Description
Chitrasal is the second highest hill in Guwahati, the capital city of the eastern state, Assam. The Navagraha temple is situated above the hill and the main deities are the nine planets or otherwise known as navagrahas. These are the nine celestial gods mentioned in Hinduism and astrology. The Chitrasal Hill is located on the banks of Brahmaputra, the mighty river. The temple is surrounded by rare and tall trees.
History
The original temple was built before the medieval period around fourth century AD. But after the devastating earthquake in the year 1897 AD, the temple was reconstructed. Even though the temple is considered relatively new the lingas that represent the nine planets are found to be older than 100o years. There are three phases for the construction of the temple. First is the initial Prathista of the Siva Lingams that happened more than 1000 years ago. Then later Rajeshwar Sinha, an Ahom King rebuilt the temple in 1750s. The next renovation happened after the earthquake.The temple is believed to have aligned the mighty celestial forces in one single place and hence it is worshipping here is considered to be unique that gives results immediately.
Importance/Significance
The temple was built in the style of planetary observatoryand anyone new to this place would think it as a observatory centre. It is said that the temple is so constructed as it houses the celestial bodies and this increases its significance. It is also believed that prayers offered in this temple go directly to the celestial bodies. Each celestial body has their positive aspects and negatives that impact the normal living of human beings. Offering prayers here is said to relieve one from the negative aspects and gain the most out of the positive aspects.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Surya is the presiding the grahas who is the Sun, followed by Mercury symbolised by Lord Buddha. Then comes the mangalagraha also known to the western world as Mars, Brahaspathi – the guru of Devas known as Jupiter, Shanibhagvan known as Saturn, Sukran – Venus, and the snakes Raghu and Kedhu. All these planets are depicted as Lingams in the temple. These Lingams are in turn covered with clothes indicating the respective grahas.Pujas:Regular Pujas are conducted in the temple as per the tradition. Devotees offer their prayers to the navagrahas to absolve themselves off their sins and dhoshas.
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