Guwahati, 26 June (HS): The doors of the revered Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hill in Guwahati were reopened to devotees on Friday following the conclusion of the annual Ambubachi Mela. Lakhs of devotees thronged the shrine from early morning to offer prayers at one of the country's most prominent Shakti Peethas.

The temple remained closed for devotees from June 22 after the commencement of the Ambubachi PRAVRITI, a sacred annual observance associated with the belief that Goddess Kamakhya undergoes her yearly menstrual cycle. The Mahayog concluded at 12:02:13 a.m. on Friday, after which temple priests performed the customary purification rituals and special prayers before reopening the shrine for public darshan.

Devotees had started queuing up since Thursday night, with many waiting from as early as 3 a.m. to seek the blessings of Goddess Kamakhya. The Ambubachi festival is regarded as one of the most significant occasions for Tantric worship and attracts pilgrims, saints, and spiritual seekers from across India and abroad.

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Assam BJP President and Member of Parliament Dilip Saikia were among the prominent visitors who offered prayers after the temple reopened. They appreciated the temple management committee, the Assam Government, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration, and various volunteer organisations for ensuring the smooth conduct of the festival.

The Assam Government, Kamrup (Metro) district administration, and the temple management had estimated that more than eight lakh devotees would attend this year's Ambubachi Mela. According to the Doloi Samaj of the temple management committee, the number of pilgrims exceeded the projected figure, making this year's festival one of the largest in recent years.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash