The Sukreswar Temple, located on Sukreswar Hill (also known as Itakhuli Hill) in Guwahati, Assam, is one of the renowned Shiva temples in the region. This temple is notable for housing one of the largest Shivalingas in India. Devotees flock to the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
The history of the Sukreswar Temple dates back to the era of the saint Sukra, who established his hermitage on Sukreswar Hill. According to the Kalika Purana, the hillock where the saint prayed is called Hastagiri, named for its resemblance to the hump of an elephant. The temple was constructed by the Ahom king Pramatta Singha in 1744, a ruler celebrated for building numerous religious sites across Assam. In 1759, King Rajeswar Singha, another prominent Ahom king, further supported the temple, promoting the Shiva cult and providing financial assistance.
Today marks the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan (or Shravan) in the Assamese calendar. Sawan is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar, typically occurring in July-August of the Gregorian calendar. This month holds great religious significance, particularly for the worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that during Sawan, Lord Shiva blesses his followers with prosperity and happiness. Many observe fasts, perform special prayers, and visit temples, especially on Mondays, known as Sawan Somvar.
Sawan rituals vary across India, but common practices include offering milk, water, and bilva leaves to Shivalingas, chanting mantras, and participating in the Kanwar Yatra. During this procession, devotees carry sacred water from the Ganges to offer at Shiva temples as a symbol of devotion and penance.
In Assam, the cultural and spiritual observance of Sawan is marked by devotees dressed in saffron attire walking to holy rivers to collect water. In Guwahati, many pilgrims journey to the Basistha Temple to fetch water from the Basistha River, which they then carry to the Sukreswar Temple to pour on the Shivalinga.
Sawan is a month that intertwines spirituality, culture, and nature. It is a period of deep introspection, devotion, and celebration, highlighting the eternal bond between nature, culture, and faith.