Context:
Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple in Assam has started.
Kamakhya temple:
- Considered the oldest of 51 Shakti Peethas and also houses temples for Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu
- Location – Assam
- Located on the Nilachala Hills in Guwahati
- History – The former temple was destroyed by Kala Pahar, which was later reconstructed in 1565 by Chilarai, reigning king of the Koch dynasty.
- Also a centre of Tantrik worship.
- Festival – Ambubachi Mela is held every year to commemorate the yearly menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya.
Temple Architecture:
- Combination of 2 different styles – Nagara or North Indian Style and Saracenic or Mughal style of architecture.
- This has been named the Nilachala Style of Architecture.
- Only temple of Assam having a fully developed ground plan.
- Consists of 5 chambers –
- Garbhagriha or sanctuary
- Antarala or vestibule
- Jagan Mohan or principal chamber
- Bhogmandir or ritual chamber
- Natmandir or opera hall for performing traditional dance and music
- Superstructure of each of the above chambers exhibits different architectural features.
Source: India Times
Previous Year Question
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
The then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.
