Negheriting Shiva Doul

Negheriting Shiva Doul
A frontside view of Negheriting Dol
Name
Proper name Negheriting Shiva Doul
Geography
Country India
State Assam
Location Dergaon
Culture
Primary deity Shiva
History and governance
Creator Rajeswar Singha

The Negheriting Shiva Doul is a Shiva temple in Dergaon, Assam.[1] Situated on a hillock [1][2] at about one and half km north from the National Highway 37 in the Golaghat district of Assam, the temple was first constructed by the Kacharis during 8th – 9th century AD. Later due to natural calamities it came into destruction.[2][3] In 1687 it was re-constructed by Ahom king Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha.[1][2][3][4] The famous architect assigned to the job was Ghanashyam Khonikar.[1][4]

History

It is believed that the stones used to construct the temple were existed in the bank of river Dihing. Due to natural calamities the temple was destroyed and the remains were found in deep forest called Gajapanemara. Knowing somehow about the ruined temple and the Shiva linga, Ahom king Susenphaa (1439–1488) then built the temple right on that foundation and established the linga. However, as the Dihing river changed the course, the temple was again destroyed and merged into the river water. A devotee of lord Shiva found the ruined temple and the linga in the shallow water of river Dihing,[2] now this place is known as Sheetal Negheri.[2][3] Ahom king Rajeswar Singha (1751–1769) brought the linga from the river and reconstructed the present temple and established the linga in it.[2]


Architecture

The main temple is surrounded by four other temples namely the Bishnu, Ganesh, Surjya and Durga temple.[1][2][3][4] A Banalinga of 3 feet in diameter is established in the main temple.[2][3] According to legend a Rishi named Urba wanted to establish a second Kashi right on this place for which he collected lots of Shiva lingas there.[3]

The name

The place where the temple is located was once the habitat of a peculiar bird locally known as Negheri. From this name the place has come to be known as Negheriting.[2]

Maintenance

A priest named Bhudhar Agamacharji was appointed by king Rajeswar Singha for proper maintenance of the temple and also for the rituals to be performed. The Agamacharji family still performs worship and other maintenance works regularly.[1][4] Customs of performing songs and dances called Deonati were prominent there in the temple.[3]

The Monkeys

One of the attractions of the temple is the monkeys. The temple is the house of the rhesus monkeys where a sizeable population of this species is there.[2][5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Phukan, Muktikam (2006-06-23). "Historic Neghriting Sivadol in dilapidated condition". Retrieved 2009-08-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 Gogoi, Gunjan (2005-05-12). "Tourism potentials of Golaghat district with". Retrieved 2009-08-26.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "The Siva Doul of Negheriting dates back to 8th-9th century AD". Retrieved 2009-08-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Negheriting Siva Doul a potential tourist hotspot". 2006-12-24. Retrieved 2009-08-24.
  5. ↑ "Menace of rhesus monkeys at Jorhat". The Sentinel. 2009-05-13. Retrieved 2009-08-27.