Vasishtha Ashrama

Basistha Temple, Guwahati

Vasishtha Ashrama (वसिष्ठ आश्रम) is a hermitage of Rishi Vasishtha mentioned in Mahabharata (III.82.121). Vasishtha (वसिष्ठ) or Vashistha (वशिष्ठ) is name of a Rishi mentioned by Panini in Ashtadhyayi and in Mahabharata.

Variants

• Vasishthashrama (वसिष्ठ आश्रम)
• Vashishtha Ashrama (वशिष्ठ आश्रम)
• Basistha Ashram/ Basisthashram (बसिष्ठ आश्रम)
• Basistha Temple (बसिष्ठ मंदिर)

Location

Vashishtha Ashrama is located at a distance of around 15 kms south of Guwahati, the capital of Assam.

In Mahabharata

Vasishtha (वासिष्ठ) (III.82.43)

Vasishtha Ashrama (वसिष्ठ आश्रम) (Tirtha) is mentioned in Mahabharata (III.82.121),

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Vana Parva, Mahabharata/Book III Chapter 82 mentions names Pilgrims. Vasishtha Ashrama (वासिष्ठ) (Tirtha) is mentioned in (III.82.43)...... Then, O Bharata, should one proceed to Rishikulya (ऋषिकुल्य) (III.82.43) and Vasishtha (वासिष्ठ) (III.82.43). By visiting the latter, all orders attain to Brahmanhood. Repairing to Rishikulya and bathing there, and living a month upon herbs, and worshipping the gods and Pitris, one is cleansed of all his sins, and obtaineth the region of the Rishis. Proceeding next to Bhrigutunga (भृगुतुङ्ग) (III.82.45) a person acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice

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Vana Parva, Mahabharata/Book III Chapter 82 mentions names Pilgrims. Vasishtha Ashrama (वसिष्ठ आश्रम) (Tirtha) is mentioned in Mahabharata (III.82.121)...... O king, those that give away at the confluence of the Nischira, ascend to the blessed region of Brahma. There in that tirtha is the asylum of Vasishthashrama (वसिष्ठ आश्रम) (III.82.121) that is known over the three worlds. Bathing there, one obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. Proceeding next to Devakuta (देवकूट) (III.82.122) that is resorted to by celestial Rishis....

History

Vashishtha Ashrama is located at a distance of around 15 kms south of Guwahati, the capital of Assam. It is an enchanting place that is worth visiting. This tranquil place was named after the sage Vashishtha. According to the epic Ramayana, Vashishtha was the teacher and guru of Rama, who imparted teaching to him and guided his grooming. People believe that during the times of Ramayana, this sage Vashisht had his ashram at this place. Therefore this place has a great significance as per the religious beliefs of people are concerned. Many devotees come here across the country to pay their homage to the great saint and also to experience the tranquility and serenity of this retreat. Vashishtha Ashrama has a beautiful location. It is located in the middle of scenic surroundings. This picturesque place has three streams flowing nearby. These three rivulets are named Lalita, Kanta and Sandhya. Due to this wonderful location, tourists also frequent this ashram. Besides the devotees and pilgrims, you will find many common tourists also coming to this beautiful place.

A bath here is said to increase longevity. A temple of Shiva is attached to the hermitage of Vasistha. Many devotees visit Vasishtha Ashrama and take bath in the stream nearby to wash off their sins. The present temple in Vasistha Ashrama, which is incidentally the last Ahom monument in the neighbourhood of Guwahati, was built in the second half of the 18th century by King Rajesvar Singh of the Ahom dynasty. In its plan and other architectural features this modest temple closely resembles the other temples in the region.

Basisthashram

Basisthashram is believed to be the home of famous sage Basistha, also known as "Vasishtha". The ashram is located a 12 km from Guwahati, on the outskirts of Garbhanga reserve forest which has an ample population of elephants. This Garbhanga reserve forest is also a proposed butterfly reserve. Although the ashram has a temple but still the cave in which the Muni Vasistha is believed to have meditated is located 5 km inside the ashram. The ashram also has a waterfall.

The site has evidence of a stone temple which once stood at this spot around 1000-1100 CE A brick temple has been built upon the remains of the stone temple of an earlier period. It is an octagonal temple with a polygonal sikhara over it. The temple has a sunken garbhagriha which is believed to have the foot impression of the sage Vasistha, who is believed to have had his asrama in this area in the remote past. A brick temple was built by Ahom king Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha in mid 18th century.

Basistha Temple

Basistha temple, located in the south-east corner of Guwahati city, Assam, India, is a Shiva mandir. The history of the Basistha Ashram where the temple is located dates back to the Vedic age. According to legend the ashram was founded by the great saint Basistha (Vasishtha). Temple in the ashram stands on the bank of the mountain streams originating from the hills of Meghalaya, which becomes the rivers Basistha and Bahini/Bharalu flowing through the city.

वशिष्ठ मंदिर

वशिष्ठ मंदिर भारत के असम राज्य में गुवाहाटी नगर के दिसपुर उपनगर में स्थित एक शिव मंदिर है. मान्यता है कि इस शिव को समर्पित मंदिर की स्थापना वैदिक काल में महऋषि वशिष्ठ ने करी थी और यहाँ उनका आश्रम था. यह मेघालय की सीमा के समीप है. यहाँ से कई जलधाराएँ आती हैं जिनके किनारे यह मंदिर व आश्रम स्थित है और जो यहाँ से आगे वशिष्ठ नदी और बाहिनी नदी के रूप में नगर की ओर बहती हैं. यह स्थान वन से घिरा है.