About Navagraha Temple, Guwahati, Assam, India :
As the name suggests, Navagraha Temple (or the temple of the nine celestial bodies), is a worship place devoted to the nine planets of the solar system, namely Surya (the sun), Chandra (the moon), Buddha (mercury), Mangala (mars), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (Dragon’s head) and finally Ketu (Dragon’s tail). Each of these nine planets is represented by a shivalingam located within the temple (which total to nine). The nine lingams are covered by colored clothes, each color representing a different celestial body.
According to the inscriptions and recordings found on the walls of Navagraha temple, its origin dates back to the 18th century, to the reign of Ahom king Rajeswar Singha, son of Rudra Singha or Sukhrungphaa. A great earthquake destroyed a considerable portion of the temple a few centuries later, which was later rebuilt with ridged iron sheets. However, the Garbhagriha, built of brick, exists till date. Along with the temple, a tank was also excavated at some distance, to provide regular and easy water for the devotees who came to pay homage to the Gods. This tank, known as Silpukhuri, continues to supply water to the needy till date and is as full of water even today.
Surya Puja or Sun worship is an ancient practice of the Assamese people. A number of other temples are also present within the state for this purpose. Among them, the one worth mentioning is the Surya Mandir located atop the Surya Pahar hill in Guwahati. Navagraha temple is an important astrological and astronomical center in the state. In fact, scholars and the historians feel that the ancient name of the state i.e. Pragjyotishapura originated from this temple only. The word Prag means eastern region, while jyotisha means star astrology. Hence, the region is also called the ‘Eastern City of Astrology’.
The Navagrahas or the nine planets are thus represented in the Shastras:
“Surya’s great chariot has one wheel and is drawn by seven horses; he has a lotus in each hand, wears armour and has a shield over his breast, has beautiful straight hair, and is surrounded by a halo of light.”
“Chandra is represented in white colour, clothed in white garment, surrounded by a halo and adorned with ornaments and garland of all sorts of flowers.”
“Mangal is represented in fire-like red colour, clothed in red garments, seated upon Simhasana, with three arms bearing Gada, Shula, Shakti weapons and as one in an Abhaya or Varada pose.”
“Budha is represented in yellow colour, clothed in yellow garment, with three arms bearing Khadga, Khetaka, Gada and one in Varada pose.”
“Brihaspati is represented in yellow colour, clothed in golden yellow garments with three arms bearing Kamandalam, Aksamala, Danda and one in Varada pose. Sometimes this planet is represented with two arms having a Pustaka and an Aksamala.”
“Shukra is represented in white colour, clothed in white garments, having four arms and bearing the same weapons as Brihaspati. Just like him it is sometimes represented with two hands bearing Nidhi (treasure) and Pustaka.”
“Shani is represented in black colour, clothed in black garments, small in stature and somewhat lame in one leg. He has two arms bearing a Danda and an Aksamala and sometimes one in Varada pose.”
“Rahu is represented on a Simhasana or a silver chariot drawn by eight horses. According to some it possesses four arms, three of which bear Khadga, Khetaka, Shula and one in Varada pose and sometimes he possesses two arms carrying a book, a woollen.”
“Ketu is represented in dark colour having two arms in Abhaya pose and a Gada, and sometimes on a chariot drawn by ten horses.”
How To Reach Guwahati :
Airport : Guwahati has its own airport. One can pick a bus or taxi to the temple.
Railhead : Guwahati is well linked to all the parts of India by rail lines. You can reach s by train from any part of India.
Road Transport : One can easily reach the Navagraha Temple by road from any part of Assam.
Deities: Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, Ketu
Known As: Navagraha (Nine Planets)
Location: Citracala, Guwahati, Kamrup District, Assam
Best time to Visit: Best to check with Kamrup District office, Assam
Built By: Rajeswar Singh
Built In: 1800 AD
Highlights: An astrological and astronomical center