Kamakhya temple story in Kalika puran
In the Kalika Purana, one of the primary scriptures of the Shakta sect of Hinduism, the story of the Kamakhya Temple is detailed. According to the Kalika Purana, the construction of the Kamakhya Temple is attributed to Lord Vishnu, who built the original temple to appease the grieving Lord Shiva after the demise of his wife, Sati. The temple came to be known as the abode of the goddess Kamakhya, the ultimate source of feminine power.
The Kalika Purana also narrates the tale of the Ambubachi Mela, shedding light on the divine significance of the festival. It is believed that during the Ambubachi Mela, the goddess Kamakhya undergoes her annual menstruation, marking a period of fertility and renewal. This natural phenomenon is celebrated as the divine union of the goddess with Lord Shiva, symbolizing the regeneration of life and the nurturing of creation.
The presence of numerous sadhus and tantric priests during the Ambubachi Mela is also mentioned in the Kalika Purana. These holy men are said to perform sacred rituals and offer their blessings, perpetuating ancient traditions and enriching the spiritual aura of the festival.
The Kalika Purana not only emphasizes the religious aspects of the Ambubachi Mela but also highlights its cultural importance. The scriptures depict the festival as a time of cultural revelry, with traditional dance and music performances, vibrant handicraft exhibitions, and the aroma of local cuisine filling the air. The Kalika Purana serves to underscore the Mela as a confluence of religious fervor and cultural celebration.
Through the legends and stories chronicled in the Kalika Purana, the Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple emerges as a timeless tradition deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and spiritual beliefs, enriching the tapestry of Assam’s cultural heritage.