History
In the land of India, one finds no dearth in temples and shrines thereby sufficing the need of its multi lingual and multi religious populace. Hajo is a name that deserves to be mentioning. Hajo is a primitive center for pilgrimage for all the three religions and these are namely Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.
The city of Hajo is situated on the banks of the famous river Brahmaputra , almost 32 kilometers away from the city of Guwahati, in the Kamrup district of Assam valley Hajo has drawn admiration of all the people. The whole area is thronged with innumerable ancient temples and also with some of the sacramental `artifacts`.
Amongst several temples that had been built in Hajo , the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir is considered to be the most renowned one. No one can stay away with out being enchanted by its aura. In Hajo Hayagriva Madhava Mandir is located on the Monikut hill. It is a stone temple with an image of Hayagriva Madhava enshrined in it. Various stories -all related to its formation are quite popular amongst the residents of the Hajo. The King Raghudeva Narayan constructed the present temple structure in the year 1583.
However, according to some historians, the temple was being built by the King of Pala dynasty as early as sixth century. The popular belief of most of the Buddhists of this Hajo area is that Gautama Buddhama achieved nirvana in this temple only. There are also Hindus residing in Hajo who has got their own set of belief. As per their notion, `presiding deity` is revered as the Man Lion incarnation of the famous Hindu god Vishnu. Further , it is said that at times of Purnananda Burhagohain, the first wife of Kalia Bhomora Barphukan named Sayani, contributed with a family of paiks and also a plot of land for the maintenance of the Hayagriva Madhava temple . About Hajo, few other stories too have gained popularity amongst its people. According to the Hindu mythology, the Pandavas had taken refuge in this area during their agyatvas i.e, at times of their hiding. One can even found the stone bowl used by one of the brothers of Pandava kings, called Bhima during this agyatvas time. Moreover a huge staircase which provides accessibility to the Hayagriba Madhava Temple of Hajo , has also been found. At the foot of the stairway there is a large pond occupied by a giant turtle. It is believed to be one of oldest residents of Hajo.
Amongst other temples that can been at Hajo are also quite a few in number. For instance during the supremacy of Ahom King, namely, Pramatta Singha in 1744 AD, Ganesha was built. Also the Kedareswara Temple is a `Shiva temple. The inscription that can be found in this temple of Hajo , clearly emphasizes the fact that it has been built during the period of Rajeswar Singha.
The Hajo also has a popular name amongst the Muslim devotees as well. Hajo houses the famous mosque, namely, Poa Mecca and thus has gained acclamation as a pilgrimage zone for the Muslims. Pir Ghiasuddin Aulia had constructed it. As per the inscription on the wall of this mosque of Hajo, Mir Lutufullah-i-Shiraji constructed it in 1657. It was the time period when Mughal emperor Shahjahan was in the throne. The Pao Mecca too has got other treasures that add to he glory of Hajo. The tomb of Gyasuddin Aulia was also found in front of the mosque of Hajo. It is believed that this person played the pioneering role of propagating Islam in this part of the globe. It is being assumed by many of the historians that for laying the foundation of the mosque of Hajo some earth from Mecca were used.
Considering the importance of Hajo as place of great significance, today, as per a reliable source the esteemed organization of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), have made a declaration of making three lesser-known ancient temples of Hajo as monuments of national importance. These include Kedar Temple, Ganesh Temple and Kameshwar Temple and efforts also are being taken to conserve these treasures of Hajo.