Nestled on the outskirts of Tezpur within Assam’s Sonitpur District, the Bhairabi Temple bears the name of its presiding deity, Goddess Bhairabi, located in the remote village of Mantridi. Over time, Bhairabi has gained prominence as a significant Shakti Pitha, drawing tourists from Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh who flock to this revered sanctuary daily.
The temple boasts grand celebrations during Navratri and Durga Puja, where festivities unfold in splendid proportions. To journey to the temple:
- By Road: Bhairabi Temple is conveniently accessible by road from any corner of Assam, with taxis, autos, and buses facilitating easy travel.
- By Train: Amgurai and Tezpur stand as the nearest railway stations.
- By Air: The nearby Salonibari Airport in Tezpur and the more distant Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (165 km away from Tezpur) offer air travel options.
The Bhairabi Temple lies in proximity to the Bharali River.
Goddess Bhairavi is worshipped here, being one of Maa Durga Devi’s revered Mahavidyas. The temple’s significance as a vital Shakti Peeth in Assam is underscored by its panoramic view that overlooks the Brahmaputra River and the Kolia Bhomora Setu. Locally known as Bhairabi Devalaya, the temple harbors a legend of Usha, the daughter of the formidable Asura King Banasura, who frequented this sacred abode for Goddess worship. Nearby, the Bamuni Hills house remnants of a palace from ancient times, adorned with 9th-century stone carvings. The 400-year-old Bhairabi Temple has developed a slight tilt over time, possibly attributed to historical earthquakes, which also resulted in damage to an adjacent building, cracking pillars, and an unsettled roof. Subsequently, religious ceremonies and daily prayers were temporarily suspended.
Government-managed through the District Deputy Commissioner’s office, the temple is associated with the Borthakur family of Tezpur (Shri Dilip Borthakur, Shri Barenya Ranjan Barthakur, and Shri Aditya Prakash Barthakur). The practice of making sacrificial offerings like goats, ducks, and pigeons endures. The grandeur of Durga Puja celebrations within these sacred walls is noteworthy.
Access to the temple involves ascending a lengthy staircase from the approach road, leading to the elevated temple site. Numerous amenities offer opportunities to procure ghee lamps, sweets, fruits, and other offerings for prayer and blessings. Beyond its scenic allure, this location serves as a pathway to the Divine. Functioning as a sidhapitha, the temple provides a space for devotees to offer prayers and seek Maa Bhairabi’s blessings.