Kamakhya & Ambubachi Mela

Prasenjit Sharma

Perched atop the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, Assam, the Kamakhya Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual significance, mysticism, and cultural heritage. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, this ancient temple is not only a revered Shakti Peetha but also a pivotal center for Tantric practices in India. The temple's allure is further magnified during the annual AmbubachiMela, a festival that celebrates the goddess's fertility and the sanctity of womanhood. To delve deeper into the temple's rich tapestry of legends, rituals, and traditions, initiatives like Kamakhya Walks offer immersive experiences that bridge the past with the present.

The Kamakhya Temple, believed to have been constructed between the 5th and 17th centuries, is one of the oldest and most revered centers of Tantric worship in South Asia. Unlike typical temples, Kamakhya lacks an anthropomorphic idol; instead, it houses a natural rock fissure symbolizing the yoni (female genitalia), continuously bathed by an underground spring. This unique representation underscores the temple's association with fertility and the divine feminine.

Central to the temple's spiritual significance is the worship of the Dasmahavidyas—the ten wisdom goddesses representing different aspects of the divine feminine. These goddesses are: Kali, Tara, Tripurasundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Chhinnamasta, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala. Each embodies unique attributes, from fierce protectiveness to nurturing benevolence. At Kamakhya, temples dedicated to these goddesses are situated within the complex, making it a rare site where all ten Mahavidyas are worshipped together. This confluence underscores the temple's pivotal role in Shakta (goddess-centric) traditions.

Kamakhya is seen by many as the origins of Shakti Tantra, a spiritual path emphasizing rituals and esoteric practices. Two primary streams of Tantra are prevalent: Shiva Tantra and Shakti Tantra.Shiva Tantra focuses on the masculine principle, emphasizing consciousness, detachment, and the transcendental aspect of the divine, whereas, ShaktiTantra centres on the feminine energy, celebrating creation, dynamism, and the immanent nature of the goddess.The interplay between these energies symbolizes the cosmic balance, with Kamakhya serving as a nexus where these forces converge.

Held annually in June (22^ndto 25^th June, 2025), the AmbubachiMela is a unique festival that marks the menstruation period of Goddess Kamakhya. During this time, the temple remains closed for three days, symbolizing the goddess's retreat. On the fourth day, the temple reopens, and devotees flock to receive blessings.The festival attracts thousands of pilgrims, including sadhus, tantrics, and spiritual seekers.

To offer deeper insights into the temple's rich heritage, Kamakhya Walks, an initiative by Six Degree Adventures, conducts guided tours around the Nilachal Hills. These walks delve into the temple's history, architecture, myths, and the communities that have nurtured its legacy.

Participants explore hidden shrines, sacred ponds, and ancient pathways, gaining a holistic understanding of the site's spiritual and cultural significance. The goal is to foster appreciation, preserve traditions, and promote sustainable tourism. For those seeking an immersive experience during the AmbubachiMela, the Kamakhya Walks offers a curated journey through the temple's environs. Starting at 4:00 AM, this 3–4 hour tour covers 2-3 km, guiding participants through the spiritual fervour of the festival.This tour offers a unique lens into the confluence of faith, tradition, and community spirit that defines the AmbubachiMela.

Prasenjit Sharma is the founder of Six Degree Adventures and Kamakhya Walks, initiatives that offer immersive travel experiences rooted in culture, spirituality, and sustainability. With a deep connection to Northeast India, he curates unique journeys that celebrate local heritage and hidden landscapes. His work bridges responsible tourism with storytelling, offering travellers a transformative way to experience India.

Email – kamakhyawalks@gmail.com