Devotees visit historic Tamreswar Devalaya in the holy month of Shravan

A CORRESPONDENT

TANGLA: The pandemic could not deter the Shaivaites of Darrang, Udalguri and Kamrup districts who made serpentine queues adhering to COVID-19 protocol on the occasion of the second Monday of the holy Shravan month of the Hindu calendar since early morning in the historic Tamreswar Devalaya near Khoirabari in Udalguri district on Monday. Every road led to the Tamreswar Devalaya, which is believed to be the house of three deities replete with archaeological gems.

The spectacular road with scenic beauty of lush green paddy fields on both sides and glittering ponds in front of every village home is bound to mesmerize the visitors of the temple. The relics lying around the temple evoke a sense of awe, recalling ancient rituals and times. "I along with my family members have been regular visitors to the Devalaya. I firmly believe there is ample scope for the site to be a historical site of tourist attraction," said Ojapali folk artiste, Bapan Sarma.

Talking to this correspondent, secretary of Sri Sri Tamreswar Devalaya Management Committee, Tilak Sarmah expressed gratitude to the State Government for grant to the temple under Assam Darshan scheme and urged the government to extend funds for the renovation of the temple complex. The word 'Tamreswar' seems to have originated from thamiswar, which means three gods in the Bodo language. The three presiding deities are Rangraci, Gohouraci and Mitharaci, identical to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Pertinently, the excavation findings and manuscripts date the temple to the 10th and 11th centuries. Built with intricately carved stones, it is believed to have been destroyed more than a hundred years ago — in the 1897 earthquake.

The temple complex includes a historical tank (Gajhidhowa Pukhuri) and a garbha griha or inner sanctum with a shivling. The site seems to have once had a mandap with a stone floor. The many tanks, experts believe, are evidence of the once-flowing stream, Dudra. A museum to preserve the excavated stone relics and sculptures is also there in the complex where the relics on display include scrolls of floral designs, parts of door frames, amalaka (spire) with a carved horizontal lotus, and the stone foundation of the garbha griha.

Also Read: Why do Hindu Women Observe Monday Fast During Month of Shravan

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