Moksha Yatra to KAMAKHYA

---

The structural temple was completed between the 8th-17th centuries. Constant re-building and renovation resulted in a hybrid form of a structure called the Nilachal type. It is a temple with a hemispherical dome on a cruciform base.

One of the oldest reflections of Hindu religion, the Vimana over the Garbhagriha, has a Pancha Ratha (five chariots). The dados (lower part of the wall) are probably from the time of Khajuraho, consisting of sunken panels. One will notice pictures of Ganesha and other Hindu gods sculpted on the panel.

The Garbhagriha is the most sacred abode of the Goddess. It is below ground level and consists of a rock structure in the form of a yoni (female genital).

The temple consists of three additional chambers. The walls of the first chamber houses sculpted images of Naranarayana. It further leads to the sacred pitha of Goddess Kamakhya. The second chamber Pancharatna is quite large and rectangular with a flat roof.

The third chamber Natamandira has wall inscriptions from Rajeswar Singha and Gaurinath Singha on its inner walls.

Kamakhya temple is the only religious site in India that celebrates the goddess of desire in her menstruating avatar during the Ambubachi Mela. During the course of the mela, the temple is closed for three days. It is believed that the goddess goes through her annual cycle of menstruation during this time period. In one of the rituals, the stone yoni is covered in red cloth.

The first epigraphic evidence of the Kamakhya can be found in the plates of Vanamalavarmadeva of the Mlechchha dynasty. These plates date back to the 9th century. The Kamarupa epigraphs date back to the 5th century- early 13th-century copper, rock plates, and seal inscriptions. The base and bandhana suggest that the original temple was possible of the Malava style.