Lankeshwar Temple is one of the striking temples located in Assam, a state in the north-eastern part of India. One of Hinduism’s most potent gods, Lord Shiva, is the subject of the temple. This temple welcomes millions of visitors each year.
In this article, we will try to discuss all areas related to Lankeshwar Temple in brief and with interest: history, architecture, festivals, and importance.
Aarti Timing & Visiting Hours for Lankeshwar Temple:
- Aarti Timings:
- Morning Aarti: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- During festivals like Shivaratri and Mahashivaratri, there are special aartis and prayers held throughout the day and night. The temple may also host extended prayer sessions during such festivals.
- Visiting Hours:
- Daily Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- The temple remains open throughout the day, and visitors can come during these hours for regular darshan and prayers. However, during major festivals like Shivaratri, the temple may experience heavy foot traffic, so early morning or late evening visits are ideal.
Assam Tourism Websites:
- For general information and possibly some booking assistance related to temples in Assam, including Lankeshwar, you can visit Assam’s official tourism website: https://www.assamtourism.gov.in/.
A Quick Overview of Lankeshwar Temple
Situated in the town of Tezpur, on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Lankeshwar Temple provides a peaceful environment for worship and self-reflection, surrounded thickly with foliage. This temple is usually thronged by people who visit to pray and seek blessings, especially during major Hindu festivals.
History Glance
The Lankeshwar Temple comes under the span of a few hundred years into the past. It is said to be of a century 10th and proudly stands within Assam’s legacy. According to local myths, this temple has some association with the epic Ramayana, where prayers were offered by the great Lord Rama seeking redemption, after he had a tussle with the demon king Ravana.
Breathtaking Architecture
Among the other reasons, its unique structure is one of the prominent reasons for any tourist to visit Lankeshwar Temple. The temple is designed in the traditional Assamese pattern and is surrounded with beautiful carvings and detailed sculptures.
Top Features of this Temple
- Exquisite Stone Carvings: The walls of the temple have remarkable stone carvings with designs that relate to a number of Hindu gods and gods and goddesses and other mythical stories. These carvings also bring to light the artistical skills of the people who designed them.
- Pillared Halls: There are two big halls of the temples having an enormous number of intricately carved pillars. These halls offer spacious space for congregation as well as religious rituals.
- Holy Water Tank: Next to it stands a holy water tank called ‘Kund’. It cleanses the soul. In this case, it is said that sins are washed away. Many devotees take a dip in this holy water tank after performing all their rituals to let the water purify them.
Spiritual Significance
Lankeshwar Temple is not just a beautiful architecture, but there lies great spiritual thought for many Hindus in it. Here, they perform rituals and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, which they have dedicated to him especially during the month of Shravan July-August.
Rituals and Offerings
Tourists often offer quite common things to the temple in the form of flowers, fruits, and sweets. ‘Bel Patra’, which is the leaves of Aegle marmelos, is perhaps one of the most common offerings because it is held sacred to Lord Shiva. People often throng these places to get associated with everyday rituals, which are also known as ‘pujas’.
Festivals Celebrated at Lankeshwar Temple
Lankeshwar Temple Celebrates Many Hindu Festivals. Here are a few of the notable festivals:
- Mahashivaratri: This special festival dedicated to Lord Shiva requires people to fast and chant prayers all night and offer milk and water to the Shiva Lingam.
- Bhaidooj: This festival is held on the second day after Diwali, and it respects the relationship between brothers and sisters. Many families swarm the temple to offer prayers for the health and happiness of their kin.
- Durga Puja: Although this place mainly hosts Durga Puja celebrations, people visit here for acquiring boons of good fortune and prosperity.
Legends and Myths
The local folklores at Lankeshwar Temple add stories to it. One widely reeled story is that when a serpent emerged from nowhere just to save his followers from the unknown danger, Lord Shiva did so. It is believed that the temple lies on the very spot where the miracle took place.
Another interesting legend is about the story of demon king Ravana. The natives narrate the story of how the demon king Ravana had once come here to pray for power.
He was so engrossed in the process of worship that he broke a revered deity, thereby provoking Lord Shiva. This was a stern lesson for Ravana to preach humility and caution.
Lankeshwar Temple Visit
Lankeshwar Temple is one place where you would love to visit. If you have already decided to visit the shrine Lankeshwar Temple, here is some guide for you:
- How to Reach Here: The Lankeshwar Temple is within a 10 kilometer distance of Tezpur, and easily accessible from there. You can hail a taxi or use the local transportation to get there.
- Best Time to Visit: It is the best time to visit during the winter months of the place that commences from November till February, when the climate is appreciable. It is simultaneously many festivals that are held at that time, making your visit worthwhile.
- Dress Appropriately: Dress modestly. When going to the temple, modest clothes are in order as it is respectful clothing. Even traditional clothes are preferred, such as saree on the ladies and dhoti on the gentlemen.
- Respect Local Customs: When you visit Lankeshwar Temple, make sure you respect local customs. Take off your shoes before you enter the temple, and refrain from interrupting the rituals of other devotees being performed at that time.
How to Reach Lankeshwar Temple
- By Road:
- The Lankeshwar Temple is located in Sivasagar, Assam, and is well-connected by road to major towns and cities in Assam.
- From Guwahati: The distance is about 360 km and takes approximately 6-7 hours by road via NH 37.
- From Jorhat: About 55 km (1.5-2 hours by road).
- Local Transport: Once in Sivasagar, you can easily hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the temple.
- By Train:
- The nearest railway station is Sivasagar Town Railway Station, located about 4-5 km from the Lankeshwar Temple.
- Regular trains from Guwahati, Jorhat, and Tinsukia connect to Sivasagar. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or rickshaw to reach the temple.
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Jorhat Airport, about 30 km from Sivasagar.
- From Jorhat Airport, you can take a taxi or private car to Sivasagar and proceed to the temple.
- Alternatively, Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is around 360 km away, and from there, you can take a taxi or bus to Sivasagar.
Conclusion
Lankeshwar Temple is more than just a place of worship; it stands as a symbol of Assam’s rich heritage and cultural history.
Architecture exudes beauty, vibrant festivals, and a deep spiritual significance make this temple stand as inspiration for people till this very day. Those who are history buffs, spiritual seekers, or someone who just wants a peaceful retreat would find something special in the Lankeshwar Temple.
If you ever get the chance to visit Assam, then do not miss the opportunity to take a glimpse of this beautiful temple!