Famous Temples in India

Architecture

The Navagraha Temple, or the temple of the nine celestial bodies, is situated on a hill named Chitrachal in the south eastern part of the city of Guwahati. It is also known as the abode of one of the most important celestial bodies, the sun. In the temple there are 9 phallic emblems of Lord Shiva, each clad in a different coloured cloth representing Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu. At the same time, the temple is also a research center of both astrology and astronomy. The tower of the temple and a bigger part of it was earlier destroyed by an earthquake, but, later it was resurrected. According to the inscriptions and recordings found on the walls of Navagraha temple, its origin dates back to the 18th century, to the reign of Ahom king Rajeswar Singha, son of Rudra Singha or Sukhrungphaa. However, the Garbhagriha, built of brick, exists till date. Along with the temple, a tank was also excavated at some distance, to provide regular and easy water for the devotees who came to pay homage to the Gods. This tank, known as Silpukhuri, continues to supply water to the needy till date and is as full of water even today.

Firstly the Surya’s great chariot which has one wheel and is drawn by seven horses, while carrying a lotus in each of his hands, he wears an armour and has a shield over his breast with the beautiful straight hair, and is surrounded by a halo of light. Secondly the great Chandra who is been represented in white colour, clothed in white garment who is surrounded by a halo and adorned with ornaments and garland of all sorts of flowers. Thirdly one, Mangala who is represented in fire-like red colour, clothed in red garments, seated upon Simhasana, with three arms bearing ‘Gada’, ‘Sula’, ‘Sakti’ weapons and as one in an ‘Abhaya’ or ‘Varada’ pose. Then, Buddha is being represented in yellow colour, clothed in yellow garment, with’ three arms bearing ‘Khadga’, ‘Khetaka’, and ‘Gada’ and in Varada pose. In the fifth place is Brihaspati who is represented in yellow colour, clothed in golden yellow garments with three arms bearing ‘Kamandalu’, ‘Aksamala’, and ‘Danda’ and in Varada pose. Sometimes this planet is represented with two arms having a ‘Pustaka’ and an ‘Aksamala’. Then sixth planet, Shukra represented by white colour, clothed in white garments, having four arms and one who bears the same weapons as Brihaspati. Shukra is sometimes represented with two hands bearing ‘Nidhi’ (treasure) and ‘Pustaka’. The seventh planet, Shani is represented in black colour and being clothed in black garments, small in stature and somewhat lame in one leg. He has two arms bearing a Danda and an ‘Aksamala’ and sometimes in Varada pose. The eighth is Rahu being represented on a ‘Simhasana’ or a silver chariot drawn by eight horses. According to some, it is possessed with four arms, three of which bear ‘Khadga’, ‘Khetaka’, and ‘Sula’ and in Varada pose and sometimes he possesses two arms carrying a book. The last, ninth planet is the Ketu being represented in dark colour having two arms in Abhaya pose holding a ‘Gada’ and sometimes on a chariot drawn by ten horses.”