Ambubachi Mela

Source: The Times of India 

Context:

Three temporary camps with suitable security precautions for worshippers and tourists visiting the Kamakhya temple for the Ambubachi Mela were recently established.

Ambubachi Mela:

Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu fair held at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.

Here are some details about Ambubachi Mela and the Kamakhya Temple:

Location: It takes place at the Kamakhya Temple, situated on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, India.

Timing: The fair is celebrated during the monsoon season, specifically in the Assamese month of Ahaar, which falls around the middle of June.

Occasion: Ambubachi Mela is the celebration of the yearly menstruation course of goddess Maa Kamakhya. It is believed that during this time, the goddess undergoes her menstrual cycle, and the temple remains closed for three days.

Other names: The fair is also known as Ameti or Tantric fertility festival, as it is closely associated with the Tantric Shakti cult prevalent in eastern parts of India.

Kamakhya Temple:

Location: The temple is located on Nilachal Hill, near the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam.

Significance: It is considered one of the most revered centres of Tantric practices and is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas (sacred sites dedicated to the goddess Shakti) in India.

Architecture: The Kamakhya Temple exhibits a unique blend of two architectural styles:

The traditional nagara or North Indian style and the Saracenic or Mughal style. This combination is known as the Nilachala Style of Architecture.

Temple Layout: The temple has five chambers: garbhagriha or sanctuary, antarala or vestibule, Jagan Mohan or principal chamber, bhogmandir or ritual chamber, and natmandir or opera hall. Each chamber has distinct architectural features, including different types of domes and roof designs.

Cultural Significance: The natmandir of the temple is used for traditional dance and music performances associated with sukti temples. It serves as a platform for cultural activities during festivals like Ambubachi Mela.