All About Assam's Famous Mekhela Ujua Path At Kamakhya Dham

The Maha Ambubachi Mela commenced at Kamakhya temple atop Nilachal hills in Guwahati, Assam on June 22. The worship at Kamakhya Dham has stopped for the next four days, coinciding with the ritualistic annual menstrual cycle of the goddess. The worship will resume at 9:07 pm on June 25. Lakhs of devotees attend this mela and wait for the opening of doors to worship the goddess Kamakhya also called Devi Sati.

To reach Kamakhya temple, the pilgrims and devotees have to travel through the Mekhela Ujua path- an ancient staircase which is made more than 100 years ago. It was built by the Demon king of Pragjyotispur in an attempt to win the heart and marry Devi Kamakhya.

Narakasura, king of Pragajyotishpur, was a devotee of Goddess Kamakhya. It is believed that Narakasura first founded this temple on the Nilachal Hills. According to legend, Narakasura was attracted towards Goddess Kamakhya and wanted to marry her. Narakasura proposed to her for marriage. Devi Kamakhya was against the marriage with Demon and hence refused at first. After the strong insistence of Pragyotishpur king, Devi Kamakhya devised a plan to get rid of him.

She put a condition to the king that he should construct a stone path from the south of Nilachala hills to the temple in one night to become eligible for marriage with her. Devi Kamakhya thought that the king would not be able to complete the impossible task. However, she was proved wrong as the staircase was almost completed before the end of the night.

This rapid work worried Kamakhyand she ordered an illusive-cock to start crowing symbolising the dawn. The cock crowed before the night ended. Goddess told Narakasura that the chicken crowed, hence the night has ended. Narakasura became very angry. In a rage, he tracked and cut the magical chicken in two. The place where the chicken was slaughtered is now known as Kukurakata. The stone staircase built by Narakasura is known as the Mekhela Ujua Path. The staircase, which is said to have been built by Narakasura, can still be seen today.