (from Shravana Sankranti, 3 days)
- Durga Puja (Pakhua Puja) – Sep/Oct, about a fortnight
- Puhan Biya – Dec/Jan (Pausha)
- Vasanti Puja and Durga Deul – Mar/Apr
- Maha Shivaratri – Feb/Mar