Tezpur Sri Mahabhairav Temple- Assam

Address

Tezpur Sri Mahabhairav Temple- MahabhairabTemple road, Tezpur, Assam 784001

Deity

Mahabhairav

Introduction

• Location: Hillock on the northern part of Tezpur town, Assam.
• Historical Background:
  • Established by King Bana in pre-historical times.
  • Originally built of stone; present structure renovated in concrete.
  • During the Ahom rule, the Tungkhungiya dynasty kings donated Devottar land to the temple, with pujaris and Paiks appointed for its management.
  • Management is currently overseen by the Government through a committee led by the District Deputy Commissioner.
• Significance: Celebrates Shivaratri with great festivity, attracting visitors nationwide, though smaller than the festival in Sivasagar.

Puranic Significance

• Legend: The original Mahabhairav Temple was built by Asura King Banasura out of stone.
• Main Deity: Lord Shiva, featuring one of the world’s largest Shiva Lingams.
• Architectural Details:
  • Entrance adorned with idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman as Dwarpals.
  • Elaborate carvings at the gateway, with remnants of the original temple on the massive pillars.
• Historical Context:
  • Believed to have been constructed between the 8th to 10th centuries A.D. by the Salasthamba dynasty.
  • Original temple destroyed during Islamic invasions and later rebuilt.
  • Heavily damaged in the catastrophic earthquake of 1897.
• Current Structure:
  • Rebuilt in the early 20th century by devotee and monk Sri Swayambar Bharati (Naga Baba).
  • Subsequent developments included the “Nat Mandir” by another monk, Sri Mahadeo Bharati, and the cement-concrete idols of Ganesha and Hanuman.

Special Features

• Shiva Linga: Believed to be made of ‘Living Stone’ that grows over time; associated with the boon King Bana received while worshipping there.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with significant enthusiasm at the temple.

Century/Period/Age

8th to 10th century A.D.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Tezpur

Nearest Railway Station

Tezpur Station

Nearest Airport

Tezpur

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