Guwahati Sukreswar Shiva Temple, Assam

Address

Guwahati Sukreswar Shiva Temple, Pan Bazaar, Guwahati, Assam 781001

Diety

Sukreswar Amman: Parvati

Introduction

Sukreswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the Itakhuli hill on the south bank of river Brahmaputra in the Panbazar locality of Guwahati City in Kamrup District of Assam, India.

Puranic Significance

As per legend, Sage Sukra made his hermitage on this Sukreswar hillock. The sage used to meditate and regularly worship Lord Shiva in that place. As per the Kalika Purana, the hillock where the sage used to pray is called Hastagiri as it has the shape like that of the hump of an elephant. The Temple was constructed in 1744 CE by Ahom King Pramatta Singha (1744–1751). His Successor King Rajeswar Singha (1751–69) also made donations to this Temple in 1759. The temple is situated on the Sukreswar or Itakhuli hill on the south bank of river Brahmaputra. The temple provides a picturesque view of the mighty river flowing alongside its banks. There are steps leading to this river from the temple complex. Presiding Deity is called as Sukreswar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. It is one of the largest Shiva Lingas in India. Though the sanctum is still in good condition, but the adjacent Nat temple has been replaced by sheet of iron. The temple complex also has a Vishnu Temple

Special Features

The temple is known for having the largest Lingam of Lord Shiva. This great Indian monument of India is the contribution of the King of the Ahom dynasty of Assam, Pramatta Singh. Throughout the year, devotees from many far off places including many of them from foreign countries come here to take a glimpse of this largest Shiva lingam built in the 18th century. Adjacent to the temple is a Nat Mandir. Though the Sukreswar temple is still in good condition but the adjacent Nat temple has been replaced by sheet of iron.