Biswanath Ghat: A Hidden Gem by the Brahmaputra River

Located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra in biswanath district

Biswanath Chariali is a small town in Assam, rich in history, religion, and culture. The name "Biswanath" comes from the ancient Biswanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Biswanath Ghat on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Long ago, this place had a cluster of over 100 temples, many of which are still standing, while others remain submerged or hidden in the river.

Historically, Biswanath Chariali was a border area between powerful kingdoms. It marked the boundary between the Kamata and Chutia kingdoms and later between the Ahom and Koch kingdoms. The region saw many battles and cultural exchanges. Some of the old forts built by the Chutia kings, like the Pratapgarh and Buroi forts, still exist in ruins and remind us of the area’s strategic importance.

Biswanath is home to several small temples linked to the main Biswanath Temple, each with its own legend. According to folklore, the breast and arm of Goddess Sati fell here, leading to the formation of two shrines named Uma and Chandi. On the Umatumoni island in the Brahmaputra, there are temples like Sakreswar, Harihar, Kardameswar, Basudev, Nangaleswar, Bhairabeswar, Bagheswari, and Sidheswari. On the north bank of the Brahmaputra, near the Burhigang River, more shrines exist, including Chandi, Kamaleswar, Muktinath, Kalbhairab, Ganesh, Vishnu, and many others. Historian Swarbananda Rajkhowa listed 30 shrines in his book Pabitra Axom. In 1842, British Commissioner Jenkins recorded 27 temples, and King Rajeswar Singha visited 11 of them. However, only 11 temples remain physically present today.

According to local people and folklore, Biswanath Ghat is a sacred site where the breast and arm of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen, making it a Shakti Peetha. Two temples, Uma and Chandi, were built at these spots. Locals also believe that Lord Shiva and other deities meditated on Umatumoni Island, where several ancient temples still stand. Many old temples here were submerged by the Brahmaputra, but some reappear in winter when the water level drops. Legends say Ahom kings, like Gadadhar Singha, had divine dreams that guided them to reconstruct and worship at the site.

During British rule, Biswanath became an important river port and trade center. Goods from Assam were transported through the Brahmaputra River, making Biswanath a busy place for trade and communication. It played a role in the region’s economic development and opened connections to the rest of India and beyond.