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Asvakranta Temple, Guwahati
Vishnu / Krishna · Brahmaputra, Assam
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
The Asvakranta Temple stands on the north bank of the Brahmaputra at Guwahati, a Vishnu shrine bound to the legend of Krishna’s march against the demon Narakasura. Its name — “where the horses trod” — recalls the army that is said to have halted here, and the temple looks out over the great river that defines the city.
Where Krishna’s horses halted
Local tradition links Asvakranta to Krishna’s expedition to slay Narakasura, the demon-king of Pragjyotishpura (old Guwahati). The horses of the army are said to have rested at this riverside spot, giving the shrine its name. Vishnu is worshipped here, and the temple holds images of the lord in his reclining and other forms.
An Ahom-era shrine on the great river
The present temple was rebuilt in the 18th century under the Ahom king Shiva Singha, in the regional style of Assam. It sits on the rocky north bank of the Brahmaputra, and at certain seasons part of the lower shrine is touched by the river’s rising waters — a meeting of temple and stream typical of Guwahati’s sacred geography.
Part of Guwahati’s sacred riverfront
Asvakranta is one of a cluster of riverside and hill shrines that make Guwahati a city of temples, alongside Kamakhya on Nilachal hill and Umananda on its island. Janmashtami and the Vaishnava festivals are the main occasions, when devotees cross to the north bank for worship.
How to reach Asvakranta
- By road/ferry: the temple is in North Guwahati, reached by the Saraighat bridge or by ferry across the Brahmaputra.
- By train: Guwahati railway station is the main railhead.
- By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, is the nearest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legend of Asvakranta Temple?
The temple is linked to Krishna’s march against the demon Narakasura of old Guwahati; the horses of the army are said to have halted here, giving the shrine its name, “where the horses trod.”
Who is worshipped at Asvakranta?
Vishnu is the presiding deity, worshipped in reclining and other forms, in a shrine bound to the Krishna tradition of Assam.
Where is the Asvakranta Temple?
It stands on the north bank of the Brahmaputra in North Guwahati, Assam, looking out over the great river.
When was the temple built?
The present temple was rebuilt in the 18th century under the Ahom king Shiva Singha, in the regional architectural style of Assam.
How do I reach Asvakranta?
It is in North Guwahati, reached by the Saraighat bridge or by ferry across the Brahmaputra. Guwahati railway station and airport serve the city.
What other temples are near Asvakranta?
Guwahati’s sacred riverfront also includes the Kamakhya temple on Nilachal hill and the Umananda temple on an island in the Brahmaputra.
॥ जय श्री कृष्ण ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Vishnu / Krishna |
| Legend | Krishna’s horses halted here en route to slay Narakasura |
| River | Brahmaputra (north bank) |
| Rebuilt | 18th c, Ahom king Shiva Singha |
| City | Guwahati |
| Main Festival | Janmashtami |