Located about 32 km from the main city of Guwahati, Hajo is an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. Situated on the embankments of the River Brahmaputra, is a prehistoric place of vast historical significance. It is the place that exemplifies secularism that India boasts of. The place is sacred for pilgrims of all the three religions as it houses the Shrines of each of these religions. It is home to antique and medieval temples and mosques and according to legends; this is the place where Lord Buddha attained parinirvana.
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| Hajo – Poa Mecca , assam |
Hajo was under the rule of different royal powers from early era to the late medieval period and was a significant seat of rule of three powerful dynasties of Assam, namely the Koch, Mughals and the Ahoms. This place was once upon a time the capital of Koch Dynasty during the 16th century when Raghudev, the son of Vir Chilarai and the nephew of king Naranarayana established the Koch Dynasty after it was divided. The realm of Koch Hajo enclosed a huge area that included Goalpara, North Kamrup and a portion of the erstwhile Darrang district. The present Mangaldoi subdivision was also a part of the then Koch Hajo kingdom.
The Hayagriva Madhab Temple, situated on Manikuta Hill is one of the most revered Hindu temples of the state, which is also considered to be the oldest temples in the region. It was built during the 6th century by the ruler of Pala Dynasty; however, owing to destruction by the army that invaded Assam, it was reconstructed by the King of Koch Hajo dynasty Raghudeva Narayan in the year 1583. Made of stone, it houses the idol of Hayagriva Madhab, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The main shrine preserves the Pancha Madhab, the five forms of Vishnu. It is the most frequented pilgrimages of the hamlet.
Hajo is also a sacred place for the Buddhist as some of the followers of Buddhism as well as scholars believe that Lord Buddha had attained parinirvana at this place. Many Buddhists across the globe visits this place to seek blessings. A monastery is there in this hamlet, which is frequented by Buddhist pilgrims from near and far. Hajo also houses religious place for the followers of Muslim religion. The Powa Mecca, which means one fourth of Mecca, the holy city of the Muslims is situated in this place. It is said that those who cannot afford to visit Mecca once in their lifetime owing to financial or health issues can visit Powa Mecca four times to complete their religious obligation. Owing to the presence of Powa Mecca and several mosques as well as Dargah Sharif of Muslim Saints, Hajo is a revered place for even the Muslims.
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