Guwahati Dirgheshwari Mandir- Assam

Address

Dhirgheswri, Guwahati,

Assam 781030

Amman

Dirgheswari

Introduction

Dirgheswari Mandir is a temple situated in the northern banks of the river Brahmaputra in Guwahati, Assam, India. Many ancient images made on rocks existed along with the temple. Brick temple was built by Ahom king Swargadeo Siva Singha, Dirgheswari temple is considered for Shakti Worship. The main attraction of Dirgheswari temple is the annual Durga Puja celebrations, in which devotees from far of places use to attend.

Puranic Significance

It is said that the great sage Markandeya, one of the immortals according to tradition, visited this place and started huge penance of Goddess Durga. At last the Goddess appeared before him and grants him blessings. Thus Dirgheswari became an important place of worship of Goddess Durga.

It is not known if any temple of Goddess Durga existed in Dirgheswari during ancient and early medieval period. The present temple at Dirgheswari was constructed by Ahom king Swargadeo Siva Singha reign 1714 CE-1744 CE, under the supervision of Tarun Duwarah Barphukan, the Ahom viceroy of Guwahati and Lower Assam. The temple was constructed using bricks, at the top of the hill, which is filled with solid rocks. The Garbha-griha or the inner chamber of the temple, where the idol of Goddess Durga was present is located underground, in a small cave. A rock inscription is present at the back entrance of the Temple in which the names of Ahom King Swargadeo Siba Singha and the Ahom Viceroy Tarun Duwarah Barphukan are present, issuing the royal order for the construction of temple and grants of lands in the name of Dirgheswari Temple. In order to accommodate the increasing numbers of pilgrims and other people, the temple compound is extended, due to which one portion of brick wall, constructed during the Ahom reign has to be brought down. There is a small water tank in the near the temple, in which small fishes and a turtle is present.

Special Features

Apart from the temple, there are many images of God and Goddesses engraved in the rocks of the hill. It is not known from which period these images belonged. Just like any ancient temples or holy sites, one can find a big image of Lord Ganesha engraved in the rock, at the entrance of the temple. According to beliefs before performing any religious rites, first prayers should be offered to Lord Ganesha. There are two foot prints engraved in the rocks near the temple, believed to be of Goddess Durga. There is also a stone structure, which the local believes as boat, which is used by Apasaras or nymphs for water sports in a nearby water pond. Dirgheswari Mandir is recognized by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as an important historical site and accordingly steps are taken to preserves its structure.