Aswaklanta Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The city is served by Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Borjhar, about 20 km west of Guwahati city centre.

• By train

  Guwahati railway station, in the Paltan Bazaar area, is the busiest railway station in the city.

Why devotees come here

Aswaklanta Temple stands on the banks of the Brahmaputra in North Guwahati, Assam. It is dedicated to Vishnu, and it is one of Assam's most revered temples. Its name is tied to legends about Krishna's horses.

Legend says the name comes from Krishna's horse growing tired here on his way to defeat Narkasura. Another version tells of Krishna's horses growing weary here during the Pandavas' exile. Either way, the shrine is tied to Krishna's horses, while the temple itself is dedicated to Vishnu.

The temple was built in the 18th century, during the reign of Siva Singha, an Ahom king. Inside, you can see the idols of Janardana and Anantasai Vishnu. The Anantasai Vishnu idol is described as a beautiful example of 11th-century art.

The temple stands on the banks of the Brahmaputra in North Guwahati. It is one of the many ancient Hindu temples situated in the city. The North Guwahati area, on the northern bank of the river, is being gradually taken into the city limits. The Guwahati Smart City Limited, a Government of Assam body, has a project page on development works at the devalaya. Pilgrims visit especially during Janmashtami and other Vaishnavite festivals.

Festivals

• Janmashtami and other Vaishnavite festivalsJanmashtami

  Pilgrims visit the temple especially during this festival and other Vaishnavite festivals.

Tips for your visit

• Development works listed for the devalaya include a parking area and toilet blocks, so check the current facilities before you go.
• Look inside the temple for the Anantasai Vishnu idol, described as a beautiful example of 11th-century art.

Questions people ask