Shiva Dol Sivasagar

Sivasagar Sivadol is a group of structures comprising three Hindu temples of Sivadol, Visnudol, and Devidol, other shrines, and a museum.

The Shiva Dol temple is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. It is a major place of worship in the state of Assam East India and devotees consider it a once-in-a-lifetime journey to make it here. The best time to see this temple and feel the warmth of worship is around the festive season of Shivaratri, where the colors of devotion and decoration are at their finest.

Shiva Dol is the tallest Shiva temple in the entire Northeast of India. It is the highest temple in the country as well with a height of 104 feet. The Vishnu Dol and Devi Dol are the other two small temples surrounding this tall temple and are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga. These temples are situated on the banks of the famous Sibsagar Lake which is more than 200 years old.

The Shiva Dol has a massive dome on top and is called the Kosoloi. This part of the temple is made of pure gold. The pillars and walls of the temples have engravings in the form of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. This was created by the kings of the Ahom dynasty.

History

Sibsagar, present-day Sivasagar, was the capital of the Ahom kingdom. The Ahoms had migrated from South China in 1228 and established their first capital at Charaideo 28 kilometers (17 mi) from present-day Sivsagar in 1253. Initially, they were Buddhists, though Hinduism came to prevail. It was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom till the British Raj was established in India. The tank was constructed between 1731 and 1738 and the temples were built in 1734 by Bar Raja Ambika, queen of Ahom king Swargadeo Siba Singha.