Ashwaklanta (Ashwakranta) is an important Vaishnava shrine situated on the northern bank of the river Brahmaputra, opposite to Gauhati.
The temple contains the idol of Anantha sayana Vishnu, with Brahma in a lotus came out from his navel. Maha maya, the two demons Madu, Kaitabhas and two rows of Naga kanyas are present in the temple.
Vishnu,Krishna Footprints,Aswaklanta.
Lord Sri Krishna came to kíll Narakasura, with an army ascended by horses. This is the place where he camped his army and stabled his horses, before starting the battle. Lord Sri Krishna also established Dwiteeya Gaya by placing his foot print here.
The footprints of Lord Rama and Krishna are found in India.
Lord Rama’s feet is found near Rameswaram and in some other places.
Lord Krishna‘s are found in Vrindavan,Asvakranta (Assam) and in Asvakranta temple in Assam.
The legends associated with these places seem to be in agreement with the Puranas.
Lord Krishna Footprint,Vrindavan.In Charan Pahari, Lord Krishna’s footprints are enshrined. According to the locals there is the impression of Krishna’s left and right footprints at this place. It is said that Krishna was playing His flute at this place and that the hill started to melt. The impressions of Krishna’s footprints could then be seen on the stone here. It has been told that Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityananda, Advaita Acarya, Madhavendra Puri, Madhvacarya, Vallabhacarya and the Goswamis have come to this place to have darshan of Krishna’s footprints.Krishna’s Footprint,Somnath.The footprint of Bhagvan Shree Krishna is carved here to mark the divine memory of Shree Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Leela. Baldevji, the elder brother of Shree Krishna also took his last journey from here in his original serpent form. This is marked by an ancient holy cave called “Dauji-ni-Gufa”
The temple of Asvakranta in Assam is situated in NorthGuwahati. An important and one of the greatest Vishnu shrines of Assam, Asvakranta is located on a rocky stratum touching the waterfront of the Brahmaputra. Asvakranta pilgrimage tours can be covered by motor boats that are available at Suklesvar Ghat (Guwahati). Asvakranta is favoured for its scenic beauty. From here one can enjoy the east-west expanse of Guwahati situated on the other bank of the river.
Asvakranta literally means ‘ascended by horses’. It is here that Sri Krishna camped with his army before he defeated and killed Narakasur.
Aswakranta is associated with Krishna-Rukamini episode. It is said that Krishna’s Asva (horse) was encircled (akranta) by the enemies at this place. It is also believed by some people that the place should be caged as Asvaklanta indicating that Krishna on his way from Kundil Nagar to Dwaraka had to rest here as his horse became tired (klanta).
Airport : The nearest airport is Guwahati. From here you can easily reach Asvakranta by road.
Railhead : The nearest railhead is situated at Guwahati.
Road Transport : Asvakranta is linked by road transport via the Saraighat Bridge across the Brahmaputra. Other option is Guwahati, which is well connected with regular bus services from all the major cities in and around the state.
Water Transport : Regular ferry services are available to Asvakranta from Guwahati.
Staying in Asvakranta
Accommodation facilities are available at reasonable prices in Guwahati with options varying from luxury to budget hotels.
Lord Shiva is reported to have strewn the Vibhuthi, Holy Ashes here imparted Wisdom to Parvati and sat in meditation.
Read my Post on Vibuthi, Shaivaite mark and Tiruman, the Vaishavavite mark.
“Siva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda.
According to the Kalika Purana, in the beginning of the creation Siva sprinkled ashes (bhasma) at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvati (his consort).
It is said that, when Siva was in meditation on this hillock,
Kamadeva interrupted his yoga and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Siva’s anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala.
This mountain is also called Bhasmakuta. The Kalika Purana states that Urvasikunda is situated here and here resides the goddess Urvasi who brings Amrit (nectar) for the enjoyment of Kamakhya and hence the island got the name Urvasi Island.
The presiding deity of the temple is Umananda (Tatrasti bhagavan sambhu- ruma- nandakarah Prabhu). It is believed that, worship here on the Amavasya day when it falls on Monday brings the highest bliss. The Siva Chaturdasi is the most colourful festival that is held here annually. Many devotees come to the temple on this occasion for the worship of the deity.
History of the Temple
The temple of Umananda was built in 1694 A.D. by the Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique by the order of King Gadadhar Singh (1681- 1696), one of the ablest and strongest rulers of the Ahom dynasty. The original temple was however immensely damaged by a devastating earthquake of 1897. Later, it was reconstructed by a rich local merchant who chose to inscribe the interior part of a Siva temple with Vaisnavite slogans.
The Strcuture of the Umanand Temple
The temple has inherited some rock-cut figures, which speak passionately of the masterly skill of the Assamese craftsmen. The sculptures here show that the worshippers there followed all the principal Hindu gods. We find representations of Surya, Ganesha, Shiva and Devi (with a scorpion as emblem) in addition to those of Visnu and his ten incarnations (avatar).
Journey to Umanand Temple in Guwahati Airport : The nearest airport is at Guwahati. From where you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island to visit the temple.
Railhead : The closest railhead is at Guwahati, From here you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. The railhead at Guwahati is connected to almost all the major cities of India.
Road Transport :Guwahati is linked to all the major cities of Assam and nearby states. One can easily Guwahati by road from any part of the state.
Water Transport : As the temple resides in an Island amidst the Brahmaputra River, one has to take a ferry to reach the temple. The ferries are arranged by the state tourism department for the tourists from all the parts of India and world.
Staying near the Umanand Temple in Guwahati
Guwahati offers several private hotels ranging from luxury to budget-friendly ones. Fish is a major delicacy in Assam and one can savour mouthwatering curries in and around Paltan Bazar at cheap rates. There are excellent accommodation facilities in and around Guwahati in Assam.
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