Basistha Ashram Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 14 km from Guwahati Railway Station, Basistha Temple is an ancient temple situated at Beltola in the south-east corner of Guwahati city. Located near Garbhanga Reserve Forest, it is one of the oldest temples in Assam and among the most popular places to visit in Guwahati.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Basistha Temple is situated in the premises of Basistha ashram. The temple was constructed by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in 1764 CE. The king also gifted 835 bighas of land to the ashram. The history of the Basistha Ashram where the temple is located dates back to the Vedic age. According to legend the ashram was founded by sage Vasistha and is believed to be the home of the sage. It is believed that the great saint was died at this ashram.

The temple is built in the typical Kamrup architecture. Lord Shiva is consecrated in the form of lingam in the main sanctum. The temple stands on the bank of mountain stream which originates from the hills of Meghalaya which in turn becomes river Basistha that flows through the city. The ashram has a cave where Sage Vasistha had meditated in the ancient times. One can also visit the Basistha Ganesha Temple which is located nearby.

Timings: 7 AM - 9 PM