Madan Kamdev:  The Temple of Love and Erotica

Hidden amidst the hill top of Diwangri, lies a place in Kamrup district of Assam that displays skilled craftsmanship and creativity, engraved on the ruins of Madan Kamdev temple

According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva laid a curse on Kamdev who is regarded as the God of love and erotica. Shiva in a spurt of fury opened his third eye and turned Kamdev into ashes. 

It is then said that Rati Devi, the consort of Kamdev pleaded Lord Shiva who gave her husband's life back in this very spot where the ruins of Kamdev temple stands. 

Historically, the ruins of Madan Kamdev Temple dates back to the 10th and 12th century C.E during the Pala rule.

The Madan Kamdev temple was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1897, ruins of which 15 ancient temples had been found. The ruins are now scattered over a secluded place spreading over a stretch of 500 meters

One of the most significant thing visitors visiting the place will find are the erotic figurines and edifices scattered across the place. With this Madan Kamdev got its name as ‘Khajuraho of Assam’.

The present garbhagriha now stands on a platform which is formed by stacking together the broken stones reattached to one another to give the form of a plinth.

The Temple of Madan Kamdev, is an epitome of archaeological findings of Kamrup, which houses some of the most beautiful and interesting figures of the medieval era

The temple also enshrines an idol of Parvati and Shiva as Uma Maheshwar, holding each other in embrace, thus portraying love and an ode to the God of Love, Kamdev