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Resources » Travel & Tourism » Places to visit
Review of Hayagriva Madhava Temple, Hajo (near Guwahati), Assam
Hayagriva Temple is one of the most famous and most visited temples of Assam. It is a pilgrimage centre of both Hindus and Buddhist people. Let's read about Hayagriva Temple in detail including Location of Hayagriva Temple, History of Hayagriva Temple, Legends of Hayagriva Temple, and Structure of Hayagriva Temple & How to reach Hayagriva Temple.
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Hayagriva Madhava Temple is dedicated to one of the reincarnations (Avataar) of Lord Vishnu. In that reincarnation, Lord Vishnu was in the form of a human being with the head of a horse. In Sanskrit language, 'Haya' means horse and 'griva' means neck. That's why the temple is known as Hayagriva Temple.
Hayagriva Temple is also a famous pilgrimage destination of Buddhist Lamas and Bhutiyas who follow Buddhism. People of Buddhism community believe that Lord Buddha had left his holy body and had attained Moksha/ Nirvaan at that place.
Location of Hayagriva Temple
Hayagriva Temple is located at Hajo (Assam) at a distance of about 30 kms. towards West of Guwahati. It is situated on a hill known as Manikoota Hill. Kamakhya Temple another famous temple of Assam, is also situated near Hayagriva Temple.
(To read about Kamakhya Temple in detail, visit the web page at Kamakhya Temple, Assam )
History of Hayagriva Temple
Hayagriva Temple is an ancient temple. However, the ancient building was destroyed by Kalapahar. The building of the temple was reconstructed in 1543 by Koch king Raghudeva Narayana. The present building of the temple is existing since then.
Legends of Hayagriva Temple
The most famous and most believed legend of Hayagriva Temple is that the two demons, Madhu & Kaitabha, had stole the Vedas from Lord Brahma during the process of creation. Being offended by the demons, upset Lord Brahma went to Lord Vishnu. At that time, Lord Vishnu was sleeping. Lord Brahma awoke Lord Vishnu and requested for his help by recovering the Vedas from the demons. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Hayagriva and had a fight with the demons. He killed the demons and handed over the Vedas back into the hands of Lord Brahma.
Structure of Hayagriva Temple
The entire building of the temple is divided into three parts- basement (Garbhagriha), central area and the top (Sikhara). The Sikhara has a pyramidical plane face which continues right up to an apex point. The basement, pillars and the entrance hall of the temple is completely made up of bricks. The basement (Garbhagriha) has an area of about 14 square feet & the entrance hall is of 40 X 20 feet area. The anteroom of the temple is of 10 sq. feet area & made up of stones. There are two stone screens, cut into the shape of Lotus, lied on the either side of the anteroom for ventilation.
Life size sculptured figures are present on the upper exterior walls of the temple. These figures represent the 10 Avatars with Buddha as the ninth Avataar. Other figures are of unknown characters out of which most figures are of males & approximately all figures are having a trident (Trishula) in their hands.
How to reach Hayagriva Temple?
By air:
The nearest airport to reach Hayagriva Temple is at Guwahati.
By rail:
You can reach Hayagriva Temple by rail. The nearest railway station is at Guwahati.
By road:
You can reach Hayagriva Temple by hiring a bus or taxi which runs from various cities towns of India.
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