Biswanath Chariali: The
historical Biswanath Temple also known as 'Gupta Kashi' or 'Pani Devalaya'
situated at the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra river in Biswanath around 10 km
away from the north of Biswanath town has appeared again for the next six month
for the devotes to worship.
It is to be mentioned that the holy 'Gupta Kashi' temple of Lord Shiva which was remains underwater for six months and appeared at the ground level for six months.
During the rainy season the Shiva 'linga' goes underwater because the huge waves of the mighty Brahmaputra sweep away the 'Goxai Gorbhogriho' (Temples of God). But as the dry season approaches it appears again at the ground level.
Puja (Worship) in the 'Gupta Kashi' has been held since the 16 century with following all 'Mangalik' rituals. And is worshipped regularly for six months when the Shiva 'linga' appeared.
A devote said that as the winter approaches the puja starts at the temple from Assamese month 'Aghun' and continued till the month of 'Bohag'. It has been believed that those who visit here God fulfil their wish, adding this, the devote urged everyone to visit the temple.
Worship in the temple is done only in winter by constructing a temporary shed. The temple incarnated with spirituality, knowledge, and education which is also a tourist place. Besides Assam, tourists from outside Assam also visits the temple.
In the month of December to January, the surrounding places of the temple considered to be the best picnic spots.
It is a witness to the centuries-old heritage of Assam, which has twenty-seven temples or 'Devalayas'. In comparison with Kashi during the golden rule of the Guptas it is called 'Gupta Kashi'. It has been said that Kashi was home to temples housing about 330 million gods and goddesses. There are over 100 temples in the vicinity of the ghat.