What is Ambuvachi mela and What to Do During Ambubachi?

Kamakhya is one of the most important Shakti Peethas of Goddess Bhagwati. Devotees fulfill various desires by worshipping here. This grand Shakti Peetha is known as the “Kamakhya Devi Temple.” Located on a hill in the state of Assam, in Guwahati, this temple differs from other Shakti Peethas as it is also highly renowned for Tantric practices. Ambuvachi mela is the biggest festival of Kamakhya.

Worship of the Yoni (Womb) Part

This temple does not have an idol of the Goddess. It is believed that the Yoni (womb) part of Goddess Sati fell here, which is worshipped in the form of a stone. Goddess Kamakhya is believed to reside here on Nilachal Hill. Anyone who worships, sees, or touches this stone receives divine blessings, liberation, and closeness to the Goddess. Only in this Shakti Peetha do the 64 Yoginis and the ten Mahavidyas reside together.

Bhuvaneshwari, Baglamukhi, Chhinnamasta, Kali, Tara, Matangi, Kamala, Saraswati, Dhoomavati, and Bhairavi all exist in one place. While every Shakti Peetha holds its own importance, Kamakhya Shakti Peetha is considered the highest among them. According to the Kalika Purana, this is the place where Kamadeva was burned to ashes by Lord Shiva’s third eye and was later granted his former form again. Here, devotees receive the fruits of desire. Alongside Goddess Kamakhya in the sanctum sanctorum are the supreme Mahavidyas Matangi and Kamala.

What is the Ambuvachi mela?

Ambubachi comes from two words—”Ambu” meaning water and “Vachi” meaning sprouting. This term represents feminine power and the ability to give birth. This annual fair occurs in June when Goddess Kamakhya is believed to undergo her menstrual cycle. During the Ambuvachi period, the sanctum of the temple remains closed, and devotees are prohibited from seeing the Goddess. After three days, special worship and rituals take place to mark the end of the menstruation period. On the fourth day, in the Brahma Muhurat, the Goddess is bathed and adorned, and only then is the temple reopened for devotees.

Ambuvachi: The Grand Tantric Festival

Devotees first visit Kameshwari Devi and Kameshwar Shiva. After this, they proceed to the sanctum for the vision of the “Mahāmudrā.” The Yoni Mudra Peetha of the Goddess is located ten steps down in a cave where an eternal lamp continues to burn.

A separate path has been made for entering and exiting. Devotees receive a piece of cloth as prasadam, known as “Ambuvachi Vastra.” It is said that before the Goddess’s menstruation begins, white cloths are placed around the Mahāmudrā in the sanctum. After three days, when the temple reopens, these cloths turn red from the Goddess’s sacred menstrual flow. This cloth is then distributed among devotees as a blessing. Worshippers believe that performing spiritual practices while wearing this cloth fulfills all desires.

People also say that during this time, the water of the Brahmaputra River turns red for three days. Apart from Ambubachi, two other festivals are celebrated in Kamakhya. One is “Devadhvani,” also known as “Deodhani,” where traditional instruments are played with dance performances. In the month of Paush, during the Krishna Paksha and under the Pushya Nakshatra, the Pushyabhishek Festival takes place. During this, a moving idol of Kameshwar is placed in the Kameshwar Temple. The next day, in the Panchratna Temple of the Goddess, the Har-Gauri wedding celebration of both deities is held. Considered a Mahakumbh of Tantric energy, this event sees hundreds of Tantrics emerge from seclusion and showcase their powers.

What Should You Do During Ambuvachi mela?

You cannot visit Goddess Kamakhya during Ambuvachi mela as the temple remains closed. Instead, you can worship her from home.

Invite a young girl for a meal after Ambuvachi.
Chant Kamakhya Stotra for three days during Ambuvachi mela.
Do not insult any woman.
Chant the sacred mantras of Goddess Kamakhya.
Avoid planting trees or digging the earth for three days.
Refrain from bathing in holy rivers.
If you visit any other Goddess temple during this period, do not touch the idol.
If possible, observe a one-time meal fast for three days.