Indian Temples: Ugratara Temple, Guwahati (Assam)- Highlights

 


The Ugratara Temple is one of the most revered and ancient Shakti temples in Assam, located in the heart of Guwahati city near the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Dedicated to Goddess Ugratara, a fierce manifestation of Tara Devi, the temple is an important centre of Tantric worship and is closely associated with the famous Kamakhya Peetha.

The word “Ugra” means fierce, and “Tara” means protector or saviour—together symbolising the Goddess who destroys evil and protects her devotees.

History (In Detail)

Mythological Background

Ugratara is one of the ten Mahavidyas of Tantra, representing the destructive yet compassionate power of Shakti. She is often associated with time (Kala), transformation, and liberation.

According to legend, Ugratara was worshipped in ancient Kamarupa as the guardian goddess of warriors and tantrics.

Historical Development

The temple is believed to date back to the early medieval period (8th–10th century CE). It gained prominence during the reign of the Ahom kings, particularly under King Siva Singha (1714–1744) and his queen Phuleswari Devi, who were ardent followers of Shaktism.

The original structure was destroyed during earthquakes and invasions. The present temple was rebuilt in the 18th century using traditional Assamese architectural elements.

Significance

Ugratara Temple is significant because:

One of the important Shakti Peethas of Assam

Major centre for Tantric sadhana

Goddess worshipped for protection, courage, and victory

Grants relief from black magic, fear, and negative forces

Associated with spiritual transformation and moksha

Devotees believe that sincere worship at Ugratara helps overcome:

Enemies and obstacles

Psychological distress

Career failures

Health problems

Temple Details (Full Description)

Presiding Deity

Goddess Ugratara – fierce form of Tara

Idol made of black stone

Depicted with weapons, standing over a demon

Architecture

Traditional Assamese temple style

Square sanctum with dome-shaped roof

Decorated with floral carvings and symbolic motifs

Temple Tank

Sacred pond known as Jalpukhuri

Used for ritual purification and tantric rites

Rituals and Worship

Daily Abhishekam

Kumkum Archana

Navarna Mantra chanting

Tantric homas

Animal sacrifice (symbolic today)

Major Festivals

Navaratri – grand celebration

Durga Puja

Ambubachi period rituals

Purnima days

Timings

Daily Darshan:

Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Evening: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Best Time:

Early morning or during Navaratri

Connectivity

By Air:

Guwahati International Airport – 20 km

By Rail:

Guwahati Railway Station – 3 km

By Road:

Located in central Guwahati

Well connected by buses, autos, taxis

Nearby Temples:

Kamakhya Temple – 7 km

Navagraha Temple – 5 km

Basistha Ashram – 10 km

Legacy

The Ugratara Temple stands as a powerful symbol of Assam’s Tantric heritage and Shakti tradition. Unlike popular tourist temples, Ugratara retains a mystical and intense spiritual atmosphere, attracting serious spiritual seekers, tantrics, and devotees.

Its legacy lies in:

Preserving esoteric spiritual practices

Upholding the worship of fierce divine feminine power

Serving as a guardian shrine for Guwahati

Being an inseparable part of Kamakhya spiritual geography

Today, Ugratara Temple continues to inspire awe, devotion, and reverence as one of the most potent centres of Shakti worship in Northeast India 

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