Top 4 Religious Places to Visit in Assam (2024)

Are you a religious person and are looking forward to a religious getaway in a place flooded with abundance of natural serenity? If your answer is yes, then we have the perfect vacation destination for you. When it comes to religious tourism, the North Eastern state of Assam is one of the well – known place. Housing a variety of pilgrim destinations belonging to diverse religions and cultures, the state of Assam welcomes hundreds and even thousands of religious devotees all – round the year. Throughout the state of Assam, one can find a series of temples as well as monuments, each of which reflect their own different set of traditions as well as religious beliefs. Hence, irrespective of the fact what religious views and beliefs you follow, the state of Assam has a lot for you to visit, explore and enjoy. In this article, we have collected and listed down some of the most popular religious places to visit in Assam, especially for you. Continue reading to know more about them!

Top 4 Religious Places to Visit in Assam

1. Asvakranta Temple

Located in the North of Guwahati in the state of Assam, Asvakranta temple is dedicated to the prime Hindu God, Lord Vishnu. Rich with history and culture, this temple boasts of being one of the greatest shrines of Lord Vishnu in the state of Assam. Built on a rock river bank, the temple offers its visitors scenic views of the mighty river Brahmaputra. Owing mainly to its rich culture and scenic natural surroundings, the temple is now considered as one of the top religious places to visit in Assam. The majestic mountains and hill combine with the river provide the already stunning architecture of the temple featuring intricate carvings a more beautiful touch.

Image Source

• History Of The Asvakranta Temple: The word Asvakranta is a Hindi word which literally means horse. There is a popular mythological legend surrounding the origin of the temple. According to this legend, it is believed that once Lord Krishna along with his army camped here before finally winning and killing the evil demon, Narakasur. There is another story of Lord Krishna and is wife Rukamini associated with the temple. Another belief states that the temple is built on exactly the same spot where Lord Krishna’s horse was once surrounded by a series of enemies.
• Popular Things To Do Nearby: Explore the several interesting idols of Hindu gods, pray and seek blessings, visit the nearby natural island- Aarparuat
• How To Reach: You can easily reach Guwahati by air or by train. It is easily accessible via road from nearby cities as well.
• Best Time To Visit: Though one can visit this temple anytime but for the best experience, plan your trip between the months of November and May. The climate is pleasant during this period.
• Distance from Dispur, Assam: about 5 km away

2. Hermitage of Vasistha

Situated amidst natural serenity, the Hermitage of Vasistha is a popular religious place to visit in Assam. Surrounded by 3 beautiful streams- Kanta, Lalita and Sandhya, there is a popular legend associated with them. According to this legend, it is believed that taking a bath in these streams can increase the longevity of the person and even absolve them of their sins. As a result, the hermitage attracts the attention of a huge number of pilgrims from all over the country and hence has turned into one of the most visited religious places in Assam. Also known by the name of Vasistha Ashrama, this hermitage holds a very significant religious values for all the devotees of Hindu religion. Other than its religious importance, the hermitage of Vasistha also proves to be an ideal picnic spot and is frequented by many local people as well as travellers. Image Source

• History Of The Temple: It is believed that the Hermitage of Vasistha was the last monument to be built during the rule of Ahom dynasty which lasted from the 13th century till the 19th century. Dedicated to the sage Vasistha who had cursed Lord Indra which ultimately led to the birth of the very first ruler of the Ahom dynasty, this hermitage was built by King Rajeshwar Singh during the mid – 1700s.
• Popular Things To Do Nearby: Enjoy the scenic beauty around, explore the artistic sculptures of the ashram, plan a picnic with your loved ones, visit a nearby temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
• How To Reach: You can easily reach the hermitage of Vasistha from the Guwahati city which is well connected by almost all means of transport including air, train and road.
• Best Time To Visit: Though one can visit this place anytime but for the best experience, plan your trip between the months of November and May. The climate is pleasant during this period.
• Distance from Dispur, Assam: about 11 km away

3. Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple is not just a popular place to visit but also one of the 51 prominent Shaktipeeth which makes it a significant religious place to visit in Assam state. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, this is one unique temple and there is a popular mythological legend associated with it.

According to the legend, when Goddess Durga killed herself because of her husband being insulted by her father in front of a large crowd of people, Lord Shiva got angry and performed Tandava with her body on his shoulder. In order to stop him, Lord Vishnu released his Sudarshana Chakra which sliced Goddess Shakti’s body into 52 small pieces that fell apart on various places on the ground. It is said that Kamakhya temple is built on the place where her genitals fell. Hence, the temple celebrates a unique festival when it is said the deity menstruates. During this festival the temple receives people from all over the country who come to be a part of the unique festivities.

Image Source

• History Of The Temple: Boasting of religious significance and rich cultural value, the Kamakhya temple is believed to be built around the 7th and 8th centuries. It was during the 16th century that the temple was destroyed and was later reconstructed by Chilarai on the available ruins.
• Popular Things To Do Nearby: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Nilachal hills, explore the artistic sculptures of the ashram, plan a picnic with your loved ones, visit a nearby temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
• How To Reach: You can reach this temple easily from the city of Guwahati which is well connected by almost all means of transport including air, train and road.
• Best Time To Visit: Though one can visit this place anytime but for the best experience, plan your trip between the months of November and May. The climate is pleasant during this period. There is a special 5 – day festival of Durga Puja in the months of September and October which is also a good time to visit.
• Distance from Dispur, Assam: about 13 km away.

4. Satra

Vaishnavism is a popular religion in the state of Assam and nearby regions of the state. The Ekasarana tradition is also pretty well – known. The Satras are institutional centres that are associated with this tradition. There are different centres that are operated independently and are controlled by adhikaras individually. You can find a Namghar or a prayer house in these centres where one can get converted into the Eksarana tradition and become a disciple. The state of Assam is a home to many satras. Out of the plethora of satras, some of the most popular ones are the Kamalabari, Samaguri, Bengena ati, Garamur and Auni ati. You will be pleased to know that these satras even provide accommodation facilities to their visitors where they can stay as well as become a part in the worship of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. These satras have gradually turned into one of the popular religious places to visit in Assam.

Image Source

• History of the Temple: Beginning in the 16th century initially, the concept of Satras grew rapidly during the 17th centuries. The credit of the popularity of Ekassarana religion is often given to the Koch as well as Ahom kingdoms.
• Popular Things To Do Nearby: Witness devotees perform art and dance forms, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of monasteries, see the Apsara and Paalnaam dance, admire the Assamese handicrafts, utensils and jewellery, know more about the heritage of the state
• How To Reach: You can reach Jorhat easily by taking a regular flight from the city of Guwahati. Regular buses are also available to reach Jorhat from Guwahati.
• Best Time To Visit: Though one can visit this place throughout the year but for the best experience, plan your trip in the month of November as the Raas festival is celebrated during this month.
• Distance from Dispur, Assam: about 325 km away

So, if you are someone who is tired from your everyday problems and are looking for a spiritual getaway to get a relief from all of your hurdles and tensions, then Assam will be the best refuge place for you.

FAQ’s For Tourists Planning to Visit Religious Places in Assam

Q1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Assam?

Ans. You can plan your trip between October and March for the best experience.

Q2. Is Assam A Safe Place To Visit?

Ans. Yes, if you carry out your general safety precautions, then Assam is a safe and pretty place to visit for a vacation.

Q3. What Are The Major Airports Of Assam?

Ans. The major airports of Assam are located in Guwahati, Silchar and Dibrugarh.