A Guide to Visiting the Navagraha Temple

At the summit of Chitrachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, where travelers often forego the New Brahmaputra for surrounding temples for their prayers, lies a spiritual getaway—the Navagraha Temple. Guwahati is celebrated for the holy Kamakhya Temple but what if you're craving some quieter cosmic vibes, history, astrology, and peace to recharge your soul? This temple is for you.

A Temple of Nine Planets

Navagraha means "the nine planets" in Vedic astrology. They are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (the North Node of the Moon), and Ketu (the South Node of the Moon). Each of the nine planets is said to affect the destiny of human beings. The Navagraha Temple is important to devotees as it is a place of fulfilment—a place of balance, healing, and good fortune addressing astrological afflictions.

In the temple complex, there are nine lingams made of black stone signifying the planetary deities. Each lingam is covered in a colored cloth that has a specific meaning and relates to the respective deity. The central lingam is of the Sun (Surya) and each lingam is positioned according to its orbit around the sun.

A Historical Context

The Navagraha Temple was built in the 18th century by Ahom king Rajeswar Singha. The Ahoms were known for their patronage of temples and architecture, and this temple is regarded as one of the best remnants of this architectural tradition in Guwahati. It is even noted that the temple was an important site of astronomical study in ancient Assam, which shows a historical intermingling of science and spirituality.

The temple was partially damaged in the earthquake of 1897, but the sanctum remains intact and pilgrims still head there, as well as other inquisitive travelers.

How to get there

The temple is located approximately 3 km from the Guwahati Railway Station, and about 5 km from the city center. The auto-rickshaw, or cab, ride up the Chitrachal Hill is a very pleasant one, and you will get to see some glimpses of the Brahmaputra River along the way.

The approach to the temple requires a short climb at the end, but it is reasonable climb, and you will absolutely be happy to arrive at the top! Along with looking down upon a city you do not know, the hilltop provides a very nice perspective of Guwahati, especially around sunrise and sunset.

Best Time to Visit

The temple is open all year round, but the ideal period is between the months of October to March when cooler weather allows comfortable visits. Visiting during the early morning is nice because you will experience likely not have many other visitors, as well as some mystical fog that adds enchantment to the experience.

The Navagraha Temple may be a bit less visited than other temples in Guwahati, but it is deeply revered. You’ll see locals here offering lamps of oil, flowers, and black sesame seeds; each symbolic in appeasing their planetary placements. The priests will also perform more personalized rituals, especially for people who are remedying their astrological doshas.

Do take a little time to sit and absorb your surroundings. The chants, the smell of incense burning, and the pleasant wind at the hilltop make for a really calming meditative environment.

Although the Navagraha Temple does not have a grand architectural display or draw large numbers of people, the real strength of the Navagraha Temple radiates from its quiet power. It has the potential to align the earth with the stars and the individual with the universe.

Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a history lover, or simply a curious traveler, this hidden treasure in Guwahati gives you an opportunity to pause and reflect under the watchful eyes of the nine planets. If you find yourself in the capital city of Assam, do not miss the chance to feel your energy align with the cosmos in the Navagraha Temple, who knows what mysteries will be revealed to you through time.