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.
