Nestled amidst the verdant expanse of Assam, the Basistha Temple stands as a testament to centuries of spiritual devotion and timeless legends. Our pilgrimage to this venerable sanctuary on the auspicious 20th of March, 2024, unfurled a tapestry of captivating narratives and sacred heritage. Engaging in learned discourse with the esteemed Pujaris, custodians of this hallowed haven, I embarked on a journey through its storied past, enraptured by the mystical tales echoing within its sacred walls.
Come, embark on a journey through time and devotion, as we unveil the timeless legacy and spiritual communion embodied by the Basistha Temple.
The foremost Pujari imparted unto me the great lore that Vasistha, a revered Vedic sage and amongst the pantheon of the saptarishis, embarked upon a divine journey of penance within the hallowed areas of the Temple, dedicating himself to the austere worship of Lord Shiva. Nestled amidst the ethereal Sandhyachal mountain ranges, akin to the mystical Kamakhya temple fitted in the Nilachal peaks, the temple finds its tranquil abode. Adorning the temple’s rear, a serpentine river, christened Vasistha Ganga, gracefully flows, its genesis attributed to the benevolent invocation of Vasistha Rishi, endowing it with three tributaries – Sandhya, Lalita, and Kanta – whose meandering currents eventually converge with the mighty Brahmaputra River. Constructed five centuries past by the Assamese monarch Raja hersinha, the Basistha temple now finds custodial care under the aegis of the Government’s Archaeological Department. Foremost among the jolly festivities adorning its calendar is the august observance of Shivaratri, wherein the temple reverberates with devout chants and orchestrates multifarious melas in homage to the divine.
The second Pujari expounded upon Vasistha’s exalted stature as the preceptor of Lord Ram, ensconced in the royal surroundings of Ayodhya. A tale unfolded of Kamadhenu, a celestial bovine (cow/buffalo) coveted by
Vasistha for its bounteous blessings, only to fall victim to the caprice of Guru Vishvamitra, thus igniting the flames of discord between the two sages. Consumed by desolation and revenge, Vasistha embarked on a spiritual odyssey,
beseeching the blessings of Lord Brahma. Guided by the divine, Vasistha traversed to Kamrup, the ancient appellation of Assam, offering obeisance at the sacred Kamakhya Mandir, yet finding his path impeded by the dramatic
closure of Brahma’s portal. Demoted to the magnificent Sandhyachal peaks, Vasistha embarked upon fervent penance, beseeching Brahma’s grace for the gift of water. Thus ensued a ritualistic petition of Lord Shiva, culminating in the
miraculous emergence of Vasistha Ganga, anointed by the divine essence of Lord Vishnu. Renowned for his purifying cleansings in the confluence of Sandhya, Lalita, and Kanta, Vasistha immortalized the Mandir as an abode of sacred
austerity, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.
The third Pujari elucidated upon the temple’s festive fervour, heightened by the grandeur of Shivaratri, a jubilant affair cheered by spirited melas and bounteous offerings. Antecedent to Shivaratri’s crescendo, the temple extends benevolent generosity, proffering sustenance to its devout pilgrims. Additionally, the temple reverently observes Makar Sankranti, accompanied by the glorious Bhulbom Mela, Ambubassi Mela, and Raspenem Mela, where devotees
partake in sacramental rituals, purifying themselves in the sanctifying waters of Vasistha Ganga, whilst idolizing the divine visage of Lord Shiva. Similarly, the sacred month of Shravan heralds the arrival of Bhulbom Mela, Ambubassi
Mela, and Raspenem Mela, thus perpetuating the Mandir’s august legacy of spiritual communion and divine reverence.
