Temples In India

Assam Basistha Temple Guwahati

The Basistha temple or Basistha ashram located in the south east corner of the City of Guwahati is a place filled with rich heritage and history. It is ideally a Shiva temple and historians claim that this ashram was found by the great sage Vasishtha. The temple stands atop the Sandhyachal hill on the bank of Mountain Rivers which originate from the hills of Meghalaya which transforms into the rivers Basistha and Bharalu which also flows through the city.

History

This temple was built by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1764. It is also believed that the king gave 835 Bighas for the ashram in addition to building this temple. Basistha Temple is described as one of the seven Shaktipeeths by the KalikaPurana.

How to Reach

By Air

LGB International Airport is the only airport in the city and it is possible to obtain many government AC buses to Paltan Bazar. Basistha Temple is well connected with Paltan bazar through a series of frequent buses.

By Rail

The Paltan Bazar Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Basistha Temple and it is well connected to other parts of the city.

By Road

There are many buses that go to Basistha Temple from Adabari through Paltanbazar. One can also choose rent an auto or car if bus becomes too uncomfortable.

Important Shrines

The temples in the ashram attract most visitors as it is a breathtaking sight to lay eyes on these temples. The Shiva-Shakti peeth, also called as tarapeet, is a very sacred part of this temple. The Siva linga of Mangaleshwar remains hidden in the wells present inside the temple and is not to be seen.

Significance of The Temple

The Basistha Temple is significant in terms of history because its source dates back to the Vedic age. There is a cave located within 5 kms inside of Basistha Temple which is believed to be the place where the great sage Vasistha(Basistha) used to meditate. The cave is believed to contain a waterfall which remains to be one of the major attractions to the tourists. Another reason for this temple’s attraction is that great Sage Vasishta shed his human form here and his grave remains there.

Weather and Time to Visit

The Basistha temple is pleasant to visit during all around the year as it is an ashram and there is nothing date or time specific attached to the ashram. October to December would be an ideal time to visit Guwahati as other nearby tourist attraction can also be seen during that time.

Accomodation

• Rajmahal Hotel is an nearby hotel which can easily suit your accommodation needs at an affordable rate.
• Ginger Hotel located just 7 kms away from the temple is one of the most recommended stays to tourists coming in to visit Basistha Temple.

Tips For Devotees

The visitors coming in for the Basistha temple can also plan a picnic here as the temple is surrounded by picnic spots. The famous Garbhanga reserve forest is also just a stone’s throw away and it is said to house Elephants and also known for its reputation as butterfly reserve.

Rules and Rituals of The Temple

The ashram is usually a very quiet and peaceful place where many come to find their inner peace and this can be achieved because all the devotees coming in look for the same thing. The cave that sage Basistha called home is considered very sacred and temple authorities keep it that way.

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