Sacred Heritage
Navagraha Temple
Guwahati, Assam
State:Assam
District:Guwahati
Quick Facts
Location
Guwahati
Presiding Deity
Nine Celestial Bodies (Navagrahas)
Architecture
Ahom-style Beehive (Dome) architecture
Dynasty
Ahom (King Rajeswar Singha)
Timings
6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
Entry Fee
Free
Best Time
October to March is ideal for visiting. Visiting during sunset offers a spectacular view of the city and the Brahmaputra river from the hilltop.
Overview
An ancient center of astronomy and astrology, this temple on Chitrasal Hill houses nine Shiva Lingams representing the nine celestial bodies.
History & Legacy
The current temple was built by the Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1752 AD. However, the site's history is much older, with roots in the ancient Kamarupa kingdom. Guwahati was historically known as 'Pragjyotishpura' (the City of Eastern Astrology), and the Navagraha Temple was the heart of this identity. Like many other temples in Assam, the original structure suffered damage during the great earthquake of 1897 and was subsequently renovated. The Ahom kings, who were patrons of learning, established the temple to harmonize the cosmic influences on their kingdom and to promote the study of astronomy.
Architecture
The temple is built in the traditional Ahom style, featuring a beehive-like dome (shikhara) and a spacious mandapa. The interior is circular, housing the nine Shiva Lingams in a specific planetary alignment. Each Linga is placed on a stone pedestal. The entrance and the exterior walls are relatively simple, reflecting the Ahom aesthetic of structural durability over ornate decoration. The most striking architectural feature is the alignment of the temple's central sanctum with the celestial path, reflecting the astronomical purpose for which it was founded.
Religious & Cultural Significance
Signature Feature: The presence of nine Shivalingams representing the nine planets (Navagrahas).. Built in 1752 by King Rajeswar Singha; original shikhara was replaced by iron sheets after an earthquake.
Daily Rituals
The temple follows traditional Vedic and Tantric rituals. Daily 'Graha Shanti' pujas are performed to appease the nine planets. Devotees offer specific items to each planet, such as red flowers to Mars or sesame seeds to Saturn. The priests at the temple are also skilled astrologers who guide pilgrims in performing rituals based on their birth charts. The 'Homa' (fire ritual) is a regular feature here, believed to purify the surroundings and the participants.
Festivals & Celebrations
The 'Maghi Purnima' and 'Maha Shivaratri' are the most important festivals celebrated here. During the annual 'Navagraha Puja', a grand three-day event, thousands of people gather to participate in community prayers and rituals. Special pujas are also performed during solar and lunar eclipses, as the temple is a focal point for celestial events.
Interesting Facts
Nine Shiva Lingams representing planets, Astronomy and Astrology Center, Panoramic Guwahati Views
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal for visiting. Visiting during sunset offers a spectacular view of the city and the Brahmaputra river from the hilltop.
Temple Timings
6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I get my horoscope checked at the temple?
A. Yes, the priests at the temple are traditionally trained in astrology and offer consultations to devotees based on their birth charts.
Q. Why is Guwahati called the City of Eastern Astrology?
A. The city was anciently known as Pragjyotishpura, and this temple was its center for astronomical and astrological studies.
Q. What is the significance of the colored cloths on the Lingams?
A. Each color represents one of the nine planets (e.g., Red for Surya/Sun, White for Chandra/Moon) as per Vedic astrological traditions.
Did You Know?
- This temple was built under the patronage of the Ahom (King Rajeswar Singha) dynasty, reflecting their architectural vision.
Related Temples
Same State
Kamakhya Temple
One of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India, Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati is the center of Tantric worship in the Northeast. The temple uniquely houses no idol — instead, the goddess is worshipped as a yoni (vulva) in a natural rock fissure, representing the creative feminine principle.
Umananda Temple
A 17th-century Shiva temple located on the Peacock Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra River, the smallest inhabited river island in the world.
Hayagriva Madhava Temple
A unique 16th-century stone temple on Monikut Hill, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, known for its ancient carvings and sacred turtles.
Visiting as an International Traveller
India's temples are living traditions — not museums. Every temple has its own customs. This guide helps first-time visitors prepare with confidence and respect.
Foreign visitor information is being researched
Please verify with the official temple authority before planning your visit.
Entry Status
Foreign Visitors
Verify Before VisitingVisitor Information
Entry policies vary between temples. Most temples welcome visitors, while some may restrict access to specific areas, rituals, or the inner sanctum. Always verify the latest entry guidelines with the official temple authorities before your visit.
Dress Code
Modest clothing is expected at every Indian temple — a sign of respect, not a restriction. Think of it as dressing for a formal ceremony.
Shoulders covered
Knees covered
Shoes removed before entry
Head covering (women)
Rain gear available
Warm layers (winter)
A scarf is always useful — it covers shoulders, works as a head covering, and can double as a makeshift face cover if needed.
Temple Etiquette
Remove footwearShoes and sandals are left outside. Socks are usually fine. Most temples provide free shoe storage.
Silence phonesSwitch to silent or vibrate before entering. Phone calls inside the temple are considered disrespectful.
Queue patientlyDarshan queues can be long — sometimes hours at major temples. Wait your turn calmly. No pushing or cutting.
No touching idolsUnless a priest explicitly invites you, never touch the deities. This is considered a serious breach of respect.
No flash photographyFlash disturbs the sacred atmosphere. Some temples ban all cameras inside the inner sanctum.
No smoking or alcoholTemple premises are strictly smoke-free and alcohol-free. This includes e-cigarettes.
Receive prasadam respectfullyAccept with both hands or right hand. Never refuse. Eat it — do not discard blessed offerings.
