Places · Biswanath Ghat
Biswanath Temple
An ancient Shiva temple where the Burigonga meets the Brahmaputra. It goes underwater in summer; in winter, worship moves to a temporary shed.
The Biswanath temple stands at the meeting point of the Burigonga and the Brahmaputra. Locals believe, from the stone posts, beams and ruins found here, that a stone temple once stood at this confluence.
According to Wikipedia, an earlier Shiva temple on higher ground sank in the great earthquake of 1897, and the present temple was built in its place.
Through the seasons
In summer the temple sits underwater. In winter, when the river drops, worship is held in a temporary shed and many visitors come. On the third day of Bohag Bihu a mela is held at the ghat.
In 2010 the Assam Tribune counted 27 devalayas (shrines) around the ghat, including the Barala Shil, a rock that local legend says never goes underwater.