The Kedareswar Temple, also known as the Shri Kedar Temple, is a medieval Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located atop the Madanachala hill in Hajo, Assam, India. The temple is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the subcontinent, though the current structure was built by the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha in 1753, according to inscriptions on the temple walls.
The central chamber of the temple houses a Svayambhu Linga, which is a naturally occurring Shivalinga. Svayambhu translates to "self-manifested" and these Shivalingas are considered to be especially sacred. The linga in the Kedareswar Temple is said to be in the Ardhanariswara form, meaning it represents the combined form of Shiva and Parvati. The linga is usually covered by a metal bowl.
Visitors to the Kedareswar Temple can also see a number of old inscriptions on the walls of the temple. These inscriptions are currently being studied by archaeologists to learn more about the history of the temple.
Here are some additional details that you may find helpful when planning your visit to the Kedareswar Temple:
- Location: Hajo, Kamrup, Assam, India
- Hours: The temple is typically open from sunrise to sunset.
- Dress code: There is no strict dress code, but it is recommended to dress modestly as it is a religious place.
- Photography: Photography is usually permitted, but it is always best to ask permission before taking photos of people inside the temple.
- How to get there: The Kedareswar Temple is located about 24 kilometers from Guwahati, the capital of Assam. You can take a taxi or rickshaw from Guwahati to Hajo. There are also buses that run between the two cities.