GUPTA KASHI BISWANATH
At the confluence of the great “Brahmaputra” and the ‘old Ganges’ (old Ganga or the ‘briddha ganga’ or the vernacular ‘burhiganga’ is not to be confused with the great Ganges) lies the scenic land of Biswanath enamored in poetic exuberance present is a picturesque, serene and vibrant nativity and symbolism’ of a spiritual aura that attracted in abundance countless devotees and the very epithet ‘hidden kashi: (Kashi of Kashi Viswanath fame) The ‘Gupta Kashi’ or the ‘Hidden Kashi’ or ‘the other kashi’ is how Viswanath is known for ages. As per the myths, during the genesis of the world, mother earth, the Viswanath Shivaling also come to existence in Viswanath. At the confluence of the old ganga and the Brahmaputra in a chamber of archaic rocks the Lord Viswanath is said to be present. Gupta Kashi Viswanath is symbolically known as the holy land of numerous Shivalingas. King Bana was a contemporary of King Naraka of Kamrup and wiled Sonitpur in the same era when King Naraka reigned over Kamrup. As per popular folk myths, King Bana used to establish a new idol of Shiva everyday and used to worship it. Lord Sadashiva thus being pleased with King Bana’s endeavour, once appeared in his dreams and made the prophecy, ” I am present as my incarnation in your empire, in the North of the river Brahmaputra and consult the sages Kumud and Kaustav to locate my worldly presence.” King Bana then followed his dreams and met the meditating sages. Being immersed in meditation, the sages didn’t reply despite his numerous persuasions. The King annoyed and humiliated angrily pronounced ‘Kutrakashi’ and the phrase eventually helped meditation of the duo. And they pronounced it as means the forbidden kashi or the hidden kashi. sages ending the The sages pleaded the angry Lord to be merciful and in mercy ifcit which of ‘saptasmleha’ or ‘the seven ‘Gupta.– ‘ inescapable phrase became the curse for the land Shiva arrived in the place and cursed both the and cruel utterances to exist as rocks of Viswanath. Indirectly this ine for their cacophonous •Lordrdproclaimed that at the end of the ‘age of end of l and soldiers will henceforth. time’ i.e:Kalki yugas, in the war when the blood of countless anima s two sages will be liberated from FlowsP ec i down ews nw the ssotr will lmi t,hthene lland tdh ve present on the banks of the great Brahmaputra. Viswanath. The said rocks of two the sages curse and As par a different folklore, King Bana wanted to please Lord Shiva and with such intention on everyday he used to establish a fresh Shivalinga. When he wanted to establish 10 millions of such 5hivalingas, sage Narad stole a Shivalinga and hide it in Gupteawar, as Narada preconceived that two different Kashi won’t be possible In the same earth. Therefore the folklore that in the fall of the Hatimura hills, the Shivaling that Narada stole do exists below water level asserts the folklore in context. In ancient scribes too there are several mentions of Guptakashi Viswanath. In the pages of 10th century ‘Kalika purana’ and 16th century ‘Yogini tantra’, references to Viswanath is made as a sacred land or holy place of Hindu religion. During the Ahom rule is Assam, at various places in Assam several new temples were built as well as several old temple and structures were revived. During those contemporary times, several of the total 27 Devalayas or temples were constructed. The styles and appearances of these structures vividly reflect the cultural insignia and uniqueness of Ahom regime as embedded in those sculptures. The Ahom monarchs contributed magnanimously
in free fisted manner towards reconstruction and maintenance of these Devalayas. During the Invasion of Assam by Maan tribe or Thailand in nineteenth century, several of temples In the surrounding area of Viswanath were looted for the treasures Several of such temples were plundered and demolished beYond. recognition such that many of such temples are not easily identifiable in current times. During the Ahom regime, various monarchs from Pratapsingha to
Rudrasingha were enthusiastic towards Hindu religion. The temples and structures in and around Guptakashi Viswanath are mostly built during pre-Ahom era. The Ahoms contributed towards restoration and renovation of such structures. The Ahoms made some serious attempts to preserve such structures. In Biswanath dham there are usually found twenty-seven Devalaa’s in the area. The names of the Devalaa’s are
as follows:
1. Lima
2. Chandi
3. Chakreswar
4. Siddheswar
5. Baghreswari
6. Basudev
7. Nangleswar
8.—Bhairaveswar
9. Viswanath
10. Kamaieswar
11. Muktinath
12. Sivanath
13. Baneswar Goro’
14. Jaagra
15.Burhamadhav
16. Kaalbhairav
17. Beervhadra
18. Purva Shankar
19. Surya madhav
20. Annapurna
21. Ganesh
22. Brishadhvaj
23. Kashinath
24. Bhadreswar
25. Kardameswar
26. Mahabhairav
27. Vishnu
Four Devalayas in its peripheral boundary surround the Viswanath khetra. Towards east is Nangleswar, Veerbhadra is towards North, Mahabhairav is on the south and towards west Kaalbhairav is situated. Every Shiva temple as well as Maa Bhairavi temple in Biswanath Is situated on a rock. The shape and depth of the ‘holy points’ illuminates the distinction between Shiva temple and Maa Bhairavi points.
