Sri Sri Chatrakar Devalay Mangalchandi Dham

A Temple Named for an Umbrella-Shaped Hill

The Yogini Tantra, a medieval text central to Assam's Shakta tradition, refers to this site as Chhatrakagiri — the umbrella hill. Other ancient names recorded in the same text are Sagari and Paripatraka. The Kamrupar Buranji, a chronicle of the old Kamarupa region, describes it as Dwitiya Madanasala, the second hall of celebration, where Devi Mangalchandi was worshipped. Archaeological evidence suggests an earlier stone temple stood on this spot before the current brick structure was raised.↗

A rock inscription on the temple wall records that the structure was built by Ahom king Kamaleshwara Singha in 1799 AD. An adjacent temple dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu was constructed in the same year. The complex was rebuilt after the devastating 1897 Assam earthquake. It now falls under the protection of the Archaeological Directorate of Assam.↗↗

Three Deities, One Sacred Hill

Unlike most single-shrine temples, Chatrakar Devalaya is a triple temple housing three distinct sanctums — one each for Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Devi Mangalchandi. The goddess Mangalchandi is the presiding deity here, revered as a powerful protector and benevolent mother. The coexistence of Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Shakta traditions on one hilltop is a striking reminder of the religious diversity woven into Assam's Ahom-era temple culture.↗↗

Living Traditions and Festivals

The temple remains an important seat of the Shakti cult in Guwahati. Traditional rituals include animal and bird offerings — goats, pigeons, and ducks — as well as gourd sacrifices, practices that hark back to pre-modern Shakta worship. All major Hindu festivals are observed, and the annual Basanti Puja (spring festival dedicated to the goddess) draws thousands of devotees to the hilltop.↗↗

Beyond regular worship, the temple grounds host marriages, upanayan (sacred thread ceremonies), and other Hindu life-cycle rituals. The premises offer ample space for functions with good seating arrangements, and catering services are available for events held here.↗↗

Setting and What You'll See

The hilltop location on the south bank of the Brahmaputra gives the temple a riverine vantage point. On a clear day, the small forested island of Umananda is visible across the water — a sight that connects this temple to a broader network of Guwahati's riverside shrines. The surrounding area in the Chatrakar neighbourhood retains a quiet, old-quarter atmosphere with traditional houses and narrow lanes, far from the bustle of the city centre.↗↗

Visitors describe the temple architecture as modest but distinctly local, reflecting the craftsmanship of Assam's traditional builders. The courtyard is clean and well-maintained by the community, and the grounds offer spaces for quiet reflection. The combination of incense, devotional chanting, and river breezes creates an immersive, peaceful environment.↗

Visiting Tips

The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, making early morning and late evening the most atmospheric times to visit, when the light over the Brahmaputra is golden and the crowds thin. The Basanti Puja period is the most vibrant time but also the busiest. Parking in the immediate vicinity is extremely limited — the narrow lanes of Chatrakar make it difficult to park cars or bikes nearby, so consider walking from the main road or arranging drop-off and pickup.↗↗

The temple sits within easy reach of Uzan Bazar, where the Radhika Prashanti Udyan garden and the riverfront offer additional places to linger after your visit. The area is well served by local Assamese eateries and tea stalls for a quick refreshment after darshan.

Getting There

Chatrakar Devalaya is located on MG Road in the Chatrakar neighbourhood of Uzan Bazar, in eastern Guwahati. The Guwahati railway station is approximately 3.8 kilometres away. The temple is accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi from most parts of the city. Given the tight parking situation, arriving by three-wheeler or two-wheeler is more practical than driving a car.↗↗