Sukreswar Temple

The history of Sukreswar temple dates back to times associated with the saint Sukra who made hermitage on the famous Sukreswar hillock. The saint used to meditate and regularly worship Lord Shiva in that place. As per the Kalika Purana, the hillock where the saint used to pray is called Hastagiri as it has the shape like that of the hump of an elephant.
The Sukreswar temple was constructed by the Ahom king Pramatta Singha in the year 1744. King Pramatta Singha was a famous Ahom king and was known to have built many religious sites and temples across Assam during his rule. King Rajeswar Singha during his time promoted the cause of the siva cult and also prompted financial help to the temple in the year 1759.

Sukreswar Temple is perched on top of the Itakhuri hills at Guwahati in the state of Assam. Legend has it that, that Sage Sukra had his hermitage on this hillock and he used to worship his Lord Shiva in this temple. Originally dating back to the 18th century, the temple is believed to have the largest Shiva lingam or phallic emblem in India. The Kalika Purana identifies the hillock as Hastigiri hills due to its shape like the hump of an elephant.
Constructed by the Ahom ruler Pramatta Singha in 1744 AD, the Sukreswar temple is located on the southern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra. The adjacent embankment is used for holy bathing and performing rituals. It is believed that the dead gain peaces if the post – death rituals are performed here. A flight of steps lead down from the temple complex to the river. Saraighat Bridge forms the backdrop and the river provides a magnificent view of sun set.

The Sukreswar Temple is an important Shiva temple in the state of Assam in India and was constructed in 1744 by Ahom King Pramatta Singha (1744–1751). King Rajeswar Singha (1751–69) who also promoted cause of the Saiva cult made financial provisions for the Sukreswar Temple in 1759. The temple is located on the Sukreswar or Itakhuli hill on the south bank of river Brahmaputra in the Panbazar locality of Guwahati city. Leading down from the temple compound is a long flight of steps to the river. Sitting on the steps of Sukreswar ghat one can enjoy the scenery of sun setting on the river, boats moving across the river, people performing puja in honor of their relatives who have left this World, children and older people bathing, far removed from the din and noise of the city. There are two halls adjacent to the Sukreswar temple where marriages and rituals like pujas, post death rituals are conducted.
This place is specially attracted by the tourists because one can enjoy the natural beauty and religious aroma near the bank of Brahmaputra River. One can gain the pleasure of splendid dawn and dusk if he sits on the steps of Sukreswar ghat. The view moving boats on the river and the local Hindu people performing puja in honor of their relatives who have left this world, children and older people bathing bestow you to move far from the din and congested life.