The Ambubachi festival or the Ambubachi Mela is an annual significant Hindu festival held at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. This festival is also referred to as the "Mahakumbh of East" and many sadhakas across the globe reach this place and perform their sadhana here, in order to get blessings from Maa Kamakhya in their field of sadhana. It is held during the monsoon season in the month of Ashada (mid-June), typically lasting four days. For 2025, it is scheduled from June 22 to June 26.
𝘒𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘩𝘺𝘢 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘪 𝘒𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘩𝘺𝘢
The Kamakhya Temple is an extremely significant and auspicious spiritual shrine for Hindus all over the world, dedicated to Devi Kamakhya and is one of the 51 shakti peethas of Hinduism. According to the incident mentioned in Devi Bhagavatam and other scriptures, after the demise of Devi Sati at Daksha's court, Lord Shiva out of grief and anger performed tandava carrying the charred body of Sati, in order to annihilate the universe. To restore balance and calm Shiva, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to dismember Sati’s body into pieces, which fell across different regions, forming the Shakti Peethas.
In this Nilachal Hills of Guwahati, Assam, the yoni (reproductive part) of Devi Sati is believed to have fallen, which led to the formation of the Kamakhya Temple or Kamakhya Shakti Peeth. Here, Devi Kamakhya is worshipped in the form of yoni, the source of universal creation — a symbol not of shame but divine reverence.
Although Devi is yoniswarupa here, a divine form of Devi Kamakhya also exists through which she connects with her devotees. As per the dhyana (meditation verse):
“She who has the appearance of the Sun in her ears, with a complexion of vermilion and yellowish hue, adorned with jewels and gold, with a wavering tongue, three eyes, and hands that offer fearlessness and boons, holding the sacred thread... She who is seated on a red lotus in padmasana posture... radiant like fire in contemplation, and fulfilling the desires of those who seek dharma, artha, and other goals, is the Kamakhya.”
𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘢
According to astrology, in the month of Ashadha, when the Sun is in the first quarter (3°20') of the Ardra Nakshatra in the Mithun constellation, this time is called "Ambubachi". "Ambu" means water, and the onset of monsoon is considered sacred as the Earth herself menstruates.
During these days, the Kamakhya Temple is closed. Devotees gather in thousands, meditating and fasting, honoring the divine feminine. A stream of red color flows from the yonikund of Devi — considered Her menstruation. Benarasi sarees soaked in this sacred fluid become relics of power. While seemingly miraculous, this tradition is an accepted part of Kamakhya’s divine legend, attracting devotees and seekers worldwide.
In Sanatan Dharma, countless vratas (spiritual vows) are observed. Among them, Ambubachi stands out. It is also called Amavati locally. Kamdev, the god of love, is said to have been revived by the grace of Devi Kamakhya here, hence the name Kamrup.
Bhairava Umananda is the guardian of this Dham, with his temple situated on a hill island in the middle of the Brahmaputra.
Kamakhya, being the goddess of creation and earth, menstruates once a year to symbolize fertility. After three days of temple closure, on the fourth day, rituals and worship recommence with divine celebration. The blood-stained cloth of the Devi becomes a revered relic.
May the blessings of Maa Kamakhya reside upon us all. May every form of sorrow, worry, and negativity be wiped away by Her Divine Aura. May She guide us all toward truth, strength, and spiritual excellence.
Greetings of Ambubachi to all.
Joy Aai Kamakhya!