Navagraha temples, Hindu temple on Chitrachal Hill, Guwahati, India
The temple complex on Chitrachal Hill in southeastern Guwahati consists of nine individual shrines arranged around a central courtyard. Each shrine holds a Shiva symbol covered with a colored cloth representing a different planetary deity.
King Rajesvar Singha built the temple complex in 1752 to combine astronomical observation with religious practice. A later earthquake damaged much of the structure, but the inner shrine area remained intact.
The nine shrines represent nine planets that create a connection between heaven and earth in Hindu tradition. Visitors can see how worshippers today still approach individual shrines according to their astrological needs.
The temple complex opens daily from 4 AM to 9 PM and sits in southeastern Guwahati on Chitrachal Hill. The best time to visit is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant and access remains easy.
The color scheme of the nine cloths follows an ancient code, with each color pointing to a specific compass direction and a particular weekday. This arrangement allows priests to give visitors individual recommendations for rituals.
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