News Desk: A new road to one of the most esteemed Shaktipeeths of the nation – Kamakhya in Assam, is almost complete.
Gliding through the Nilachal Hills, it runs parallel to the Brahmaputra, offering a spectacular view of the esoteric Kamakhya temple and the river.
This alternate road has been constructed considering the huge number of devotees, who visit this temple in Assam during Ambubachi Mela every year. However, this year the Mela remains suspended owing to the pandemic situation in the nation.
The budget for this road construction is Rs 14 crore. This new road will be a great substitute way for those willing to visit the temple as the prevailing one gets overcrowded because of 15-20 lakh devotees, who visit this holy place every year during this Ambubachi period.
Kamakhya is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, that is greatly revered by the adherents. The reliquary sanctorum of the shrine is said have the yoni (female genitalia) of goddess Sati, Shiva’s companion.
‘This year too (from June 22) the probriti (beginning) of Ambubachi will commence from 2.06 pm till the nibriti (conclusion) on June 25 at 2.29 am. We have cancelled the Ambubachi Mela and will only observe the rituals of the festival. We have discussed the matter with the deputy commissioner of Kamrup Metro and the chief minister. The approach road to the temple has been closed and security deputed at the check gates. No devotees will be allowed near the temple and we urge all ardent devotees to observe the festival from their respective homes. Security has been stationed at the railway station to send back the devotees if they arrive from neighbouring states,’ announced Kabindra Prasad Sarma, head doloi (priest), Kamakhya.