View source for Umananda Temple

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}}

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{{Hinduism}}
'''Umananda Devaloi''' (Pron: ˈʊməˌnændə ˈdeɪvəˌlɔɪ) is a [[Shiva]] temple located at the [[Umananda Island|Peacock Island]] in the middle of river [[Brahmaputra]] just opposite the office of the Deputy Commissioner of [[Kamrup Metropolitan district|Kamrup]] or the Kachari Ghat in [[Guwahati]].

It is known as smallest inhabited riverine island in the world. Country boats that are available on the bank of Brahmaputra take the visitors to the island. The mountain on    which the temple has been built is known as Bhasmacala.

==Legend==
Siva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to the Kalika Purana, in the beginning of the creation Siva sprinkled ashes (bhasma) at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvati (his consort). It is said that, when Siva was in meditation on this hillock, Kamadeva interrupted his yoga and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Siva’s anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala.

This mountain is also called Bhasmakuta. The Kalika Purana states that Urvasikunda is situated here and here resides the goddess Urvasi who brings Amrit (nectar) for the enjoyment of Kamakhya and hence the island got the name Urvasi Island.

==Presiding Deity==
The presiding deity of the temple is Umananda (Tatrasti bhagavan sambhu- ruma- nandakarah Prabhu). It is believed that, worship here on the Amavasya day when it falls on Monday brings the highest bliss. The Siva Chaturdasi is the most colourful festival that is held here annually. Many devotees come to the temple on this occasion for the worship of the deity.

==History==
The original temple was however immensely damaged by a devastating [[1897 Assam earthquake|earthquake of 1897]]. Later, it was reconstructed by a rich local merchant who chose to inscribe the interior part of a Siva temple with Vaisnavite slogans.

During the short period of the Mughal occupation of Kamrupa. Land men and money were received by the priests of  the temples of Umananda from the Mughal Emperors Jahangir and [[Aurangzeb]].<ref>http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/43033/15/15_chapter%20v%20%20temple%20management%20system%20and%20administration%20in%20the%20land%20of%20kamakhya.pdf</ref>

==Structure==
The temple has inherited some rock-cut figures, which speak passionately of the masterly skill of the Assamese craftsmen. The sculptures here show that the worshippers there followed all the principal Hindu gods. Representations of Surya, Ganesha, Shiva and Devi (with a scorpion as emblem) in addition to those of Visnu and his ten incarnations (avatar) are found here. The main shrine is reached by a flight of steep steps.

== Access ==
The Peacock Island can be accessed from Guwahati and North Guwahati by ferries and steamers. One can hire a ferry from Sukleshwar ghat or Fancy Bazar Ghat. This is expensive{{Clarify|date=March 2012}} but one can get the feel of the river and its surroundings without any interventions. This is most ideal for couples and family trips. However, a much convenient and cheaper transport{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} has been provided by Inland Water Transport, which connects the Peacock island to Guwahati from Uzanbazar Ferry Ghat also known as ka hari ghat. The fees is as low as 20 rupees per person.150+ stairs 
have to be climbed to reach the temple.

== Gallery ==
<center>
<gallery>
File:Peacock Island , Photo by Vikramjit Kakati 2012.jpg|
File:A view of Umananda.JPG|
</gallery>
</center>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Hindu Temples in Assam}}

[[Category:Shiva temples in Assam]]
[[Category:Kamrup district]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Guwahati]]