Madan Kamdev Ruins
Historical Background: Madan Kamdev is a significant archaeological site located on a small hillock called Dewangiri in Baihata Chariali. Often referred to as the "Khajuraho of Assam," this site contains the ruins of a massive temple complex dating back to the 10th to 12th Century during the Pala Dy nasty of the ancient Kamrupa Kingdom. The site remained hidden under dense forest cover for centuries until it was rediscovered in the late 1970s. The ruins consist of at least 13 different temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, with the main temple housing an idol of Madan (the God of Love) and his wife Rati. The architectural style is unique to the Kamrupi school of art, blending indigenous elements with North Indian temple designs. The most striking feature of these ruins is the abundance of erotic stone carvings, depicting various acts of love and fertility, similar to those found in Khajuraho. Apart from erotic art, the site features intricate sculptures of deities like Sun God, Ganesha, and Vidhyadharas. The location is incredibly peaceful, surrounded by the Madan Kuri river and vast green wetlands. It serves as a testament to the advanced artistic and engineering skills of the medieval Assamese people. Today, it is a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and continues to intrigue historians and spiritual seekers with its mysterious past.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Archaeological & HeritageEntry Fees:
Indian Visitors: A small entry fee of Rs.25 is charged by the ASI for adults; children below 15 years enter for free.
Foreign Visitors: International tourists are charged approximately Rs.300 as per the standard ASI heritage site regulations. ...Indian Visitors: A small entry fee of Rs.25 is charged by the ASI for adults; children below 15 years enter for free.
Foreign Visitors: International tourists are charged approximately Rs.300 as per the standard ASI heritage site regulations.Timing:
Standard Hours: The site is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the Late Morning around 10:30 AM to see the carvings clearly under the bright sunlight. ...Standard Hours: The site is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the Late Morning around 10:30 AM to see the carvings clearly under the bright sunlight.Special Events:
Madanotsav: A local festival celebrated in Spring to honor the God of Love, featuring traditional music and folk performances near the ruins.
Shiva Ratri: Devotees from neighboring villages gather at the site to offer prayers at the ancient ...Madanotsav: A local festival celebrated in Spring to honor the God of Love, featuring traditional music and folk performances near the ruins.
Shiva Ratri: Devotees from neighboring villages gather at the site to offer prayers at the ancient Shiva Lingam found among the ruins.Best Photo Spots:
The Main Plinth: The central ruins provide an excellent backdrop for wide shots that capture the scale of the ancient temple complex.
Erotic Panels: Use a macro lens to capture the fine details of the stone carvings, which are best lit by th...The Main Plinth: The central ruins provide an excellent backdrop for wide shots that capture the scale of the ancient temple complex.
Erotic Panels: Use a macro lens to capture the fine details of the stone carvings, which are best lit by the slanted rays of the Afternoon sun.
Dewangiri Viewpoint: The top of the hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Brahmaputra valley, perfect for landscape photography.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Heritage Walk: Wander through the scattered ruins to admire the detailed carvings of lions, elephants, and mythological creatures on stone blocks.
Visit the Museum: Explore the small local museum that houses the most delicate and well-preserved idols recovered from the excavation site.
Pilgrimage to Gopeshwar: Visit the nearby Gopeshwar Temple, an active shrine that shares historical links with the Madan Kamdev complex.
Photography: Capture the contrast between the ancient, weathered stone ruins and the vibrant green jungle that surrounds the hillock.
Picnicking: The area near the base of the hill is a popular spot for a quiet outdoor lunch amidst the historical atmosphere.
Bird Watching: The nea...
Information
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Why Famous:
Erotic Sculptures: It is famous across India for its bold and artistic erotic stone carvings that reflect the Tantric influence of that era.
Pala Dynasty Art: The site is a prime example of the Pala architectural style, showcasing the peak o...Erotic Sculptures: It is famous across India for its bold and artistic erotic stone carvings that reflect the Tantric influence of that era.
Pala Dynasty Art: The site is a prime example of the Pala architectural style, showcasing the peak of medieval Kamrupi craftsmanship.
Spiritual Legend: Famous for the legend that Lord Shiva burnt Madan to ashes here, only for him to be reborn at this very spot. -
Architecture:
Temple Style: The ruins follow the Pancharatha style of architecture, with the main temple's plinth measuring approximately 10 Meters by 8 Meters.
Carving Techniques: The sculptures are carved out of locally available grey sandstone, featuri...Temple Style: The ruins follow the Pancharatha style of architecture, with the main temple's plinth measuring approximately 10 Meters by 8 Meters.
Carving Techniques: The sculptures are carved out of locally available grey sandstone, featuring deep relief work that has survived over 800 Years of weathering.
Structural Layout: The complex is spread over 500 Meters, with the remains of Shikharas and Mandapas showing evidence of advanced interlocking stone masonry without mortar. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The airport is 45 KMS away; you can take a taxi directly to Baihata Chariali via the Saraighat Bridge.
By Train: Guwahati and Kamkhya stations are the nearest; from there, you can take a bus or hire a private vehicle. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Hajo (25 KMS), 2. Sualkuchi (30 KMS), 3. Saraighat Bridge (35 KMS), 4. Kamakhya Temple (42 KMS), 5. Umananda Temple (40 KMS), 6. Dirgheswari Temple (20 KMS), 7. Aswaklanta Temple (30 KMS), 8. Deepor Beel (50 KMS), 9. Pobitora (85 KMS), 10. Rang Ghar (300 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is rocky and uneven; carry water as there are limited shops at the hilltop.
Packing: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens and a hat or umbrella, as some parts of the ruins are quite exposed ...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(400+) of Assam Has Been Added :-
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Hoollongapar Gibbon SanctuaryGuwahati ZooMadan Kamdev RuinsNorthbrook GateSankardev KalakshetraUgro Tara TempleDehing Patkai National ParkDibru Saikhowa National Park DoomdoomaHistoric Lekhapani Station TombLedoMargheritaMargherita Sunset PointSadiya Shiv Dham TinsukiaThe Stilwell Road Athkheliya NamgharHoollongapar Gibbon SanctuaryMore PlacesNote:-
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