Hayagriva Madhava Temple, located on Manikuta Hill in Hajo, is an ancient temple is deeply revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is believed that Lord Vishnu once appeared here in his horse-headed form, Hayagriva. Some others say that this was the very place where Lord Buddha found nirvana long ago. With its mix of belief, legend, and time, the temple still stands as one of the most sacred and well-loved places in Assam.
The History of Hayagriva Madhava
The history of Hayagriva Madhava Temple can be traced back to the 6th century. The temple seen today was rebuilt by King Raghudeva Narayan of the Koch dynasty around 1583. Old legends mention that a Pala king named Uttampala might have built the original shrine much earlier. Over the years, floods and time wore it down, but it was restored again. People believe that Lord Vishnu once took the form of Hayagriva, the horse-headed god, right here to defeat a demon and recover the sacred Vedas. The hill also holds deep value for Buddhists, who say that Lord Buddha himself meditated on this very spot and found peace. Old writings such as the Kalika Purana mention Hajo as a sacred place, which is why the Hayagriva Madhava Temple stands as a meeting point of both Hindu and Buddhist devotion.
Architecture of Hayagriva Madhava Temple
The temple is built in the old Assamese style, mainly with stone and a bit of brick, fitting naturally with the rocky slopes of Manikuta Hill. Inside the sanctum, one can see a stone idol of Lord Vishnu in what many say is the Hayagriva form. The deity is dressed with bright pieces of cloth and decorated with flowers offered by devotees. Some people still say it could be Lord Narasimha, as the features seem a bit alike. The outside walls have old carvings of lions, flowers, and divine figures, though they have faded with time. These carvings show how finely the ancient artists worked on stone. The temple is crowned with a rounded dome, and on its top stands a small kalasha. A few stone steps go up to the main doorway, and around the main shrine are several smaller temples, one of which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Legends of Hayagriva Madhava Temple
Local stories say that Lord Vishnu, in his horse-headed Hayagriva form, defeated a demon here to protect sacred knowledge. This act is why the temple is named Hayagriva Madhava and is believed to bless devotees with wisdom. Buddhist traditions also have connection with the hill relating with Buddha, suggesting he attained nirvana here, giving the place additional spiritual importance. Some villagers talk about a secret tunnel beneath the temple, though it has never been verified, which adds to its mystery. There are also nearby rock markings thought to be divine footprints, making the site even more special for those seeking a connection with the divine.
Worship and Practices at Hayagriva Madhava Temple
Worship in the temple is mainly centered on Lord Vishnu. Each day, local priests perform the rituals, offering milk, water, flowers, and incense to the deity. Morning and evening aartis are carried out with the sound of Vedic chants with the temple following peaceful customs, avoiding any form of animal sacrifice, showing a mix of old Vedic ways and local traditions. Hindu devotees usually come to pray for wisdom and good fortune, while Buddhist visitors seek spiritual light, making the temple a place of shared devotion and harmony.
Festivals
The temple becomes lively during Janmashtami, when the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with bhajans, traditional dances, and prayers that continue through the night. Buddha Purnima is observed with great devotion, with Buddhist pilgrims carrying out rituals to remember the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. Vishnu-related festivals, like Dev Deepavali, are marked by lighting lamps along the ponds and rivers close to the temple, creating a bright and festive atmosphere.
How to Get There
By Air: The closest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati about 30 km far from Hajo. Flights connect Guwahati to Delhi (around 2 hours) and Kolkata (about 1 hour). From the airport, taxis or buses take roughly 45–60 minutes to reach Hajo.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station, also 30 km away, has trains to Delhi (approximately 24 hours) and Dibrugarh (around 8 hours). Autos or taxis from the station take about an hour to reach Hajo.
By Road: Hajo lies on NH-27 and is reachable by buses (around 1 hour) or taxis from Guwahati. Within Hajo, local autos are available to take visitors up to the temple base.
Best Time to Visit
The months from October to March are good for visiting, as the weather stays around 15–25°C, which makes walking up the hill easier and enjoying the view nicer. Monsoon season, June to September, brings a lot of rain and the paths become slippery, so it’s better not to go then. Weekdays are usually quieter, and going early in the morning, around 5–7 AM when the temple opens, gives a peaceful time with the sunrise and some morning mist. On big festival days like Janmashtami, the temple gets very crowded, so if you want some quiet, it’s better to go there early at dawn.
Nearby Attractions
Kedareswar Temple: This temple is in Hajo itself. It is a Shiva temple with a big lingam and a calm, peaceful atmosphere.
Kamakhya Temple: About 30 km from Hajo in Guwahati, this famous Shakti Peetha is on Nilachal Hill and is known for the Ambubachi Mela held every year.
Umananda Temple: Around 32 km away, this Shiva temple is on Peacock Island and you can reach it by a short boat ride.
