Bhairabi Temple, Tezpur

Devi (as Bhairabi / Bhairavi, a form of Durga) temple · Tezpur, Sonitpur, Assam, India

The Bhairabi Temple (Bhairabi Devalaya) is a shrine of the goddess Bhairabi on the outskirts of Tezpur, in Sonitpur district of Assam. Outlook Traveller describes it as a temple of the goddess Durga with both religious and historical importance, and Assam Tourism lists it among the pilgrimage places of Tezpur, alongside the Mahabhairab Temple and Agnigarh.

Wikipedia notes that the temple stands close to the Bharali river, with a view towards the Kolia Bhomora Setu bridge over the Brahmaputra. Like much of Tezpur, it is woven into the local legend of the asura king Banasura and his daughter Usha.

By the HinduTone Editorial Team · Last reviewed 1 November 2026. Editorial policy & corrections

Faith & Tradition

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Religious Significance of Bhairabi Temple, Tezpur

Wikipedia records that the goddess is worshipped here as Bhairavi, one of the ten Mahavidyas, the wisdom-goddess forms of Durga. Devotees regard the shrine as a place where prayers are answered, and lamps of ghee, sweets and fruit are offered at the temple, according to Wikipedia.

Assam Tourism notes that Tezpur features in Assamese folklore as the capital of King Banasura. As Assam Tourism and Outlook Traveller retell the story, Banasura confined his daughter Usha in Agnigarh, the 'fort of fire', after she fell in love with Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna; in the battle that followed between Krishna and Banasura, a devotee of Shiva, the city is said to have been covered in blood, giving Tezpur ('city of blood') its name. According to legend reported by both Outlook Traveller and Wikipedia, Usha regularly came to the Bhairabi temple to worship the goddess.

Durga Puja is the main occasion at the temple. Wikipedia states that Durga Puja is celebrated within the temple, and The Sentinel's report on Tezpur's Durga Puja in October 2023 named Bhairabi among the places in the town where Vedic chanting continued from midnight to morning to welcome the goddess.

Heritage

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History of Bhairabi Temple, Tezpur

Reliable historical information about the temple is limited. Wikipedia describes the present Bhairabi temple as about 400 years old, but cites no inscription or survey for this figure. It also notes that the Bamuni Hills, a couple of kilometres away, contain ruins of a much older structure whose carved stones date from the 9th century; that site is separate from the Bhairabi temple.

Wikipedia reports that the temple was damaged by an earthquake, leaving it slightly tilted, and that religious ceremonies were halted afterwards; it gives no date for the earthquake. The Sentinel's 2023 report of Durga Puja rituals at Bhairabi suggests that worship has continued in some form, so visitors should check the current position locally.

Architecture and sacred features

Wikipedia describes the entrance as a long staircase that rises from the approach road to the shrine. No reliable architectural survey of the temple was found.

Plan Your Visit

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Darshan and Visitor Information

The temple is reached by a long flight of steps, so allow time for the climb. Dress modestly and follow local customs and the instructions of the priests. Because sources disagree on whether regular rituals are currently held, confirm current arrangements locally in Tezpur or with the Sonitpur district administration before visiting.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.

Sacred Calendar

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Festivals at Bhairabi Temple, Tezpur

Ashvin (September–October)

Durga Puja

Celebrated within the temple, according to Wikipedia; The Sentinel (2023) reported night-long Vedic chanting at Bhairabi to welcome the goddess.

Location

How to Reach Bhairabi Temple, Tezpur

The temple is on the outskirts of Tezpur town, close to the Bharali river, according to Wikipedia. Tezpur, the headquarters of Sonitpur district, lies on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, and Assam Tourism suggests a day for seeing its main sights, which include the Bhairabi Temple, Agnigarh, the Mahabhairab Temple and the Bamuni Hills.

Location: Tezpur, Sonitpur, Assam, India

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Questions

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