Basistha Temple Guwahati is one of the city’s prime attractions and a place that is visited by a lot of devotees and travelers throughout the year. This ancient temple of Guwahati is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and you can attend several pujas and other celebrations.It was built in 1764 by Rajshwar Singha and is located near the Garbhanga Reserve Forest on the city’s southeastern side. Basistha Temple is a part of the Basistha Ashram, but what attracts tourists is the beauty and surroundings.
The flora and diversity in fauna live in harmony at this place, making it one of the top attractions in Assam.Though the surroundings of the Basistha Temple and ashram are quite enchanting and striking, it still has a few spots that leave people mesmerized. One of such locations is in the cave, also called the meditating spot of saint Vashistha.
This cave is approximately 5 km from the temple but inside the vicinity of the ashram. So people hike to the spot, click some pictures, and enjoy the beauty of the place.The Garbhanga Reserve Forest is another exciting and enchanting must-see tourist attraction in Guwahati for wildlife enthusiasts. People come to this forest reserve to enjoy their time and click pictures of elephants, butterflies, and other birds.
Here’s everything you should know about Basistha Temple
Basistha Temple History
This temple has been described as one of the seven Shakti Peethas in the Kalika Purana. Also, the temple’s history goes back to the Vedic age. The well-known saint Vasistha founded the Basistha Ashram.
As per the legends, once saint Vasistha went to Kamarupa to pay respects to Goddess Kamakhya, and when king Naraka tried to stop him, Vasistha cursed him. He also built a hermitage at the Shandhyachal and continued meditating on Shiva. He is also credited with writing the Vasistha Ramayana. It is believed that he died at the ashram itself, which is evident with the saint’s grave on site.
Planning a visit to Basistha Temple? Then you don’t forget to check out our Guwahati Tour Guide.
Basistha Temple Architecture
The well-known Ahom King Rajeswar Singha commissioned Basistha Temple from 1851 to 1769. The temple’s architecture is endowed by the terracotta and stone sculptures that can be witnessed inside the temple and the hills and stones in proximity.
Also, the temple is connected with the Maharishi Basistha of the Hindu epic Ramayana who brought an end to his life here. Apart from this, there are beautiful sculptures at his temple placed on the tri-juncture of the hill streams, Sandhya, Lalita, and Kanta.
Best Time to Visit Basistha Temple Guwahati
Plan a visit to Basistha Temple during the winter months as it is pleasant, and you can seek blessings comfortably. For further details on the best time to travel to Guwahati, look here
Basistha Temple Timings
You can visit Basistha Temple in Guwahati, Assam, between 6 am to 9 pm. Throughout the day, the rituals of Lord Shiva are performed. Archana, Abhishekam, and Arathi are some daily rituals performed here.
If you get the whole experience, visit Basistha Temple during Shiva Chaturdashi and Maha Shivratri festivals. Both are celebrated with great pomp and show at the temple. Many people visit during these festivals to seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
How to Reach Basistha Temple Guwahati
Basistha Temple is located approx. 13 km away from Guwahati’s center. You can avail of bus services to reach the temple, which will take around 30 min. Paltan Bazar bus stop is located near the Paltan Bazar railway station, from where you can hire a bus to visit the temple. Taxi and auto services are also available to reach Basistha Temple.
Apart from this temple, many other tourist attractions of Guwahati connect you with wildlife, natural beauty, and fun. You can make your Guwahati tour more enticing by booking a holiday package of Guwahati through Indian Holiday.
