Sukreswar Temple
Sukreswar Temple is located on Itakhulli hill or Sukreswar hill in Guwahati. People from all across the country come here to visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Assam this temple is located on Itakhulli hill or Sukreswar hill in Guwahati. The temple is known for having the largest Lingam of Lord Shiva and the sixth Jyotir Lingam. The temple dates back to eighteenth century and is visited by people from around the world to celebrate the existence of Lord Shiva.
Legends:
According to Mythology, Sage Sukra used to worship Lord Shiva in this temple and had his hermitage on the hillock. Dating back to the 18th century, the temple is famous as the largest Shiva lingam or phallic emblem in India. However ‘Kalika Purana’ showcases the hillock as Hastigiri hills due to its shape like the hump of an elephant. It was built by the great Ahom ruler Pramatta Singha. In 1744 AD, the Sukreswar temple is located on the southern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River.
How To Reach:
The Temple is easily accessible by Roads, rail and Air
Transportation. Visitors can easily take a rickshaw, an auto or a cab to reach
the temple. The nearest railway station is- Guwahati Railway Station. And
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi is the Airport close to the temple.
History
The history of the
temple is associated with Saint Sukra, who made a retreat at the Sukreswara
hillock, where he regularly meditated and worshipped Lord Shiva. The place where he meditated is called
Hastagiri as per the Kalika Purana, for it being in the shape of the hump of an
elephant.
Architecture
The Premise of the
temple also has a Vishnu temple and many Puja halls and complexes. The temple
too has beautifully designed steps which lead to the holy river and make the
journey to the river an amazing experience. The good thing about the temple is
that you can visit it during any time of the year and there is no specification
on the month in which it can be visited. This fact is because of the favourable
climate that keeps up in tune with the convenience of the devotees. The temple
dates back to eighteenth century and is visited by people from around the world
to celebrate the existence of Lord Shiva.
