According to the Kalka Paruna, Kamakhya Temple is the place where Sati used to retire in secret to satisfy her desire for Shiva. It was also the place where her yoni fell after Shiva danced the Tandav with her corpse.

According to another legend, the demon Narakasura fell in love with Goddess Kamakhya and wanted to marry her. When proposed to, the goddess put a condition before him. If Narakasura built a stairway from the bottom of Nilachal Hill to her temple in one night, she would marry him. Narakasura took up the challenge and with all his might tried to complete the task. He was about to finish as dawn neared when, to prevent him from finishing the task, Goddess Kamakhya made a cock crow. Narakasura thought morning had arrived and his time had run out. Fooled, he left the task incomplete. Later he chased the cock and killed it in a place which is now known as Kukuralata, situated in the district of Darrang. The incomplete staircase is known as the Mekhelauja path.

There is no visible imagery of the deity in the sanctum. Instead, there is an s-shaped rock cleft believed to represent yoni (female organ), through which an underground spring flows.

Usually, flowers and vermillion power are offered to the "Matra Yoni".

The temple has beehive-shaped Shikhar Sculpted panels and images adorn the outside walls. Three golden pitchers sit upon each of the seven oval spires of the main temple. This has three important chambers.

Sevas and pujas

Snan of the Pithasthana 5:30 am, Nita paja 6 am 
The Temple door opens for devotees 8 am
Aarti followed by the closing of temple doors

Utsavs

Ambubachi Mela The goddess is said to undergo her menstrual period. White sheets are used to drape the inner sanctum and the temple is closed for three days. On the fourth day, when the temple is opened, the sheets are found to be red, which is due to iron oxide present there. Devotees and tanties who gather at the temple at this time receive bits of the red sheet.

Podan Bia A symbolic marriage between Lord Kamesvars and Kamnesvan during the month of Pausa
Durgadeul During the month of Plaguna, Durgadeul is observed also Manatha Paga, Durga Paga, Maha Shivratri, Vasana Paga, Madanden.

Best time to visit: All year round.

Interesting facts

The temple was built in the first millennium during the time of Kamarupa (Assam's first historically documented kingdom). It is mentioned in Samudragupta's Allahabad rock inscriptions (Samudragupta was the successor to Chandragupta I and a great military conqueror).

Places nearby:

• Sankardev Kalashetra-a cultural hub,
• Kazinanga National Park (230 km/5 hrs)