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Deutsch Sibsagar or Sivasagar (Assamese: শিৱসাগৰ) is a city in Upper Assam. Sibsagar is famous for its monuments of the Ahom kingdom. It also houses the burial sites of Ahom kings, known as Moidam, a 
UNESCO World Heritage Site Heritage Site. Now it is a multi-cultural city.
Understand
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Sivasagar, formerly known as Rangpur, was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom from 1699 to 1788. In 1733, the Ahom queen Ambika devi dug a tank at the Ahom capital Rangpur. The tank covered 257 acres. A Shiva temple was built next to the tank and the tank came to be known as Shivsagar (sea of Shiva). With the passage of time, the entire region came to be known as Sibsagar. Today, the area in and around Sibsagar houses several temples along with pavilions, tanks and strategic military structures. 25 km south-east of Sibsagar lies the royal burial grounds of the Ahom Kings. These conical hill-like grass-covered structures were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024. The temples of Sivasagar follow a Nilachal style, a distinctive indigenous architecture style. Named after the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, it originates at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. It is characterized by a bulbous, beehive-like polygonal dome built over a multi-faceted base. This regional style combines traditional North Indian Nagara principles with Saracenic (Islamic) and local Assamese structural traditions. Despite its hybrid nature, the result is an organic and highly recognizable form of architecture. The temples of Sivasagar are located on the banks of the artificial lakes. They usually come in a cluster of three, consisting of the Shiva Dol, Devi Dol and Vishnu Dol.
Get in
[edit | edit source]By plane
[edit | edit source]- Shibsagar doesn't have an airport. The nearest airports is in Jorhat (JRH IATA) (55 km), Other nearby airports are Dibrugarh (DIB IATA) (80 km) and Guwahati (369 km).
By train
[edit | edit source]- 1 Shivasagar NFR (SRTN). Well connected with north east and rest of India
By bus
[edit | edit source]- 2 ASTC Shivasagar. Buses ply regularly from Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Guwahati. Buses ply regularly from Simaluguri towards Sibsagar.
Get around
[edit | edit source]Auto rickshaws can provide access to the temples and Ahom-era structures within the city. For beyond the city, a hired car is essential. Cars can be arranged by hotels and local tour operators. Also, Shibsagar can be explored from Jorhat in a day trip.
See
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The tourist spots of Sibsagar can be classified under 4 groups:
- West of Sivasagar Tank
- Sivasagar and Joysagar Tank region
- East of Sivasagar Tank
- Beyond Sivasagar
West of Sivasagar Tank
[edit | edit source]- 1 Gourisagar Tank (12 km west of Sibasagar town). Gourisagar Tank is an artificial lake dating back to the Ahom dynasty. It was excavated between 1715 and 1719 by Queen Phuleswari, the chief consort of Ahom King Siva Singha, also known as Sutanpha (reign: 1714 – 44). On the northern banks of the lake lie three temples. Devi Dol, Shiva Dol and Vishnu Dol. The exterior walls of all the three Gaurisagra temple are embellished with carved bas-relief sculptures portraying various divine figures.The temples are located inside a bazzar (market) area, which is very congested. It is best to park the car on the main road and walk in.
- 2 Gaurisagar Devi Dol. The biggest of the group, consecrated to Goddess Durga. The temple consists of a garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and mandap. The sanctum sanctorum is toppew with an elegant nagara-sikhara (spire). The main spire is accompanied by four smaller miniature spires (angashikhara). A rectangular outdoor assembly hall (mandap) capped with a do-chala (two-roofed hut) occupies the front part of the temple.
- 3 Gaurisagar Shiva Dol. Very similar to the nearby Devi Dol but smaller in size. It follows a similar floor plan with a similar spire.
- 4 Gaurisagar Vishnu Dol. This is located west of the Shiva Dol and has a similar floor plan. The spire differs from the other two, and the honeycomb design is similar to the one in Kamayakha.
- 5 Namdang Stone Bridge. The Ahom-era stone bridge was built in 1703 by the Ahom king Rudra Singha. It runs over the Namdang river, a tributary of the Dikhou river. The bridge is on NH 37 and connects Jorhat with Sibsagar. The bridge spans 60 m in length, 6-6.5 m in width and stands about 1.7 m high. It has six culvert for the water passage.
- 6 Na Pukhuri Shiva Dol (Rudrasagar Shiva Dol) (North bank of Na Pukhuri). Construction of the temple began in 1773 during the reign of the Ahom king (reign: 1769 – 80) and was completed during the reign of Gaurinath Singha (1780 – 94). It holds immense historical significance as the last major temple built during the Ahom era. The temple follows the traditional Nilachal style, complete with the garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and mandap. It follows the pancha-ratha along with angashikhara.
