Khajuraho of Assam: Madan Kamdev Temple of Baihata Chariali: A Historical Research and Review

Madan Kamdev is historically, culturally and naturally very prosperous place in Assam. The ruins of Madan Kamdev Temple have resemblances with the Khajuraho Temple of Madhya Pradesh. It is situated at Bezera Block in Kamrup district (Rural) at the top of Dewangiri hills. 'Kamrup' the ancient name of Assam, is believed to have derived its name from the legend the 'God of Love' or Madan. Scattered all around the Dewangiri hillock with an idyllic backdrop of green hills and flowing rivulets are griffins, nymphs, dancing fairies, gods and goddesses in cosmic evolutions, walls, pillars, lintels and door frames decorated with flowers, animals, Kalpa-vriksha, six sided Bhairava, four headed Siva, Demons, Serpents and men, women and animals in every conceivable erotic posture, all in ruins of gigantic proportion that is Madan Kamdev. It is believed that Kama or Madan, the God of Love was reborn in this place after being turned into ashes by the angry Lord Siva. Some scholars think that Madan was reborn and united with his wife Rati upon this tiny hillock. According to some other historians it is a romantic association as numerous erotic sculptures are found here. Madan Kamdev belongs to the Pala Dynasty, between 10th to 12th centuries A.D.