RANGIYA, Dec 19 � The Bhairabeswari Devalaya, an ancient Hindu shrine located in Gurmow village of Rangiya in Kamrup district, has immense potential for boosting the eco-tourism of the State. The Devalay, built during the reign of the Pala dynasty, bears the stamp of Hindu mythology and traditional beliefs.
The shrine, according to traditional beliefs of the people, with its picturesque beauty, has been attracting devotees who come and offer prayers here since long. The remains of the beautiful sculptures depicting Buddha and the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu exhibit the glorious past of this site. Moreover, fine stone - carved statues of Vishnu in various incarnations are also to be seen, along with sculptures of a �dwarpala�, dragon and artistic circles carved in stones.
Besides these, flowers and clay vessels also stand testimony to the devalaya with rich resources having similar importance. As per myth, the structure speaks about the occurrence of a great natural calamity in the past leading to its demolition of the original shape with remnants of the temple found scattered near the site.
Archeological experts are of the view that the main shrine of the temple was of Lord Vishnu and the statues of this devalaya have similarities with those available at Madan Kamdeva near Baihata Chariali.
While the rich architecture of the devalaya grab attention, equally fascinating is the picturesque landscape encompassing it. The 43 bigha and 3 katha plot, including a reservior that has turned into a home of a large variety of migratory birds is also worth mentioning.
Thousands of local endangered avian species including patihah, dauk, paanikauri, bogoli, doikla, kona musori, kamsoria, samuk bhonga etc have made it their habitat from the period of November to December. There is also a tributary flowing near the place adding more beauty to the spot.
Different festivals are held in the month of January with visitors coming in from different corners of the State.
In view of the growing importance of the devalaya with visitors thronging and the scenic beauty wooing rare varieties of birds, the authorities concerned, particularly the Department of Archeology should take urgent steps to develop it as an eco-tourism hotspot.
It is also worth mentioning that the pond located nearby the temple site, named the Bhairabeswari pond after the name of the main shrine, is also another beautifying factor.
