Assam's Jayabhum Kamakhya Temple: A symbol of interfaith harmony and tradition in Goalpara

The Jayabhum Kamakhya Temple, a 300-year-old sacred site located in Sonari Jayabhum under the Laxipur revenue circle of Goalpara district, stands as a revered 'jagrat shaktipeeth'. This temple, steeped in legend, is believed to be the site where the navel of Goddess Sati fell, a mythological event that has drawn devotees for centuries.

The temple's origins trace back to the time when a king from Bijni, Prithi Narayan, who, after a visionary dream, established the Kamakhya temple at this precise location. The Kachari people, who were the original inhabitants of the area, were entrusted with the care of around 500 bighas of land surrounding the temple after the king's departure. Over time, however, the Kachari community sold the land and migrated to other regions, leaving behind a reduced expanse of 28 bighas, 8 kathas, and 4 lechas within the temple's premises.

Today, the temple’s grounds are a rare example of religious coexistence. The site is predominantly inhabited by the Muslim community, with only two Hindu families remaining to oversee the temple's daily rituals and maintenance. Remarkably, these two communities have lived in harmony, with the Muslim residents also contributing to the upkeep of the temple. This interfaith cooperation is a testament to the peaceful coexistence that has characterized the area.

The temple, which has been beautified with the aid of government grants, receives an annual subsidy of two lakh rupees. This financial support has helped maintain the temple’s grandeur, particularly during major religious events such as Durga Puja, when the temple hosts an extensive annual puja. In addition to this, various Hindu religious ceremonies are regularly conducted, preserving the spiritual legacy of this ancient site.