Umananda island Travel Guide

The Umananda Devaloi is an extremely popular religious spot in the state of Assam in India. Umananda Devaloi is a Shiva temple that is located on the Peacock Island which is the smallest island that lies in the middle of the majestic river the Brahmaputra in Guwahati city of Assam. Umananda Temple was built in 1964 AD by the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha who used to be a devout Shaivaite.

The peacock island is the world’s smallest known inhabited rive line island with a minimal population and thus is a unique location for a temple. The island located amidst immense natural beauty is extremely blissful. It is reachable through country boats which are available on the River Brahmaputra’s bank and the boat takes the visitors to the temple on the island. Umananda Temple is built on the Bhasmacala Mountain in Guwahati. Umananda Temple is also sheltered by a small hill Bhasmacala.

Umananda Temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and is the most revered temple of the entire state of Assam and thus, it entices tourists from many parts of the country who come here to worship the Lord as well as to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Umananda Temple has been established and re-established many times in history to ensure a religious bliss for the devotees.

HISTORY:

According to popular legend, Shiva had resided on the location of the temple in the form of Bhayananda. Popular mythology according to Kalika Purana suggests that in the beginning of the creation Shiva had sprinkled ashes (Bhasma) on this location. Shiva had imparted knowledge to his consort Parvati here and when Shiva was in meditation here on a hillock, Kamadeva had interrupted his yoga. Thus, he was burnt to ashes by the fire of Shiva’s anger and the ashes were spread everywhere on the hilltop. Due to this, the hillock acquired the name Bhasmacala.

This mountain has another name Bhasmakuta as according to Kalika Purana, Urvasikunda was also situated here and the goddess Urvashi resides here who brings Amrit for the enjoyment of Devi Kamakhya and thus the island also acquired the name Urvashi Island.

Another legend says that Shiva lived here much to the Ananda (joy) of his consort Uma (Parvati) hence the name. Umananda is the presiding deity of the temple and it is believed that worshiping the Lord here on the day of the new moon or Amavasya day when it falls on Monday brings the devotee the highest bliss. One of the most colourful festivals here is the Shiva Chaturdashi. It is held here annually and many devotees visit the temple on the occasion to worship the deity. Maha Shivaratri is also a major festival celebrated here by the devotees.

FESTIVALS :

Every year, many devotees and worshipers come to the Umananda Temple during the yearly occasion of Shivratri. On this occasion every year, many worshipers especially visit the Peacock Island to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Shivratri is the occasion which is a very auspicious festival for Shaivites as this day marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Another popular belief in the region is that worshiping in the Umananda Temple on an Amavasya (New moon) day, especially if it is falling on a Monday, brings the highest bliss to the devotee. The day is marked by special Poojas and Havans that are performed to entice Lord Shiva and to attain all bliss and happiness in life.

VISITING HOURS:

Umananda Temple is visited by devotees from all over the country and it remains open on all days of the week from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM.