All Indian states are full of temples and religious sites with different architecture, culture, and beliefs; temples in North-East India have, nonetheless, a fusion of Aryan and tribal traditions. Their architecture ranges from classical Nagara styles to unique local designs. Pujas include traditional aartis, goat sacrifices, and chants rooted in ancient scriptures.
Located on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra, built in 1694 by Ahom King, Gadadhar Singha, Umananda Temple (the world’s smallest river island temple) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that Shiva mediated here. This temple’s architecture is a blend of Hindu iconography with Assamese design.
Also known as Kubjika Pitha, it is a place where the Yoni-Mudra (the female genitalia) of Goddess Sati fell, hence known as the source of creation & fertility. Oldest among the 51 Shakti Peethas in Assam, discovered by Kamadeva (the God of Love). Kamakhya Temple’s Ambubachi Mela celebrates the feminine reproductive energy, and men are not allowed to enter the temple.
Dedicated to 9 celestial planets, the temple dates back to 18th century built by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha; it has 9 Shivlingas for each planet that symbolize astrological deities- Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, & Ketu. Navgraha Temple, significant in astrological science, puja rituals, & balancing planetary effects.
Tripur Sundari, one among the 51 Shakti Peethas located near Udaipur in Tripura, where the right foot of Goddess Sati fell during dismemberment. This temple houses a 5-foot idol made of black stone and follows classical Tantric rituals, which is why Tripureshwari Temple becomes a spiritual hotspot of Daivik Tantra during the festival of Diwali.
Kamala Sagar is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is located on the Indo-Bangladesh border in Agartala, which worships Maa Kali in the form of Dasabhuja Durga. Built in the 15th century by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya near Kamala Sagar Lake, the idol here rests on a stone platform shaped like Shiva’s chest. You must visit this temple during Navratri.
Hayagriva Madhava Temple is where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his horse-headed avatar known as Hayagriva, and his followers are from the Vaishnavite community. Built in the 10th century, later renovated by King Raghudeva Narayan, the best time to visit this temple is during Janmashtami and Doul Utsav festivals.
Sri Surya Pahar Temple is located near Goalpara, Assam, believed to have once housed over 99,000 Shiva Lingas featuring ancient relics of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Buddhism. The Sun Temple here is dedicated to Surya, the solar deity, with eloquent heritage architecture, intricate carvings, and rock-cut sculptures. If interested in history and architecture, this temple is a must-visit.
Malinithan Temple in West Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, is a revered archaeological site believed to be associated with Lord Krishna and Rukmini. Built in the 10th–12th century, this temple in classical Nagara style was dedicated to Durga (Malini), which showcases detailed carvings of divine figures, floral patterns, and mythical creatures. Legend says Krishna rested here with Rukmini en route to Dwarka.
Goddess Bhubaneswari, a manifestation of Maa Parvati, is worshipped in Tripura Bhubaneswari Temple. Located next to the Ujjayanta Palace, on a hill next to the Gomati River, it features beautiful terracotta architecture. Because it served as the inspiration for Rabindranath Tagore's writings, the temple has literary-historical significance.