Ugratara temple Travel Guide

Ugro Tara Temple is a temple dedicated to Tara (Devi) located in the western side of Jor Pukhury tanks in the heart of Guwahati city in the Lotaxil (Latasil) locality in Northeast India. The Ugratara Temple in Uzan Bazaar in the eastern part of Guwahati, Assam is an important Sakti shrine. Legend has it that the navel of Sati, first consort of Shiva, is related to this temple. Ugratara in Assam is generally identified with Tiksna-Kanta, Eka-Jata, etc., of the Buddhist pantheon.The present temple of Ugra Tara was built by Ahom King Siva Singha in 1725 AD who had excavated a tank three years before. The tank, known as Jorepukhuri, is situated to the east of the temple. The tank still exists, though the upper section of the temple was destroyed by a devastating earthquake. This was however rebuilt by a private citizen.Kalika purana describes a Shakti peetha called Dikkara vasini. Dikkara vasini has two forms, Tikshna kantha and Lalitha kantha. Tikshna kantha is black and pot bellied, also called as Ugra Tara or Eka jata. Lalitha kantha is gracefully attractive, also called as Tamreshwari.In the garbhagriha of Ugra Tara there is no image or idol of her. A small pit filled with water is considered as the Goddess. The temple of Ugra Tara is small and beautiful to view. There is a Shivalaya beside Ugra Tara temple and a pond behind both temples.

Dedicated to Sati Devi, the 1st partner of Lord Shiva, Ugratara Temple is an important Shakti Temple which is flocked by several religious tourists and local inhabitants annually. Beside the temple, lies the famous Jol Pukhuri. There is no actual idol which is worshipped but a small ditch of water which is considered to be the great form of Goddess Ugratara. Goddess Ugratara is venerated like the Kamakhya Goddess with lots of offerings and sacrifices. Legend says that Goddess Ugratara likes consuming meat, coconut, liquor and much more. Several devotees shower such offerings to the Goddess for earning her blessings and showing their love and devotion for her.

Once you visit Ugratara Temple, you can give a puja to the Goddess Ugratara or simply witness a puja. The best time to visit Ugratara would be during the time of Durga Puja when the temple lights up with mirth and joy and several extensive prayers are sent out in extraordinary manners. During this time, several buffaloes are sacrificed to appease the Goddess Ugratara. While you’re at Ugratara Temple, you can also visit the historically important and beautiful JorPukhuri which is blessed with lots of man-made and natural beauty.