Assam
State Museum
Archaeological and ethnographic displays are one of
the major attractions in Assam's state museum, situated
near the centre of city. The collection includes stone
and copper plate inscriptions dating from the 5th century,
a 12th century sculpture of 'Surya', terracotta pieces
and costumes.
Umananda Temple
The Shiva temple of Umananda stands on an island bluff
in the middle of the Brahmaputra. Its location, at the
top of a flight of steep steps up from the beach, is
more dramatic than the temple itself. Ferries and motor
launches leave from Umananda Ghat, on the shore between
the State Bank of India and the Ashok Hotel.
Kamakhya Temple
On the commanding Nilachal hill, overlooking the river
8-km west of the centre, the important Kali temple of
Kamakhya, with its beehive-shaped 'Shikhara', is a fine
example of the distinctive Assamese style of architecture.
As one of the 'Shaktipiths', it marks the place where
Sati's 'Yoni' (vulva) landed when her body fell to earth
in 51 pieces, and is one of the three most important
tantric temples in India. A short walk up the hill brings
one to a smaller and emptier temple with great views
of Guwahati and the Brahmaputra.
Navagraha Temple
East of the town centre, atop another hill, is the atmospheric
Navagraha temple popularly known as the "Temple
of the Nine Planets", an ancient seat of astrology
and astronomy - surrounded by large trees that shelter
tribes of monkeys. Housed in a single red dome, again
in the beehive style, the central lingam is encircled
by a further nine representing the planets.
Srimanta Sankaradeva
Kalashetra
Further from the centre of the town, the Srimanta Sankaradeva
Kalakshetra, on Shillong road in the Panjabari district,
was opened in late 1998 in order to celebrate the cultural
identity of the Assamese by promoting dance, drama,
music and art. Sankaradeva was a saint, poet, scholar,
social reformer and preacher largely responsible for
the 15th century Assamese renaissance. It houses a museum,
art gallery, open-air theatre and traditional Vaishnavite
temple.
Janardan Temple
Janardan Temple, built in the style of Hindu and Buddhist
architecture, at Shukaleswar hillock near Shukaleswar
Ghat of Brahmaputra, the heart of town, is worth seeing.
It was renovated anew in 17th century.
Assam State Zoo
Guwahati's leafy and well-managed zoo and botanical
gardens are 5-km east of the centre. Animals include
the one-horned rhino, the state symbol of Assam, as
well as tigers and leopards.
Pandu
A little further is the Railway Township of Pandu, named
after the King Pandu. Over here is situated the temple
of Pandunath on the hillock. While in forest exile,
Pandavas came and lived here in the guise of Ganesha.
The images of Lord Ganesha and 'Pancha Pandava' brothers
are present in the temple besides other images. The
image of Nrisingha (also spelt as 'Nrusimha') incarnation
maintains a difference from others. Further west, the
sunset at Brahmaputra is simply touching.
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