Abhayapuri is a quaint town in Assam, located in the
Bongaigaon district of the state.The town is dotted with beautiful forest and hills and is located at a distance of about 170 km towards west of Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. Few popular towns of Assam neighbor this quaint town, such as Jogighopa, at a distance of about 15 km, Goalpara, at a distance of 18 km and Bijni and Bongaigaon, at a distance of about 20 km.
History
Abhayapuri was the former capital of the primeval Bijni
Kingdom, which was founded by Raja Bijit Narayan, in the year 1671. The king
was the son of Parikshit Narayan, who was the grandson of the renowned general
Chilarai. The general was the younger brother of the great emperor of Kamata
Kingdom, Moharaj Nara Narayan, who ruled the region during the period of 16th
century.
The initial capital of the Bojni Kingdom was established
in the modern Bijni town, which was later shifted to Dumuria due to the
ferocious attack by Jhawlia Mech. After a dreadful earthquake in 1897 that
destroyed the royal palaces, the capital had to be again shifted to Deohati
forest area, which later came to be known as Abhayapuri. The place was named after the deity of the
ruling dynasty, Abhoyamata.
Attractions
The town has a plenty of historical attractions, some of
which has been mentioned below.
Ram Rajar Garh- It is a man made historical pond,
which is located close to the Deohati village. The pond was excavated by
Ramsingh I of AMbar Kingdom of Rajasthen. The site was excavated by Ramsingh
with the help of the army of Delhi Sultan during the time of invasion into the
Ahom Kingdom, towards the latter half of the 17th century.
Lalmati-Durani Ganesh
Temple- Located at a
close distance from Abhayapuri, the temple is one of the oldest temples in the
state. The origin of theses historical as well as traditional images of this
temple are yet to be ascertained. As according to the study of the stone
carvings related to the carved idols, some archaeologists believe that the
images and the temple date back to the period of 8th to 10th
century AD. This ancient temple is located on the Khagrapar hill, though in a
stat of ruins at present due to the destruction caused by an earthquake.
Excavations over a period of time at this site have resulted in the discovery
of idols and images of Gods and Goddesses.
Lungai Pahar Shiva
Temple- The temple is
one of the most revered sites in the region, which is located at a distance of
about 10 km from the main town of Abhayapuri. In order to get to this temple,
the devotees and the tourists have to climb up a flight of 227 stairs. Once you
get to the temple, you will get to see interesting carvings of Lord Shiva, Lord
Ganesh and Goddess Kali inside the temple.
Best Time to Visit
The summer season at this place is generally very hot.
So, the best time to visit the place is during the winter season that falls
during the months of December to February.
Accommodation
There are a considerable number of luxury as well as
budget class hotels and resorts in and around the region of Abhayapuri for
accommodation. These accommodation facilities provide standard services for
staying making your visit to this place into a comfortable one.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport to the place is
Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati, located at a distance of about 95 km. The
airport is well connected with various major cities in India. Bus and taxi
services are available from the airport to the place.
By Train: The nearest railway to the place is
Bongaigaon Railway Junction, located at a distance of just 4 km. The station is
linked with several major cities in the country. Local taxis are available from
the station to the place.
By Road: The place is easily accessible by
road from Guwahati, located at a distance of about 170 km. Regular private and
public buses are available from Guwahati to this place. Guwahati, on the other
hand has a good network of roads that connects the place with various major
North Eastern parts of India.
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