What is the Secret of Kamakhya Temple? Learn about Ambubachi Festival

Filled with mysteries, Maa Kamakhya Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths. When Goddess Sati self-immolated after hearing about Lord Shiva’s insult at Daksha’s yajna, Lord Shiva wandered the universe with her body. To stop this, Lord Vishnu cut Sati’s body into pieces with his discus, and wherever these pieces fell, Shakti Peeths were established. The part of Sati’s yoni fell on the Nilanchal Hill, where she is worshipped as Kamakhya. Kamakhya Shakti Peeth is particularly revered by tantrics. According to some beliefs, the ten Mahavidyas are said to reside here in subtle forms, and those who practice the worship of the ten Mahavidyas receive special blessings in Kamakhya.

Menstruation of the Goddess

Even today, the goddess is believed to menstruate here. During this time, the temple remains closed for three days. The waters of the Brahmaputra River turn red during this period. When the goddess is menstruating, no auspicious activities take place in the entire Guwahati area. This time is reserved for meditation and prayer by accomplished practitioners. This period is also known as the Ambubachi Festival.

Red Cloth as Prasad at Maa Kamakhya

During the Ambubachi Festival, entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is restricted, and no men are allowed inside. It is said that during this time the goddess is menstruating. Priests place a white cloth in the sanctum, which turns red after three days. This cloth is then given to devotees as prasad and is considered highly sacred.

A Stronghold of the Ten Mahavidyas

The Kamakhya Temple is the largest center of energy for the ten Mahavidyas. Temples for Tripura Sundari, Kamala, and Matangi are located near the sanctum, while the temples of Kali, Tara, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Baglamukhi, and Chhinnamasta are situated outside the main temple. Anyone who practices the worship of any of the ten Mahavidyas comes here for their spiritual pursuits.