Sivasagar Sivadol Temples- Assam

Address

Sivasagar Sivadol Temples- Temple Rd, Sivasagar, Assam 785640

Diety

Shiva, Vishnu Amman: Durga

Introduction

Sivadol is one of the revered pilgrimage centers in India. Sivadol also is accredited as the tallest and highest shrine in India. Located on the banks of Sivasagar tank, Sivasagar Sivadol is a group of structures comprising three temples, Sivadol, Visnudol and Devidol. The Sivasagar Sivadol Temple was built by the by Bar Raja Ambika, the Queen of Ahom King Swargadeo Siba Singha in 1734 to restore their strength and power to rule Kamrup. It is one of the largest Shiva temples in the whole world, built almost 300 years ago at Shivasagar, the then capital of the Ahom Kings.

Puranic Significance

Sivadol temple is built in Shikhara architecture, predominantly seen during Ahom dynasty. The gurbhagruha or sanctorum houses the sacred Shiva Linga. The shikhara is a four-tiered structure with a golden dome at the top. The garbhagruha is interconnected with an antarala, a small antechamber that carries a roof typical to Assamese hut. The walls on the exteriors are richly carved with sculptures and floral designs set in Bas-relief. The outer walls of the temple contain various forms of goddess Durga with different arms ranging from 2 to 10 hands in various postures. Goddess durga is depicted as Mahishasura Mardini, mounted on a lion and killing the demon-buffalo King Mahishasur piercing a spear upon his chest. The golden dome of Siva dol temple is known as Kolosi. The temple architecture carries out the imprints of the Ahom dynasty style. Visnu Dol and Devi Dol Temples Sivadol is surrounded by two subsidiary temples Visnudol (in the east) and Devidol which are architecturally similar to the larger Shiva temple. Vishnudol is dedicated to the GOD Vishnu; Devidol, also known as Joidol, is a Durga temple. The temple tower of Lord Vishnu carries a honeycomb design with an ornamental crise-cross framework. The tower of Devi dol is a vertical elevation design.

Special Features

The Temple Complex of Shiv Dol comprise of 270 acres land. There are three main Temples-the Sivadol, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Vishnudol, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Devidol, or Joidol, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The height of the temple peak is 104 feet and the base of the sanctum is about 195 feet. An 8 feet high golden ‘Kolshi’ (dome) is kept at the end peak of the temple. Inside the sanctum sanctorum a shiva lingam of Lord Shiva is consecrated. The garbhagriha is connected with a foyer or an antechamber with an antarala.

Festivals

Mahashivratri is the most important festival celebrated during Phagun month (February/March). Devotees offer fruits, milk, honey, ghee, water and vermillion paste over the lingam. It is also worshiped by bilwa leaves. Shivratri is also celebrated during Krishna Paksha, which falls on 13th of every month.