Bhuvan Pahar, a pilgrim spot in Assam

Bhuvan Pahar is the nearest and cheapest pilgrim spot for the people of Barak Valley, situated in the Nnorth-Eastern state of Assam. This place is famous for the Shiva temple situated at the top of this hill. Thousands of people from various parts of the state flock to Bhuvan Pahar during the 'Maha Shivratri' and 'Dol Purnima' to worship Lord Shiva.

On the way to the Bhuban

Situated almost 50 kms away from the heart of town Silchar, it is a very significant pilgrimage place of Assam. Car and bus services are available till the foot of the hill. Buses and cars can be availed from Silchar as per the requirement. Special buses are run during the festive season in the month of February and March. These transportation modes take you upto Motinagar, a small place at the foot of the hill. However, if one has private car, then they can take it upto Panichowki, a few kilometres up the hill. The road is broad and good till this point. From this place, the pilgrims can only walk and no vehicle can go beyond this place. Many Khasi families live at Panichowki and earn their livelihood by selling paan, supari and tea-snacks. It takes almost 3 to 4 hours to climb the hill and to reach the place where the famous Shiva temple is situated.

On the way, there lies a renowned Lakshmi cave temple. It is believed that only virtuous and devoted people can reach there. But many people do not take the risk and directly approach towards the Bhuvan Baba's temple at the top. It is an amazing experience to pass a whole night at the top of this hill from where a far view of the amazing Mizoram hills can be seen. It is also better to spend a night there as it becomes very tiresome to return on the same day. People usually climb the hill with sticks on their hand to support as it is very steep. The pilgrims sometime take some packed food with them and few prepare their food going there, which becomes more or less like a picnic. Some local vendors also set up their stalls during this season.

Even though, the walk through the steep hill becomes tiring and risky but the scenic view around lessens the pain. You can hear the chirping of birds and monkeys jumping from one to another tree on the way. It is always better to take torch, candle, sticks and basic medicine for the safety reasons. Some adventurous lot prefer to take a short and dangerous road from the other way i,e, from Ganganagar but the suggested and safe route is from Motinagar. Regular travellers suggest to start climbing either in the early morning or late evening to avoid scorching heat on the way.

There is a big pond in front of the Shiva Temple premise of Bhuvan Pahar where the pilgrims take holy bath before worshipping Shiva Linga. During this time of the season, food vendors from various parts of the city gather their to make a good business from the pilgrims. However, the management also build some temporary shacks for the pilgrims who rent it either for a night or two.

So, if you are in Assam and luckily in Barak Valley during this time, don't miss to pay a visit to this small but adventurous pilgrim spot Bhuvan Pahar.