Kamakhya Temple: Past and Present

The Kamakhya Temple is one of the famous Sakta Temples of India. It is regarded as one of the main centres of Tantricism. Some scholars are of opinion that Tantricism originated here. Depending upon the original name of the state ‘Pragjyotisapura’ some pointed out that it was associated with Solar worship or it was a seat of astronomical studies. Whatever it may be, the history is lost in oblivion. The emergence of Kamakhya as a presiding deity of ancient Pragjyotisapur, mediaeval Kamarupa, is connected with the aryanisation of the land under the reign of Narakasura who founded the kingdom by defeating the Kiratas. Kamakhya, the Yoni Goddess, was worshipped by the aboriginals of the state and subsequently she was aryanised.