10 ancient temples which are also landmarks in Meghalaya
1. Nartiang Durga Temple in Jaintia Hills is said to have completed 600 years, most of the devotees visit this temple are Pnar origin. It is said that once upon a time human sacrifice was practiced in this temple. These days goat s are sacrificed with a human mask on.
2. Kamakhya Temple in Mankachar in South Garo Hills near Meer Jumlah is also an ancient structure, it is said that this temple was there during Aurangazeb's regime. Devotees from India as well as from Bangladesh visit this place.
3. Hanuman Temple in Luckier Road Shillong was built during British period in 1938 and was served by Bhadupotas (Sharmas) and is still served by them. It is said that Lord Hanuman is the God of Kalayug, so most of the devotees visit this temple from the town and nearby states on daily basis. A three day annual festival celebrated here is Hanuman Jayanti (birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman)
4. Mahadeo Khola on the bank of Umshyrpi river in Shillong is also one of the ancient temples. It is said that there is a cave which used to lead to Kamakhya temple at Guwahati. The biggest annual event Maha Sivratri is celebrated here every year.
5. Narsingh Akhara temple in Garikhana is another oldest temple around, the biggest annual festival celebrated here is Rath Yatra along with Jagannath temple of Puri in Odisa.
6. Ganesh Temple in Police Bazar is another temple that was constructed by the them Marwari Panchayat during British period. The biggest event celebrated here is Janamastmi every year.
7. Sani Temple at GS Road Police Bazar is also a very old structure constructed during British period, devotees visit this temple every Saturday and the annual biggest function celebrated here is Sani Jayanti.
8. Kali Temple in Polo is another very old temple, a good number of devotees visit this temple every day, the biggest annual festival celebrated here is Kali puja during deewali.
9. Buddha Temple in Polo area is also an ancient temple and the priest here is also from the same clan since its origin. The annual festival celebrated here is Buddha Purnima.
10. Jawala Temple, a very old temple and least known in Umiam. This place is on the same hill top where U Lum Sohpetbneng is celebrated. The name Jawala Temple is given as every dawn when sun rises from behind the temple it looks just like fireball and it also looks like the temple is emerging out from the fireball.
