The Sacred Shrines
Hayagriva-Madhava Temple:
The Hayagriva-Madhava temple on the Manikuta hill is one
of the few most popular Vaishnava Tirthas of Assam. Though
the temple here was renovated in AD 1583, it still bears
sculptures and features, which can be assigned to 8th-9th
century AD.
Fakuwa Dol:
Another temple in the precinct of this temple is a stepped
structure known as the Fakuwa Dol, which does not resembles
any traditional form of Hindu temple architecture. The foothill
of this hill contains a pond with numerous fishes and the
visitors derive additional pleasures by attracting them
with eatables.
Ganesh Mandir:
Half a kilometre east of the Hayagriva Madhava temple
exists the Ganesh Mandir. The site of the temple originally
contained a big image of Ganesh cut on the western face
of huge rock, over which the present brick temple was built
during the late-medieval period.
Kedar Temple & Devi Temple:
The Kedar temple exists on the top of the Kedar Hill.
It is a stone-built Shiva temple, which can be reached by
scaling a hilly path from the foothills. On the same hill
exists another historical temple, Jai Durga by name popularly
known as a Devi temple. There is also an old pond near these
temples, which is equally venerated as a pious shrine by
the pilgrims.
A Pious Place of Buddhism
Hajo is believed by the Bhutanese people as the place
of "Parinirvana" (i.e. death) of 'Mahamuni' alias
the Buddha. They believe the image inside the Hayagriva-Madhava
temple to be that of Mahamuni.
Poa Mecca - An Islamic Specimen
The lofty Garurachala Hill beside the Kedar Hill contains
a holy shrine of the Mohammedans. It is known as Poa Mecca
and contains a mosque and the grave of a saint. A Persian
epigraph at this site shows that the old mosque, which is
present no more, was built during the reign of the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan in AD 1657.
The grave here is believed to be of Giyasuddin Auliya who
came in 16th century AD to preach Islam in this region.
It is also believed that the preacher brought a lump of
earth from Mecca and enshrined the same at a spot where
the mosque was built in a later period. The orthodox Muslims
believe that Poa Mecca blesses a pilgrim with one-forth
of piety, which can be achieved by a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Though situated at the peak of a lofty hill, Poa Mecca can
be visited by a light vehicle through a well-pitched meandering
road.
How to Get There
Air:
Guwahati is the nearest airport from Hajo.
Rail:
The nearest railhead from Hajo is also situated at Guwahati.
Road:
A motorable road from Guwahati links Hajo with the rest
of state.
