Majuli stands proudly as the world’s largest river island, gracefully nestled in the Brahmaputra’s embrace. Meanwhile, Guwahati boasts the distinction of hosting the world’s smallest inhabited river island, known as Peacock or Urvasi Island.
On this island, atop the Bhasmachal hill, rests the sacred Umananda Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s name, Umananda, comes from two words: Uma, representing Lord Shiva’s wife, and Ananda, meaning happiness.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva once resided on the island in the form of Bhayananda. During his meditation on the hill, the tranquil atmosphere was disrupted when Kamadeva, the God of Love, dared to interrupt. In response, Lord Shiva’s wrath consumed Kamadeva, reducing him to ashes.
The consequential hill, witness to this divine episode, came to be known as Bhasmachal, a testament to the transformative power of Lord Shiva’s anger.
