UMANANDA TEMPLE : Umananda Temple is located on a small riverine island in the river Brahmaputra. It is called peacock Island. The Peocock Island was named by a poetic British Administrator. Lord Shiva is worshipped here. It is believed that worshipping here on the Amavasya Day, when it falls on Moday brings the highest bliss. The annual event is Shiva Chaturdasi, which is celebrated with much fanfare. The temple was built in 1694 AD by the Bar Phukan Garhganya on the behest of His Majesty Swargadeo Gadadhar Singh, one of the strongest rulers of the Tai Ahom Dynasty. The original temple was nearly devastated by a strong earthquake in 1897. Later, the recent construction was made by a rich local merchant who chose to inscribe the interior part of a Shiva temple with Vaishanv slogans. The temple has inherited some rock cut figures, which reveals the passionate masterly skills of Assamese craftsmen. They also have historical and legendary legacy. There are representations of Surya, Ganesha, Shiva and Devi in addition to those of Vishnu and his ten incarnations. As the legend says, Siva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to the Kalika Purana, in the beginning of the creation Siva sprinkled ashes (bhasma) at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvati (his consort). It is said that, when Siva was in meditation on this hillock, Kamadeva interrupted his yoga and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Siva’s anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala. The island is located just opposite of the office of the Deputy Commissioner or the Kachari Ghat in Guwahati. Boat Ferries and Motor Launches are available to visit Umananda from Fancy Bazar Ghat.