Information of Asvakranta Temple, Guwahati, Assam

The Asvakranta Temple is located in North Guwahati in the state of Assam. The presiding deity of the temple is the revered Hindu god Lord Vishnu and is supposed to be one of the largest and significant Vishnu temples in the entire state of Assam. The temple is known to be situated on a rock-strewn section which comes in contact with the harbour of the popular Brahmaputra river. The temple is also enjoys a reputation for its magnificent scenic beauty.

Asvakranta Temple Religious Significance

The Asvakranta Temple is considered to be quite a sacred place of pilgrimage for the local people of Assam. It is included amongst the most significant temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Immense level of religious importance is attached to the mentioned temple as it is supposed that visiting the temple washes away or rather frees one from all the misdeeds and also aids that individual to attain liberty or moksha from the cycle of life as well as death. The form of Lord Vishnu worshipped in this temple is known as Anantasayin Vishnu. The term 'Anantasayain' relates to a particular position where Vishnu is found to be seated on the top of a serpent. A statue of Lord Brahma can also be observed to have been portrayed in a sitting position on top of a lotus flower which further comes out from Lord Vishnu's navel. The temple also houses several other shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses such as Goddess Mahamaya along with two magnificently carved demons in the name of Kaitabha and Madhu. The temple even houses figures or representations of female serpents in two rows indulged in the act of adoring Lord Vishnu. The temple is known to be increasingly sacred as per the 'yogini tantra' owing to the belief related to complete salvation offered to the people visiting the temple.

Asvakranta Temple Mythology & History

The name of the temple that is Asvakranta actually means 'ascended by horses'. It is believed according to the legends that Lord Krishna camped in this particular site with his own fleet of army prior to defeating and slaying Narakasur. Naraka or Narakasura according to the Srimad Bhagavatam is stated to be the asura son of Bhumi also known as Bhudevi, the earth goddess and the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu known as Varaha. Unfortunately, Naraka grew up to be a devil owing to his alliance with Banasura. It was predicted about Narakasura that an incarnation of Lord Vishnu would be the reason of his death. As already stated above, Narakasura was slayed by Lord Krishna who is undoubtedly considered to be Visnu's incarnation. Asvakranta is also said to be related to the period of Krishna and Rukmini. It is assumed that Lord Krishna's horse, Asva was surrounded in this particular place by the enemies of Lord Krishna. According to another legend, it is supposed that Lord Krishna stopped here in order to take some rest as his horse named Asva got exhausted while they were travelling to Dwaraka from Kundil Nagar and thus, a few people demanded the place or rather Asvakranta to be incarcerated.

Asvakranta Temple Architectural Significance

The Asvakranta Temple is quite well known for its magnificence in terms of interior beauty. The interiors of the shrine are found to be decorated with beautiful and artistic carvings. The temple also presents grand views of the adjacent areas as well which further adds to the architectural significance of the Asvakranta Temple.