Situated just 40 kms from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam is Kamdev hill the site of one of the most famous group of 24 temples with a profusion of sculptures next only to Khajuraho and Konark. This group of temples is located on the summit of a Madan Kamdev surrounded by a thick forest of Sal, Teak trees. The temple is dedicated to Lord Kamdev, the God of love. It is regarded as one of the most important and significant archaeological sites in Assam.
The main deities that are worshipped here are Kamdev and his wife Rati. The temple finds mention in the ancient text known as the Yogini Tantra. The temples are covered with beautifully carved images of griffins and nymphs, dancing fairies, gods and goddesses a six headed Bhairava and a four headed Lord Shiva
The sculptures remain an enigma and mystery but at the same time they are an embodiment of the great heights to which ancient Kamrup had reached. One of the themes depicted is cosmic evolution .The walls, pillars, lintels and door frames are decorated with flowers, animals and the Kalpa Virksha (tree of fulfilment) , demons, serpents and ,women, men and animals in all postures.
According to an ancient legend Kama or Madan, the god of love was reborn in this place and was turned into ashes by angry Lord Shiva. Some scholars think that Kamdev was reborn on this hill. According to other scholars, it is romantic association that is depicted as there are numerous erotic sculptures. The group of temples belongs to the period of the Pala dynasty between the 10th – 12th centuries AD. Another interesting feature is that the ruined sculpture of Shiva and Parvati is still worshipped by the locals. All in all, these temples remain the finest example of medieval temples ever built in the Brahmaputra valley.
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