The Shivalinga found is this Devalaya is of a rarity. in the form of Panchamukhi or five-mouthed Shivalinga, the image of Great Lord of destruction is present here. Although this Devalaya times back to archaic times, as because of no construction of the temple, it remained exposed to the air. Towards east, in the waters or Buriganga.(the senile ganges), thousands of rocks exists and each of them resembles to a Shivalinga and in those numerous stones, many tiny well like ‘kunda’s are found. As per folk beliefs, Pula (Prayer) offered here in this Devalaya is accepted by each of the Shiva lingas. This Nangleswar Devalaya of epic creativity is said to be actively present. Towards west, as a gatekeeper or ‘Dvar-paar or ‘Lord of the Gate’ a giant stone resembling Lord Ganesh is present. A scenic and serene atmosphere is observed in this Devalaya. For dhyaana, yoga and meditation, this Devalaya is regarded as an exquisite place. Many sages have their footprints here in this Devalaya since ages. A publicity about these Devalaya in Biswanathghat would motivate many religious and spiritual pilgrims and tourists to visit this place and in times to come, this place can get regarded as worthy place of unique historical, spiritual and natural confluence. Bibliography:
1. Assam History at
- Gupta Kashi Siswanath — Shiva borthakur
- Priest Radha Sarmah
- Local People
KISHORE HAZARIKA
” His dedication to reviving the cultural heritage of Gupta Kashi Biswanath Chariali Assam is commendable. His hard work will help spread awareness of the spiritual destination of Assam. He contributed to the maintenance and reconstruction of the temples in Gupta Kashi. He will make sure tourists receive the best hospitality in the coming days. Dr Kishore Hazarika has been involved in the reconstruction and development of these temples- ‘Chandi Devalaya’, ‘Nangleswar Devalaya’ and ‘Kamaleswar Devalaya’ serving the devotees in the best possible manner is his main objective. As a social activist he is hopeful about growth of the region as a major pilgrimage destinations welcoming devotee all over India. “
SNIGDHA JYOTI GOSWAMI
” She is associated with Shinning Green Ashiyana Welfare Association. She is on a mission to preserve and promote the natural beauty of Gupta Kashi among the tourists. She is doing in-depth research of various factors that can help in preserving the temples and make the place one of the best places for the devotees to come and seek peace.
She is concerned about the fact that though this place can emerge as a pilgrimage destination of all over India and also a global tourists attraction till date the place is not getting the attention it deserves. She is hopeful that this spiritual destination can open job opportunities for the local people. There are various scope of development in certain temples for example ‘Baneswar Devalaya’, ‘Chandi Devalaya’, ‘Kamaleswar Devalaya’, and ‘Nangleswar Devalaya’ which is a challenge in itself because not only there is a requirement of maintenance of the temples but also it’s necessary to preserve the original architecture. She has a plan to work to represent it world wide. “
