Maa Kamakhya Temple 2026: Complete Guide to Darshan, Festivals & Pilgrim Tips
The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is one of India’s most powerful and ancient Shakti Peethas, located on the sacred Nilachal Hill. It draws millions of devotees seeking blessings from Goddess Kamakhya every year. This comprehensive 2026 guide provides all the essential practical information for a smooth pilgrimage: daily darshan and VIP timings, how to book special darshan, important 2026 festival dates like Ambubachi, the strict mandatory dress code, and key travel tips.
Kamakhya Temple Daily Darshan Timings & Schedule 2026
The temple is open every day, with timings divided into general darshan slots and ritual breaks. Confirm timings on the official website before your visit.
| Day | Morning Darshan | Temple Break (Bhog) | Afternoon Darshan | Temple Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday to Sunday | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: Arrive as soon as the temple opens in the morning. Expect very long queues on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and during festivals.
Kamakhya Temple VIP / Special Darshan 2026
To reduce waiting time, the temple offers a Special Entry (VIP) Darshan with a dedicated, faster queue.
- VIP Darshan Timings: Available during regular darshan hours (see table above).
- VIP Ticket Cost: Approximately ₹ 501 per person (subject to change; verify at the counter).
- How to Book VIP Darshan Online:
- Visit the official Assam government portal: https://prasang.assam.gov.in.
- Look for the “Kamakhya Temple” or “Maa Kamakhya Devalaya” section.
- Select “Special Darshan Ticket”, choose your date, enter devotee details, and make the payment.
- Save the e-ticket sent to your email/SMS. Carry a digital copy and a photo ID to the temple.
- Offline Booking: Tickets can be purchased at the Special Darshan counter near the temple entrance. Arrive very early as they sell out quickly.
- Benefit: Reduces wait time from several hours to about 30-60 minutes.
Ambubachi Mela 2026: Dates, Timings & Significance
Ambubachi Mela is the temple’s most significant festival, marking the annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya.
- Tentative 2026 Dates: Based on the Assamese calendar, the festival is expected to be observed from June 22 to June 25, 2026.
- Key Timing & Ritual:
- Temple Closure: The main sanctum closes for 3 days (starting June 22).
- Reopening: The temple reopens on the fourth day (June 25) with grand celebrations. The sacred Angodak (water) and Angavastra (cloth) are distributed as prasad.
- What to Expect: Lakhs of pilgrims, sadhus, and tantrics attend. Plan travel and accommodation at least 3-4 months in advance. Be prepared for extreme crowds.
Kamakhya Temple Dress Code & Strict Rules
A strict traditional dress code is mandatory for entering the main sanctum. Violators will be denied entry.
| For | Permitted Dress | Strictly NOT Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Women | Saree or Salwar Kameez with Dupatta covering the head. | Western dresses, skirts, jeans, pants, tops, leggings, short clothing. |
| Men | Dhoti or Traditional Kurta-Pyjama. | Shirts, T-shirts, trousers, jeans, shorts, bermudas. |
- Rental Shops: Dhotis and sarees are available for rent/purchase at shops on the temple approach stairs.
- Other Essential Rules:
- Footwear: Remove before entering the complex. Use paid stands.
- Mobile Phones & Bags: Strictly prohibited inside. Use the paid cloakroom at the entrance.
- Photography: Not allowed inside the sanctum.
How to Reach Kamakhya Temple & Essential Tips
- By Air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (GAU). ~20 km / 1-hour drive to the temple.
- By Train: Guwahati Railway Station (GHY). ~8 km / 30-45 minute drive.
- Local Transport: Hire taxis, auto-rickshaws, or take shared vans from the city to “Kamakhya Temple, Nilachal Hill.”
- Final Ascent: All vehicles stop at the hill base. You must either climb the stairs or use the escalator service (nominal fee) to reach the temple.
Pro Travel Tips for 2026:
- Start your day very early (by 5:00 AM for morning darshan).
- Carry cash for tickets, rentals, and donations.
- Use the cloakroom for phones and bags without fail.
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable footwear for the climb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the exact Kamakhya Devi temple timings for 2026?
A: Morning darshan is from 5:30 AM (Mon) / 8:00 AM (Tue-Sun) until 1:00 PM. Afternoon darshan is from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM daily.
Q2: How do I book Kamakhya Temple VIP darshan online for 2026?
A: Book through the official Assam government PRASANG portal. Select “Maa Kamakhya Devalaya,” choose “Special Darshan,” pick your date, pay online, and carry the e-ticket with ID.
Q3: What are the Kamakhya Temple timings during Ambubachi Mela 2026?
A: The sanctum is closed from June 22 to June 24, 2026. The outer complex is open. The temple reopens on June 25 with special darshan for all.
Q4: Is there a separate dress code for Kamakhya Temple puja?
A: The dress code is the same for darshan and puja. For specific rituals inside the sanctum, traditional attire (dhoti for men, saree for women) is strictly enforced.
Q5: What is the best time of year to visit in 2026?
A: The pleasant months from October to March are ideal. For a unique experience, plan for Ambubachi (June), but expect massive crowds.
Official Contact for 2026 Verification:
- Temple Office: Maa Kamakhya Devalaya, Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam – 781010.
- Phone: +91-361-2734654 (Best to call during office hours).
- Official Booking Portal: https://prasang.assam.gov.in
I hope this complete 2026 guide helps you plan a blessed and hassle-free visit to the sacred Maa Kamakhya Temple.