- 7 Pohu Garh. It was once the natural zoo of the Ahom Kings. It was an initiative of Rudra Singha during 1696-1714. It was built for animals including rhinoceros, deer, tigers and elephants. Today, the area is home to several migratory birds. Flocks of Siberain Pelican, Glossy Ibis, Bar-headed goose, Greylag Goose and numerous other species arrive in Pohu Garh during the month of November and December.
Sivasagar and Joysagar Tank region
[edit | edit source]- 8 Joysagar Tank. The lake was excavated in 1697 in a record 45 days by Ahom King Rudra Singha (reign:1696 – 1714), in honor of his mother, Joymoti Konwari. On the northern banks of the lake stands the Joysagar Vishnu and Shiva Dol. On the western bank stands the Joysagar Devi Dol and Ghanashyam’s House.
- 9 Joysagar Vishnu Dol (Keshavnarayan Vishnu) (North bank of Joysagar tank). Constructed in 1698 by Ahom king Swargadeo Rudra Singha (1696–1714) in honour and memory of his mother Joymoti. The temple follows the traditional Nilachal style, complete with the garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and mandap. It has a honeycomb-style spire, similar to the one in Kamayakha. The exterior walls of the main shrine are carved with various incarnations of Vishnu, other deities, animals and hunting scenes. A thatched metal shed has been added in front of the mandap of the temple. The temple complex also houses 3 do-chala structures. Two are at the back of the temple and one is on the side. The side one has a do-chala extension. ₹20.
- 10 Joysagar Shiva Dol (Vaidya Natha). It was built in 1698 by the Ahom King Rudra Singha (reign: 1696 – 1714). It has a central pinnacle along with 4 corners pinnacles. The entrance is through a do-chala mandap. The outer wall has niches in the wall containing stucco figurines representing various aspects of Lord Siva. The complex also has a do-chal structure north-west of the main shrine.
- 11 Joysagar Devi Dol. Again, a creation of Ahom King Rudra Singha (reign: 1696 – 1714). This temple stands on the west bank of Joysagara, near the north-west corner. The temple follows the do-chala architecture style with a do-chala mandap.
- 12 Ghanashyam House (Nati Gosain dol) (West bank of Joysagar Tank). It is an early 18th-century brick temple built during the reign of the king Rudra Singha dedicated to the architect Ghanashyam. The temple was constructed by one Ghanasyamuddin Khanikar, later renamed as Ghanashyam. It is believed that Ghanashyam was earlier a Muslim who converted to Hinduism. As a result the temple is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural elements. The brick-built temple has rich terracotta ornamentation. The temple is located inside the Swargadeo Rudrasingha Udyan Complex. For access to the temple, entry tickets and camera charges of the park are to be paid ₹60 entry, ₹100 for camera.
- 13 Jagadhatri Doul. Jagadhatri Doul was built during the period of Swargadeo Shiva Singha. The brother of Phuleswari Kunwori, Harinath Borpatra Gohain worshipped Jagadhatri Devi. Neraby is a Vishnu Doul constructed by Hari Nath Borpatra Gohain during the time of Swargadeo Shiva Singha (1774-1744)
- 14 Fakua Dol. Fakuwa Doul was constructed by Swargadeo Rudra Singha in remembrance of his mother Queen Joymati Kunwari, between 1703 and 1704 A.D. Although considered a temple, locals believe it to be a maidam, a burial chamber of Ahom royals. It is believed to be a burial chamber of Queen Joymati, the patriotic wife of Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha. The pyramidical structure stands on an octagonal base. Four sets of stairs lead to the top, housing the shrine.
- 15 Ranganath Dol. Built in 1703 by Sukhrungphaa, the 30th Ahom king. The Shiva temple houses a lingam. A do-chala mandapa is attached to the sanctum. A newly built shed is attached to the do-chala mandap.
- 16 Hara Gouri Dol. This is a brick-built temple constructed during the reign of the Ahom king Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha (1751 – 1769 AD). The inner sanctum of the temple follows the do-chala style and is attached with a do-chala pavilion. The temple is profusely ornamented, with the upper part of the outerwall containing floral designs.
- 17 Talatal Ghar. Built by Rajeswara Singha (AD 1751-1769). All the rooms were connected with small passages. Talatal ghar had three storeys underground and four storeys above ground. The remains of this palace is standing tall in Sivasagar town. Though top levels of the palace having wooden works are completely destroyed. All the rooms were connected with small passages. Similarly the underground levels are closed for tourists. Bortop (guns) preserved in Talatal Ghar.
