Umananda Temple and Island– A Peaceful Place in the Heart of the Brahmaputra

Umananda Temple is a beautiful and peaceful temple located on a small island in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam. The island is known as Umananda Island, and it is said to be the smallest inhabited river island in the world.

The Umananda Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main gods in Hinduism. The name "Umananda" comes from two words—‘Uma,’ which is another name for Goddess Parvati (Shiva’s wife), and ‘Ananda’, which means happiness. So, Umananda means the happiness of Uma.

Umananda Temple has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century. It was built by Ahom King Gadadhar Singha, who ruled Assam from 1681 to 1696. He was a devout follower of Lord Shiva and commissioned the construction of the temple as a mark of his devotion. The temple was constructed on Peacock Island, located in the middle of the Brahmaputra River, on top of a hill called Bhasmacala. The site was chosen for its peaceful surroundings and spiritual significance. The architecture of the temple reflects the artistic style of the Ahom period, with beautiful carvings of various Hindu deities adorning its walls.

Over the years, Umananda Temple became an important place of worship for Shaivites and gained popularity among both devotees and travelers. However, in 1897, a massive earthquake struck Assam and caused severe damage to the temple. Despite the destruction, the temple was later restored by local devotees and Hindu priests, who contributed their time and resources to bring it back to life. Today, Umananda Temple continues to stand as a symbol of faith, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage of Assam, carrying forward centuries-old traditions and stories associated with Lord Shiva.