Umananda Temple, Hindu temple on Peacock Island, Guwahati, India
Umananda Temple is a Hindu temple on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam. The shrine sits atop Bhasmachala hill, surrounded by dense greenery and rock formations, with a small platform in front of the entrance where visitors can sit and watch the flowing water.
Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique constructed the temple in 1694 under King Gadadhar Singha. The 1897 earthquake destroyed much of the structure, after which it was rebuilt with new stonework and carvings.
The shrine honors Shiva in his form as Umananda, a name reflecting the joy goddess Uma brings to her consort. Devotees light candles and incense while contemplating the stone carvings and praying before the altars.
Public boats leave from Umananda Ghat on the north bank and reach the island in around 15 minutes. From the jetty, roughly 100 steps lead uphill to the entrance, with the climb steep and slippery after rain.
The island is considered the smallest inhabited riverine island in the world, with a few huts and paths alongside the shrine. According to mythology, Kamadeva turned to ashes here after interrupting Shiva's meditation, giving the hill its name Bhasmachala.
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