- 18 Gola Ghar. An ammunition storehouse used by the Ahom Kings. It was built during the reign of Chakradhwaj Singha (1663-1669 AD). It represents a rectangular brick hut with a two-layered (do-chala) roof. It has been renovated as a museum gallery. It displays various weapons, arms, armour, process of making gunpowder
- 19 Rang Ghar (ৰংঘৰ Roṁghor). A two-storied building, which was the royal sports-pavilion from which the Ahom kings and nobles witnessed games like buffalo fights and other sports at the Rupahi Pathar (pathar meaning field in Assamese) specially during Rangali Bihu festival in the Ahom capital, Rangpur. On the roof of the Rang Ghar is a design of an Ahom royal long boat. The building was constructed during the reign of Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in 1746. It is northeast of the Talatal Ghar, a multi-storied royal complex in Joysagar west of Sivasagar town, on the other side of the Assam Trunk (AT) Road in Sibsagar district in Assam.
The Rang Ghar is said to be the oldest amphitheatre in Asia. The base of the monument has a series of arched entrances and atop the roof is a decorative pair of carved stone crocodiles. In many of these, only the brick framework exists with vestiges of sculptural adornments here and there. The Ahoms, who used special thin baked bricks, did not have the use of cement and, therefore, used a paste of rice and eggs as mortar for their construction. - 20 Sivasagar Tank (Boro Pukhori). The lake dates back to 1734 and was an initiative of Queen Ambika, wife of Ahom King Siva Singha (reign:1714 – 44). On the southern bank of the lake stands the Siva, Devi and Vishnu Dol. Queen Ambika also constructed the temples. Like the other temples of Sivasagar, these are also active temples, but unlike the others, they are visited by a large number of devotees every year.
- 21 Sivasagar Shiva Dol (Boro Pukhori). Standing at 32 m it is the tallest of the temples in the Sivasagar region. The spire of the pancha-rath structure is accompanied by four smaller miniature spires (angashikhara) positioned precisely in the four cardinal directions. The mandap is of char-chala style. A thatched metal shed has been added in front of the mandap of the temple.
- 22 Sivasagar Vishnu Dol (Boro Pukhori). The Devi Dol is located west of the Shiva Dol, and both temples face south. Here the mandap is do-chala and has a thatched metal shed extension. The spire has vertical ridges and has 8 turrets (2 each on 4 sides).
- 23 Sivasagar Devi Dol. This temple lies on the eastern part of the complex and faces west. The spire is built in honey comb style with 8 turrets.
- 24 Tai Ahom Museum (Western bank of Shiv Sagar Tank). The 1992 museum showcases a fascinating repository providing an insight into the grandeur of the Ahom dynasty. From ornate goblets to ceremonial palanquins to swords, shields, canons from the Ahom royals. Beyond the royal collection, the museum exhibits items of everyday life for Assamese people, including fishing and hunting equipment. The museum also showcases a rich collection of rare manuscripts.
East of Sivasagar Tank
[edit | edit source]- 25 Kareng Ghar (Garhgaon Palace). Considered the finest example of Ahom architecture, it served as the administrative building of the kingdom. It was built of wood up to the reign of Swargadeo Pramatta Singha, 1751 AD. But Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha built the present permanent structure in 1752 AD with seven storied palace made of bricks and boulders.. West of the Kareng Ghar lies a structure named 26 Gola Ghar (Garhgaon Palace). which probably functioned as a store house.
Beyond Sivasagar
[edit | edit source]- 27 Bishnu Dole, Namti. Vishnu Doul, Namti is a brick-built temple constructed by Namatial Bhagati Barbarua in the year 1775 A.D. during the reign of Swargadeo Gourinath Singha (1780 -1794)
- Maidams or moidams are burial mounds from the 13th-18th centuries. Royals of the Ahom people were buried here, instead of cremated according to usual Hindu practice. In 2024 the area was listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, named "India Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty". They are located in Charaideo village, 30 km east of Sibsagar
Do
[edit | edit source]Buy
[edit | edit source]Eat
[edit | edit source]- Burger Point, B.G. Road (near SBI ATM).
- Brahmaputra Hotel (opposite bus stand).
- 1 Heritage Joysagar.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]- 1 Hotel Piccolo, Arunodoi Path, Boarding Road, ☏ +91 98592 87203, htlpiccolo1960@gmail.com.
- 2 Brahmaputra Hotel (Opposite Bus Stand), BG Rd, ☏ +91 93954 04565, hotelbrahmaputra@gmail.com.
- Raj Palace Hotel, AT Road, Station Charali.
- 3 Prashaanti Tourist Lodge, Sivasagar, ☏ +91 772 222394. The lodge is operated by Department of Tourism and Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited.
Connect
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