Jorhat, Oct 18: For more than two centuries, Burhi Gosani Devalaya in Jorhat has remained a centre of devotion, drawing worshippers seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga and preserving a legacy rooted in Assam’s religious and cultural history.
Located at the eastern end of Gar Ali in the heart of Jorhat, the 232-year-old shrine, regarded locally as one of Assam’s revered Shakti Peethas, has witnessed a steady influx of devotees since Saturday as Durga Puja celebrations gathered momentum.
For many worshippers, visiting the temple is an integral part of their annual Durga Puja observances. Lighting earthen lamps and offering prayers are believed to help fulfil their wishes, bringing devotees from across Assam, other parts of India and abroad.
“Since 1794, the Goddess has been here, and puja has been performed ever since,” a member of the temple committee said.
The shrine’s rituals reflect long-standing traditions of worship. Offerings include goats, ducks and ash gourds, while buffalo sacrifice, practised in earlier times, has since been discontinued.
“We sacrifice ducks, goats and ash gourds. People from every religion come here,” the committee member added.
Beyond its religious significance, Burhi Gosani Devalaya has a history closely associated with the Ahom kingdom.
According to historical accounts, Ahom king Rudra Singha defeated the Jaintia king and brought the deity’s idol, along with other articles used in worship, to the Ahom kingdom.
Local belief holds that the idol was initially kept near the Burhi River, from which the name Burhi Gosani is said to have originated. The deity was later brought to Jorhat following the relocation of the Ahom capital to the town.
In 1794, the Goddess was formally installed at the present temple site on Gar Ali, with a priest named Sanatan Baruah entrusted with conducting the rituals.
The temple was originally conceived as a larger complex, but successive historical upheavals, including Burmese invasions, the Moamoria rebellion and British rule, prevented the plan from being fully realised.
Despite these disruptions, the shrine has retained its place in Jorhat’s religious life. Its annual Durga Puja observances continue to bring together worshippers from different backgrounds, sustaining a tradition passed down through generations.
For devotees, the visit is more than an annual religious obligation. It represents a continuing connection with the region’s history, shared beliefs and cultural heritage, keeping Burhi Gosani Devalaya at the heart of Jorhat’s Durga Puja celebrations.