Basistha Temple (Ashram) beautifully blends natural beauty and spiritual peace. Located in southern Guwahati, it offers a serene and divine atmosphere. The temple is associated with Sage Basistha’s legendary ashram from the Puranas.
The serene and pure environment of the temple offers a sense of spiritual tranquillity to all visitors. It is an ideal retreat for monks and seekers to meditate and gain spiritual energy. The temple’s sacredness and rich tradition make it a prominent destination for devotees worldwide.
You will find tranquillity here, away from the city’s chaos and noise. Basistha Temple is not just a religious site but a peaceful nature retreat. The temple represents a harmonious mix of history, religion, and scenic landscapes. Visiting Basistha Ashram ensures a calming and enriching journey for devotees and nature lovers.
One of the main attractions of the Basistha Temple, or Basistha Ashram, is its spiritual and religious ambience. The temple’s peaceful surroundings, along with the morning and evening rituals, attract devotees from different parts of Assam. Rich in historical significance, this temple invites you to experience its deep spiritual and religious essence.
Another major attraction of the Basistha Temple is its natural beauty. The temple is surrounded by greenery, hills, and the flowing Basistha River, also known as Basistha Ganga. These elements enhance the charm of the place. The trees and plants around the temple change their appearance with the seasons, offering a refreshing view that captivates every visitor.
The temple also attracts visitors with its historical importance and fascinating legends. You can visit the temple to explore stories behind its construction, its architectural and sculptural art, and its cultural roots. This history provides valuable insights into ancient Assam and its rich heritage.
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Seek blessings from Lord Shiva and take part in the temple’s daily rituals.
Photography & videography in the waterfall area.
Distance From Guwahati City: 11 Km
Nearest City: Guwahati (11 Km)
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station(13 Km)
Nearest Bus Stoppage: Basistha (0.2 Km)
Nearest Airport: LGBI Airport, Azara, Guwahati(33 Km)
Basistha Temple is located about 10 km from Guwahati City. You can reach the ashram from Guwahati by car or taxi. You can also easily go by city bus.
Basistha Temple is about 11 - 12 km from Guwahati city and can be reached via Basistha Road. The journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes. You can travel comfortably by private car, public transport, or cabs. Local buses are available, but less convenient for tourists. Private vehicles are recommended for a hassle-free visit.
The nearest railway station to the Basistha Temple is Guwahati Railway Station, about 15 km away. From the station, you can reach the temple in 30-45 minutes by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or app-based cab.
The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati), about 33 km from Basistha Temple. From the airport, you can take the Guwahati-Jorabat Road or Basistha Road to reach the temple in 45-60 minutes
The convenient time to explore the Basistha Ashram Temple in Guwahati, Assam, is during the winter season, from October to March. The weather during these months remains pleasant and cool, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and its serene surroundings.
Spring is also an ideal season to visit this temple. The climate stays mild, and nature blooms beautifully, creating a picturesque atmosphere for both pilgrims and tourists.
It’s best to avoid visiting during the monsoon season, from June to September, as Assam receives heavy rainfall at that time. The Basistha Ganga River, which flows beside the temple, often swells, and the area becomes slippery, causing inconvenience and disrupting travel plans. Moreover, from April to June, the summer season in Guwahati remains hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for some visitors.
The best time of the day to visit is around midday, when you can take part in the temple’s prayer rituals and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The legend of Basistha Ashram, located near Guwahati on the Assam-Meghalaya border, is rich with mythological tales and folklore. According to local beliefs, Sage Basistha regained his physical form here after bathing and establishing his hermitage. Sage Basistha, a profound scholar known for his virtue and nobility, served as the royal priest of the Surya dynasty.
As per the Kalika Purana, King Nimi of the Surya dynasty intended to perform a thousand-year-long yajna (sacrifice) and requested Sage Vasistha to officiate. However, Basistha had already committed to a five-year yajna for Indra and asked Nimi to wait. Impatient, King Nimi invited Sage Gautama to commence the yajna. Upon completing Indra’s yajna, Basistha returned to find Nimi’s ceremony underway and, in anger, cursed the king to become bodiless. In retaliation, Nimi cursed Basistha similarly. Seeking redemption, Basistha approached Brahma, who advised him to meditate on Lord Vishnu in the secluded Sandhyachal hills of Kamarupa.
Facing a water scarcity in Sandhyachal, Basistha worshipped Lord Shiva, who, pleased with his penance, commanded the Ganges in his matted hair to flow there. Basistha channeled the Ganges into three streams-Sandhya, Lalita, and Kanta, bringing sacred water to Sandhyachal. Bathing in this Triveni Sangam, Basistha regained his former body and established his ashram. On the opposite bank, in the dense forest, lies Arundhati Ashram, named after Basistha’s wife. Additionally, Basistha installed Tarapith for Goddess Tara and, through his penance, established Gulakeshwar and Mangaleshwar Shiva shrines nearby.
In 1686, during the Ahom reign in Assam, Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha visited Basistha Ashram and constructed a temple there. This temple, bearing inscriptions from his era, still stands today as a symbol of the Ashram’s enduring legacy.
The architecture of the Basistha Temple will captivate you. It blends traditional Assamese and ancient Hindu styles beautifully. When you visit, you’ll see how its unique structure reflects the history and culture of its time. The intricate carvings and local craftsmanship will amaze you. As you explore, you’ll notice inscriptions and carvings on the walls, showcasing deep religious and cultural significance. The serene surroundings and artistic beauty create an unforgettable experience. Basistha Temple is indeed one of the most famous temples in Guwahati.
Years ago, a stone hill collapsed here, revealing four Ganesh idols and a Durga idol carved into a giant rock. You’ll also find a Ganesh Mandir on the temple premises. In the courtyard, you’ll see an imaginary statue of Sage Basistha and a large sculpture of Ganesh’s mouse. You can even spot remains of idols of Ganesh, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Vishnu, and Brahma as you walk around.
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