Nilachal Hill stands high at
Guwahati, with a height of 562 ft above sea level. The famous
Kamakhya Temple is situated on top of it.
The name ‘Nilachal’ literally means ‘blue mountain.’ According to legends, Goddess Parvati angered with the disrespect shown by her father, King Daksha, towards her husband Lord Shiva burned herself to ashes. Lord Shiva overcome with grief wandered with his wife’s remains.
Since Shiva is known for his destructive powers, three gods namely Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Lord Sani entered the corpse of the goddess and disposed it in parts, in an attempt to save the world. The places were the pieces fell came to be regarded as sacred places for worshipping the goddess.
The genital organ of the goddess fell on the Nilachal Hill, which was believed to be a representation of Lord Shiva. As soon as the organ fell on the mountain, it turned blue thus giving the mountain its name. The goddess came to be known by the name ‘Kamakhya,’ and is worshipped in the temple built on the top of hill.
