Ambubachi Mela 2025 - Kamakhya Temple Guwahati

The **Ambubachi Mela** is one of the most significant festivals associated with the **Kamakhya Temple** in Guwahati, Assam. This annual event draws thousands of devotees, tantric practitioners, and tourists from across India and beyond. The festival is deeply rooted in **tantric traditions, fertility rituals, and the worship of the Goddess Kamakhya as the Mother Shakti (Divine Feminine Power)**. ### **The Legend Behind Ambubachi** The festival is based on the mythological story of **Goddess Kamakhya's menstrual cycle**, symbolizing the creative and nurturing power of the Earth. According to Hindu scriptures: 1. **The Story of Sati & Shiva**: - The Kamakhya Temple is one of the **51 Shakti Peethas**, where the yoni (womb) of Goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation and Shiva’s tandava (dance of destruction). - It is believed that during Ambubachi, the goddess undergoes her **annual menstrual cycle**, making the temple a powerful center of fertility and cosmic energy. 2. **The Bleeding Goddess**: - The **Nilachal Hill** (where the temple stands) is said to turn red with the menstrual flow of the goddess. - The Brahmaputra River near the temple is also believed to take on a reddish hue during this time, though this is attributed to natural iron-rich soil deposits. ### **The Rituals & Observances** - **Temple Closure**: The temple remains closed for **three days** (from the 7th to the 10th day of the Hindu month of **Ashadha, June-July**) as it is believed the goddess is menstruating and rests. - **No Worship or Prasad**: During these days, no regular pujas or offerings are made. Only tantric rituals are performed in secrecy. - **Fourth Day (Naba Patrika)**: On the **fourth day**, the temple reopens after a grand cleansing ritual. Devotees throng to receive the **"Angodak" (sanctified water)** and **"Angabastra" (red cloth covering the yoni pitha)** as prasad, symbolizing fertility blessings. ### **Tantric Significance** - The festival is a major gathering for **tantric sadhus, Aghoris, and Kapaliks**, who perform secret rituals to harness divine energy. - It is believed that during Ambubachi, the **Earth's creative energy is at its peak**, making it an auspicious time for tantric practices. ### **Cultural & Social Impact** - The mela (fair) around the temple features **yogis, folk dances, spiritual discourses, and stalls selling religious artifacts**. - The festival also promotes **gender equality and the celebration of menstruation as a sacred, natural process**, breaking taboos.