Did you know that this used to be a pilgrimage site that many from Bhutan would visit decades ago? It was such an important religious destination that Bhutan even built a well for this holy site 89 years ago.
Hajo is a historic town set in the hills northwest of Guwahati, Assam, India. It is a meeting point of Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. A multi-communal holy destination. The various pilgrimage sites on the different hills of Hajo. Hajo is one of the important historical and archaeological sites in northeast India. It preserves the history, inscriptions and architecture in a range of temples and monuments over about 1200 years.
There are various legends associating Hajo with Buddhism. Some claim it to be place where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana. A temple there is believed to contain His relics. Another source says that it could be the last resting place of Guru Rinpoche.
Giving credence to the first belief is the name Hajo itself. Hajo could be the informal form of Ha-ju which means ‘setting of the sun’. As the belief goes, Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana in this region. Pained by His departure from this mortal world, His disciples wept aloud shouting ‘Ha-ju’ (setting of the Sun), and hence Hajo.
Thank you Royal Bhutanese Consulate General, Guwahati for this trip to Hajo. And thank you to the local Circuit Officer, staff of the rural DC office, Temple Trust and Poa Mecca Committee.