The temple is one of the 108 ‘Shakti Peethas’ making it the most acclaimed Shakti shrines in the country. Perched on the Nilachal Hill and overlooking the West of the Guwahati city, it is one of the most ancient temples in the state. The temple is dedicated to goddess Sati, an incarnation of goddess Durga and the consort of Lord Shiva. The Kamakhya shrine has a unique structural style that is shaped in the form of a beehive surrounded by different sculptures of different gods. The edifices are said to be built in the medieval style. The temple consist of three shrines, one has the main deity while the other two have idols of the gods. The main chamber where the worship is carried out is said to be a rock in the shape of a ‘yoni’ where Sati’s womb fell; with natural spring water passing through it.

The major attraction of the Kamakhya temple is the method of worship which is peculiar in comparison to the other shrines in India. The goddess of Kamakhya is worshipped in two different ways: the Vamachara way which strictly follows the practices of the Vedas and the Dakshinachara way which do not follow the heterodox methods. Offerings such as flowers, fruits and animal scarifies are imperative part of worship.

Ambubachi Mela is an annual fair held at Guwahati’s Kamakhya Temple to celebrate the fertility of mother nature.  Every year lakhs of pilgrims, starting from Sadhus to householders, from all over India, come to Guwahati to observe this festival. They include Sanyasins, black clad Aghoras, the Khade-babas, the Baul or singing minstrels of West Bengal, intellectual and folk Tantriks, Sadhus and Sadhvis with long entwined hair. Foreigners from abroad too come to seek blessings of mother Kamakhya.