Respect restricted areasCertain areas may be off-limits to visitors. Follow signage and priest instructions.
No public displays of affectionTemples are conservative spaces. Avoid hugging, kissing, or intimate behaviour on the premises.
Dress conservativelyAvoid revealing clothing. Tight, transparent, or ripped clothes are not appropriate.
Photography Guide
Outside
Inside
Flash
Drone
Tripod
Commercial
Outdoor photography is generally permitted. Indoor photography is often restricted. Always look for signage or ask a priest before taking photos inside.
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
October to March is ideal for visiting. Visiting during sunset offers a spectacular view of the city and the Brahmaputra river from the hilltop.
Moderate to High — comfortable weather
Summer
April — June
Low — hot plains, pleasant hills
Monsoon
July — September
Low — lush landscape, travel delays possible
Language & Communication
English spoken
English is widely understood at major tourist temples. In smaller local temples, Hindi and the regional language are more common. A smile and simple hand gestures go a long way. Learning a few words of the local language is always appreciated.
Payment & Currency
Cash (Indian Rupees) is the most reliable option, especially for temple offerings, small shops, and local transport.
UPI digital payments (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) are widely accepted across India — even at roadside stalls. Download one before you arrive.
International credit/debit cards work at most ATMs, hotels, and larger establishments. Smaller vendors may only accept cash or UPI.
Carry small denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100 notes) for offerings and temple donations. Large notes (₹500, ₹2000) can be hard to break at smaller counters.
Accessibility
Many historic temples have uneven stone floors, multiple steps, and narrow passages. Wheelchair access is limited at older sites — contact the temple in advance.
Basic restroom facilities and drinking water are available at most major temples. Some charge a small fee (₹5–₹10).
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated — carry a reusable water bottle, especially in hot climates.
Keep valuables secure — use hotel lockers for passports and excess cash.
Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear — temple floors can be hot, wet, or uneven.
Beware of unofficial guides or touts near temple entrances. Only use authorised services.
Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa. Leave originals in your hotel safe.
Download offline maps — mobile networks can be unreliable near remote temple sites.
Understanding Temple Traditions
These short explanations help make sense of what you see and experience.
What is Darshan?
Darshan means 'seeing' — but in a temple it means being seen by the deity. It is a sacred moment of connection, not just a viewing.
Why remove shoes?
Removing footwear is a sign of humility. It also keeps the temple floor clean, since devotees sit and pray on the ground.
What is Prasadam?
Food offered to the deity and then distributed to devotees. It is considered blessed. Accept it with both hands and do not discard it.
Why ring the bell?
The bell creates a focused acoustic atmosphere, wards off distractions, and announces your presence before entering the inner sanctum.
Why walk clockwise?
Circumambulation (pradakshina) is done clockwise, keeping the sanctum on your right — an auspicious direction aligned with the sun's path.
What do offerings mean?
Flowers symbolise devotion, coconuts represent the ego being broken, incense purifies the air, and lamps represent the victory of light over darkness.
Tips for International Visitors
Temple Vocabulary
Darshan/ DAR-shan /
Sacred viewing of the deity; the central act of temple worship.
Pradakshina/ pra-DAK-shee-na /
Clockwise circumambulation of the sanctum.
Prasadam/ PRA-sa-dam /
Blessed food offered to the deity and distributed to devotees.
Garbhagriha/ GAR-bha-GREE-ha /
The innermost sanctum where the main deity resides.
Shikhaara/ shi-KHAA-ra /
The towering spire above the sanctum, a defining feature of temple architecture.
Mandapa/ MAN-da-pa /
A pillared hall or pavilion within the temple complex.
Currency Tips
The Indian Rupee (?, INR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. For temple offerings, keep small notes (₹10, ₹20, ₹50). Most temples accept donations in cash only — digital payments are uncommon at the offering counter itself.
Donation Etiquette
Offerings (dakshina) are given with the right hand. Place cash in the donation box (hundi) or give it directly to the priest. There is no fixed amount — give what feels appropriate. Some temples have fixed fees for special entry or puja participation.
Removing Footwear
Shoes and sandals are removed before entering the temple building. Most temples have a designated shoe counter (free or a small fee of ₹5–₹20). Socks are generally allowed. In monsoon, carry a plastic bag for wet shoes.
Temple Queue System
Darshan queues can take 30 minutes to 3 hours at popular temples. Many offer paid VIP darshan (₹100–₹500) for faster entry. Special queues for women, elderly, and disabled visitors exist at some temples. No line jumping.
Festival Crowd Warning
Major festivals draw enormous crowds — sometimes hundreds of thousands. Book accommodation months in advance. Expect road closures, restricted vehicle access, and limited phone network. Arrive early (before dawn) to avoid the worst congestion.
Photography Etiquette
Always look for signage before taking photos. When in doubt, ask a priest. Never take photos of devotees in prayer without permission. Selfie sticks are banned at most temples. Silently switch your phone to silent mode.
Essential Contacts
Police / Ambulance / Fire: 112 (National Emergency Number)
Tourist Helpline: 1800-111-363 (Multi-lingual, Ministry of Tourism)
Women's Helpline: 1091
Travel Preparation Checklist
Packing Checklist for Navagraha Temple
Continue Reading
Temple-specific visitor information is continuously researched and updated from official sources. Where specific data is unavailable, general India travel guidance is provided. Always verify current policies with the temple authority before your visit.
Information last verified July 2026. Temple-specific data coming soon.
By Sacred Places India Editorial Team
Updated: July 2026
Related:Assam TemplesNine Celestial Bodies (Navagrahas)Ahom-style Beehive (Dome) architecture StyleAhom (King Rajeswar Singha)Methodology
Assam
Ahom (King Rajeswar Singha)
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