Kamakhya Temple: A Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya

The correct answer is option 'A', Kamakhya temple. Let's delve into the details of this sacred temple and its significance.

About Kamakhya Temple
The Kamakhya Temple is a renowned Shakti Peeth located in the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam. It is dedicated to the Goddess Kamakhya, who is considered a form of the divine feminine energy or Shakti. The temple holds immense cultural and religious importance for devotees and pilgrims from various parts of the world.

Legend and Significance
According to Hindu mythology, the Kamakhya Temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, where body parts of the goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation. The story goes that Lord Shiva, in a state of grief and anger, carried the body of Sati and performed the Tandava, a cosmic dance of destruction. To calm him down and save the world from devastation, Lord Vishnu intervened and used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember Sati's body. The places where her body parts fell became known as Shakti Peeths.

The Kamakhya Temple is said to be the place where the womb and genitals of Sati fell. As a result, the temple is considered a powerful center of feminine energy and fertility. Devotees visit the temple seeking blessings for marital harmony, fertility, and overall well-being.

Architectural Splendor
The Kamakhya Temple, built in the 17th century, showcases a unique blend of Hindu and Vedic architectural styles. The temple complex consists of several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, including the ten Mahavidyas (ten forms of the divine mother). The main sanctum sanctorum, known as the Garbhagriha, houses the revered Kamakhya Devi idol.

The temple architecture features intricate carvings, sculptures, and colorful frescoes depicting various mythological stories and divine beings. The temple's exterior is adorned with intricate floral motifs and geometric patterns, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Assam.

Festivals and Rituals
The Kamakhya Temple is particularly famous for its annual Ambubachi Mela, a four-day festival held during the monsoon season. It is believed that during this time, the goddess menstruates, and the temple remains closed for three days. On the fourth day, the doors are reopened, and devotees gather to seek her blessings.

Other significant festivals celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple include Durga Puja, Navratri, and Diwali. These festivals witness a grand influx of pilgrims who come to pay homage to the goddess and participate in various rituals and festivities.

In conclusion, the Kamakhya Temple in Assam is a significant Shakti Peeth dedicated to the Goddess Kamakhya. Its historical and cultural significance, along with its architectural splendor, attracts devotees and visitors alike. The temple stands as a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of Assam and remains an important center of worship and pilgrimage.