Sivadol- The Architectural Wonder Of Ahom Dynasty
Located on the banks of the Sivasagar tank, Sivadol is a group of structures comprising 3 temples, Sivadol, Visnudol, & Devidol. The tank was constructed between 1731 and 1738 and the temples were built in 1734.
In 1734 to restore their strength & power to rule Kamrup, the Queen of Ahom Bar Raja Ambika built the Sivadol Temple. It is one of the largest Shiva temples in the whole world, built almost 300 years ago at Shivasagar.
The Sivadol was built in the Shikhara architecture (more specifically Ahom temple architecture). It has a central tower which is the tallest Shiva temple tower in India at a height of 104 feet (32 m). There are three main Hindu Temples- which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Durga.
The base of the sanctum of the Sivadol is about 195 feet. An 8 feet high golden ‘Kolshi’ (dome) is kept at the end peak of the temple.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, a shiva lingam of Lord Shiva is consecrated. The garbhagriha is connected by a foyer or an antechamber with an antarala.
Some of the unique sculptures set on the outer walls of the temple are of the goddess Durga. The Sivadol wall is carved with 2 arms, 4 arms, 6 arms, 10 arms, and 16 arms. The sixteen-armed Durga holding various weapons is a “pan-Himalayan” theme adopted in the plastic arts of Ahom temple architecture.
As the temples are fond of their beauty and divinity showing a great diversity of people visiting Sivadol.
Every year, during the Mahashivaratri, a huge fair is organized in the Sivadol and pilgrims visit from all parts of India to offer puja.
The city is easily accessible by road, rail, and air services. Guwahati, the capital of Assam, is 370 kilometers (230 mi) away from its northwest.
