Shri Shri Aswaklanta Temple

Shri Shri Aswaklanta Temple, perched on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Kamrup, Assam, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site steeped in mythology and history. Built in 1720 by the Ahom king Shiva Singha, the temple derives its name from the Sanskrit words “Ashwa” meaning horse and “Klanta” meaning tired.

According to legend, Lord Krishna’s horses grew weary at this very spot while he was in pursuit of the demon Narakasura, prompting him to pause and rest—thus giving rise to the temple’s evocative name. Another tale suggests that Arjuna was lured to this location so that his son Abhimanyu could be slain in battle, a tragic twist that adds a layer of poignancy to the site’s lore.

The temple complex houses two principal deities: Lord Janardana and Lord Anantasai Vishnu. The latter’s idol, dating back to the 11th century, is a striking example of early Indian sculptural artistry. Though the temple suffered significant damage during the 1897 earthquake, it was restored under the patronage of Lord Curzon, then Viceroy of India.

Once home to a sacrificial altar or “kunda,” the site has seen parts of its original structure lost to the shifting course of the Brahmaputra. Yet, the temple continues to draw devotees, especially during the festivals of Janmashtami and Ashokastami, when the air is filled with devotional fervor and traditional rituals.