Unlike most temples, Kamakhya Temple has no idol belonging to any god or goddess. Instead, the temple has a yoni-shaped (female genitalia) stone, believed to be the symbol of Shakti (Mata Sati), the creative feminine energy. This holy stone is kept moist by an underground spring and worshipped daily. Devotees believe this shows the eternal cycle of life, fertility, and creation.
Ambubachi Mela, a famous Event held at the Kamakhya Temple in June every year, attracts pilgrims from all over India and abroad. The temple remains closed for three days, as this festival celebrates the menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, representing her fertility and womanhood, when the temple spring turns red, and no rituals are performed during this time.
Legends whisper of a secret tunnel under Kamakhya Temple that connects it to Bhubaneswar in Odisha. While the exact location is unknown, ancient texts and tantric lore mention this passage used by sages and tantrics to travel secretly. It symbolises a deep connection with the sacred Shaktipeethas and adds a layer to the temple's mystique.
It is said that the biggest follower of Maa Kamakhya Kendukalai indirectly betrayed her with king Naranarayan, as the goddess only danced in front of the priest, and the king sneakedly watched Maa Kamakhya dancing. When the goddess realised that she was being watched by the priest’s king friend, without consent, she transformed him into a stone and cursed the King & his dynasty, so that they couldn’t enter the temple, ever.
In early times, Guwahati was known as Kamroop Kamakhya because Kamdev had lost his beauty when he was struck by Mahadev for love of Maa Parvati. But in anger, Lord Shiva cursed Kamadeva for deviating from meditation. Later, Devi Rati, the wife of Kamdev, requested Lord Shiva for a way to get rid of this curse. Shiva advised them to worship and please Maa Kamakhya to bring Kamadeva’s beauty back.
Kamakhya Temple has a mysterious chamber, known as the Garbhagriha. Restricted to public entry, this inner sanctum is believed to house ancient tantric texts and relics. Only elevated priests and select tantrics may enter during rare rituals. Some stories say it's a portal to other realms, while others claim it holds the key to understanding cosmic energies.
Within the temple, a spring flows over the sacred yoni stone, forming a natural pool. Devotees believe the water purifies itself miraculously. Despite thousands offering flowers, kumkum, and other rituals being performed at the pool, it remains clean. Many take its water home, considering it a form of prasad (holy offering), blessed by Maa Kamakhya herself.
Kamakhya Temple is the epicentre of Tantric worship, especially associated with the Left-Hand Path (Vamachara). Rituals performed here include secret chants, offerings, and energy awakening practices. It attracts Aghoris, Sadhaks, and Tantrics during Ambubachi and other special nights. Those who are suffering from infertility issues worship Maa Kamakhya to bless them with an offspring.