Hajo

 

Hajo is an ancient pilgrimage centre for three religions: Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims. It lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, 24 km from the city of Guwahati in the Kamrup district of Assam, India. The area is dotted with a number of ancient temples as well as other sacred artifacts.

The Hajo City has mythological importance attached to it. It is said that the Pandavas were in this city during their Agyatvas. One can see the stone bowl used by Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers) during this agyatvas. Some say that this bowl was used by Bhima to eat. But a picture from another angle shows some steps on the inner side of the bowl. Maybe he might have used it to have a bath.

The Hayagriva Madhava Temple, Poa Mecca, and Kedareswara Temple are famous religious places in Hajo.

Hayagriva Madhava Temple

Hayagriva Madhava Temple is situated on the Monikut hill. The present temple structure was constructed by the King Raghudeva Narayan in 1583. According to some historians the King of Pala dynasty constructed it in 6th century. It is a stone temple and it enshrines an image of Hayagriva Madhava. Some Buddhists believe that the Hayagriva Madhava temple, best known in the group of Hindu temples, is where the Buddha attained Nirvana. At this imposing temple, the presiding deity is worshipped as the Man Lion incarnation of Vishnu by the Hindus.It is a stone temple and it enshrines an image of Hayagriva Madhav. The rows of elephants are seen on the body of the temple and they are fine specimens of Assamese art. There is a big pond known as Madhab Pukhuri near the temple. Doul, Bihu and Janmastami festivals are celebrated every year in the temple. Moreover this temple preaches both Hinduism and Buddhism, which attract Buddhist Monks from far flung places.

Poa-Mecca

The Muslim shrine was built by Pir Giasuddin Aulia and is known as Poa – Mecca because it is supposed to be one fourth in sanctity to Mecca.  Such interesting name of Poa – Mecca comes from the popular belief that visiting this shrine brings one fourth of the spiritual enhancement and blessings that one might have been bestowed with on a single visit to Mecca. The word ‘Poa’ literally translates to one fourth. The shrine of Poa – Mecca is looked upon as a holy pilgrimage for the people following Islam. It is located at a distance of 32 kms from Guwahati on the northern bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra.  The tomb of Pir Giasuddin Auliya, a pioneer of Islam is located here.. It is also believed that the foundation of the Mosque here was laid with the soil that was brought from Mecca.

Kedareswar temple

This temple is also an important medieval Shiva temple constructed by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1753. Temple is located on the top of Madanchala Hillock about 32Km from Guwahati in Hajo Kamrup district of Assam. This is one of the rare Svyambhu (self originated) ling in the Ardhnareswar (male & female) form of Lord Shiva.

Source

http://www.shivshankar.in/kedareswar-temple-of-hajo-assam/

http://www.mapsofindia.com/assam/tourism/holy-places.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajo

http://undiscoveredindiantreasures.blogspot.in/2012/04/hajo-ancient-pilgrimage-centre-for.html

http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/india/assam-assembly-election-2016-priestly-tales-by-the-brahmaputra

http://www.holidify.com/places/hajo/photos.html

http://www.touristlink.com/india/hajo/photos.html

 

 

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