Location: Guwahati, Assam
Importance: It is believed that Ashvakranta is the site at which Krishna camped with his horses and army before he killed the demon Narakasura
Famous for: Images of Sri Krishna
STD Code: 0361
The land of Assam with its beautiful temples beckons all those who want to feel a divine connection. Sitting in the court of these temples as you meditate you feel a divine connection as nothing can beat the absolute tranquility that surrounds these temples. As far architecture goes, these carry the reflections of greater India.
The Ashvakranta temple in Guwahati in Assam is an ancient one and is associated with the legend of Krishna slaying the demon Narakasura.It is believed that Ashvakranta is the site at which Krishna camped with his horses and army before he killed the demon Narakasura, hence the name Ashvakranta.
According to the Naraka legend, Lord Vishnu placed him as the King of Pragjyotisa. At first Naraka was pious and ruled his country righteously. But soon he became friendly with Bana, King of Sonitpur, and a Shaivite king who had become all powerful by propitiating Lord Shiva.Legend has it that Naraka, the son of Krishna was appointed ruler of Assam. He fell into bad ways and began tormenting mortals and the Gods, especially under the influence of another demon Bana.
The sage Vashishta visited Kamarupa Desa with the intention of worshipping Kamakhya Devi. Naraka stopped him from doing so and hence the sage cursed him that he would be killed by his own father Vishnu.
As Narakasura's attrocities increased, Vishnu (Krishna) invaded Kamarupa (Pragjyotishapura) and vanquished the demon. Upon being slain, the remorseful demon pleaded with Krishna, that his death would be celebrated with fanfare by humanity, in the wee hours of the new moon morning in the month of Libra. This legend forms the basis of the grandest festival in India Diwali- the festival of Lights.
Also located near Guwahati is Vasishtashrama or the hermitage of Vasishta, where he is believed to have carried out penances meditating upon Shiva. Legend has it that Indra along with heavenly damsels, rendered the nearby streams impure, and incurred the wrath of Vasishta. As a result of which he was born on earth as a mortal, who later on rose to be the founder of the Ahom dynasty of Assam.
This friendship between the two resulted in King Naraka becoming irreligious and presumptuous. Possessed by demonic ideas ("Asuram Bhavamwadya"), Naraka began to harass the Brahmanas and even neglected the Goddess Kamakhya, who was greatly favoured by Lord Vishnu.
Near By Attraction:
Ashvakranta Temple.
Kamakhya Temple.
Madan Kamadeva.
Sukresvara Temple.
Navagraha Temple.
Umananda Temple.
Vasisthasrama.
Ugratara Temple.
How to reach:
Guwahati is well connected to the major cities. It is the hub of the road network to the north eastern region and to centers west of Assam. The distance between Guwahati and Kolkata is 1151 km and between Darjeeling and Guwahati is 627 km.
Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).
If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.
Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.
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