Maithan Temple

General information

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  Ideal Duration:

  1 to 2 hours (Sufficient for temple visit, prayers, enjoying the view, and a brief exploration of the vicinity).
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  Place Type:

  Religious/Spiritual Site, Historical Monument, Tou
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  Entry Fees:

  No Official Entry Fees (Free Admission)There are no official entry fees to visit the Maithan Temple (Bhairabi Temple). This is common for many religious sites in India where the focus is on pilgrimage and worship, making the spiritual experience accessible to all visitors, irrespective of their fin...

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  No Official Entry Fees (Free Admission)There are no official entry fees to visit the Maithan Temple (Bhairabi Temple). This is common for many religious sites in India where the focus is on pilgrimage and worship, making the spiritual experience accessible to all visitors, irrespective of their financial capacity. The temple is freely open to all devotees and tourists.
  
  Donations and Offerings Encouraged:While entry is free, visitors are highly encouraged to make donations (bhakti-daan) towards the maintenance of the temple and its daily rituals. Designated donation boxes or counters are usually available. Furthermore, pilgrims will need to purchase materials for offerings (flowers, sweets, prasad, incense sticks, ghee lamps) from the local stalls before entering the main shrine. The cost of these offerings is variable but generally low, and it is a customary part of the temple visit. The revenue generated from these offerings and donations is vital for the temple's upkeep and charitable activities.

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  Timing:

  Regular Timings:The temple generally opens early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, and remains open until the evening, around 8:00 PM. These timings are typically consistent throughout the week. The core rituals (puja and aarti) are usually performed during this window. It ...

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  Regular Timings:The temple generally opens early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, and remains open until the evening, around 8:00 PM. These timings are typically consistent throughout the week. The core rituals (puja and aarti) are usually performed during this window. It is important to note that these hours might be extended during major festivals like Durga Puja or Navratri to accommodate the larger influx of devotees. Ideal Visit Time (Part of the Day)The ideal visit time is the early morning (around 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) or late afternoon/early evening (around 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM). The early morning offers a tranquil atmosphere, a chance to witness the first aarti in peace, and the cool, comfortable temperature is perfect for climbing the long stairs. The late afternoon is best for catching the beautiful sunset view over the Brahmaputra River and the Kolia Bhomora Setu from the viewpoint behind the temple.

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  Special Events:

  Durga Puja and Navratri:The most significant and grandly celebrated special event at Maithan Temple is the annual Durga Puja and the nine-night festival of Navratri. Since the temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhairabi (an aspect of Durga), these festivals hold immense religio...

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  Durga Puja and Navratri:The most significant and grandly celebrated special event at Maithan Temple is the annual Durga Puja and the nine-night festival of Navratri. Since the temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhairabi (an aspect of Durga), these festivals hold immense religious and cultural importance. The temple becomes a vibrant hub of activity, with thousands of devotees congregating to offer prayers and witness the special rituals and ceremonies. Elaborate decorations, devotional music, and traditional Assamese cultural performances mark the occasion, turning the temple complex into a magnificent spectacle of faith and tradition. Animal Sacrifices (Historical/Ritualistic)Historically and ritually, the temple has been known for sacrificial offerings, which may include goats, ducks, and pigeons, particularly during major festivals like Durga Puja. While the practice is sensitive and its public visibility may vary, it is an intrinsic part of the temple's deep-rooted Shakta tradition and is a noteworthy special event and aspect of its worship custom, attracting a certain section of devotees.

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  Best Photo Spots:

  The Long Flight of Stairs:The long, impressive flight of stairs leading up to the main temple complex is an excellent spot for photography. You can capture the entire ascent, symbolizing a spiritual journey, or use the symmetrical lines for a dramatic architectural shot. I...

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  The Long Flight of Stairs:The long, impressive flight of stairs leading up to the main temple complex is an excellent spot for photography. You can capture the entire ascent, symbolizing a spiritual journey, or use the symmetrical lines for a dramatic architectural shot. It's great for capturing human interaction with the monument. Viewpoint of the Brahmaputra and Kolia Bhomora Setu:The elevated area behind the temple, which overlooks the Brahmaputra River and the Kolia Bhomora Setu, is arguably the best photo spot. This provides a breathtaking landscape shot, especially during the golden hours (sunrise or sunset), with the river meandering under the long bridge. It is ideal for panoramic pictures.
  
  Intricate Stone Carvings:Focus on the ancient, detailed stone carvings and sculpted images (dating back to the 9th century) found on the temple walls and stone remnants. These close-up shots capture the artistic and historical essence of the site, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the past. Look for the ornate doorways and carved figures for detailed shots.
  
  Local Stalls and Offerings:The vibrant and colorful local stalls near the temple entrance, selling flowers, earthen lamps, incense, and sweets for offerings, offer a perfect opportunity for cultural and documentary photography, capturing the lively atmosphere and the devotion of the pilgrims.

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