Kamakhya Temple continues to stand tall—sacred, historic, but still waiting for the cool touch it was promised
In 2023, Kamakhya Temple was all set to receive a modern upgrade: a radiant cooling system that promised to make the sacred site more comfortable for the thousands of devotees who visit every day. The initiative was announced with much excitement by Kamakhya Devalaya officials, and the goal was clear: to beat the temple floor heat before Durga Puja that year.
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The system was explained in detail to GPlus by the contractor handling the work. According to him, the plan was to embed chilled water pipes under the floor of the temple. These pipes, powered by two chillers, would allow the stone floors to remain cool by absorbing heat from the surface. It was not just a matter of comfort, but also of preservation—the ancient temple's stones would be protected from excessive heat and stress.
Back then, work had already begun, and the project was supposed to be finished before the rush of Durga Puja in 2023. "We are optimistic about the project's timeline and are working diligently to ensure its completion," the contractor had told GPlus.
But as summer rolls around in 2025, the cooling system is still not operational.
Several visitors in Kamakhya have expressed disappointment and discomfort. "We read in the news that a cooling system was being installed," said Ranjit Sharma, a regular devotee. "But every time I come here, I still stand barefoot in the long queues under the blazing sun. The stones are so hot, they feel like they are burning your feet."
Another visitor in Kamakhya talking to GPlus said, "All I saw was a pipe sticking out from the ground. They said it was for cooling, but there was no coolness. Then why start such a project if you cannot finish it?"
The frustration is evident. In a place of prayer, the experience of worship shouldn't necessarily have to be defined by physical discomfort. Devotees, especially the elderly and children, find it difficult to stand on heated stones for long periods. The temple, which remains packed with visitors during festivals and weekends, becomes unbearable under the summer sun.
So, what happened to the ambitious plan?
When GPlus reached out to Kamakhya Devalaya for clarity, a senior member explained, "The system is not functional yet because it requires a very high level of electricity to run. We requested assistance from APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Limited)."
Another member added, "The project was initially handled internally, but due to lack of sufficient funds, it was handed over to APDCL for the electrical infrastructure."
On the other side, APDCL officials confirmed to GPlus that they only received an official request two months ago. "Once we got the application from the Devalaya, we immediately began the groundwork. Before laying power lines, a thorough survey was necessary," an APDCL official told GPlus.
The official admitted the process has not been smooth. "There were objections from locals when we began installing poles. Since the area around the temple includes water bodies and drainage systems, we had to proceed carefully. We also installed a dedicated transformer for this project."
However, funding has become another hurdle. "Our own fund for this project has not been officially sanctioned yet. But we went ahead based on verbal assurance, understanding the urgency of the matter. We are hopeful to complete our part of the work by the first week of May," the official added.
The delay highlights a gap between planning and execution. While the intention to modernise temple facilities was met with public support, the poor follow-through has left visitors disappointed.
Temple insiders point to a lack of structured project planning and communication. The contractor who started the work could not complete it due to funding issues, and the handover to APDCL came much later than expected. In the meantime, summer after summer passes, and the devotees continue to suffer.
Priests at the temple too feel the strain. "We walk barefoot in the temple premises all day. During peak summer, it becomes difficult for us too. The cooling system would have made a big difference," said one of them.
Local residents have also raised questions. "Every year, new promises are made to develop the temple premises," said a shopkeeper near the entrance. "Some of them are completed, but many are abandoned midway. If the temple is earning so much revenue from donations and visitors, why can't basic facilities be ensured?"
The Kamakhya Temple, one of the most revered sites in Assam, draws thousands of devotees from across the country every month. With such massive footfall, infrastructure upgrades are not just luxuries but necessities. While the temple remains spiritually powerful, its physical environment is crying for attention.
Now, Kamakhya Temple continues to stand tall—sacred, historic, but still waiting for the cool touch it was promised.