Kamaakhya is an aspect of the Hindu goddess Sati. A temple in her honour exists in the Kamrup district of Assam state, India. The temple is one of the 52 holy Shakti Peethas related to Sati.

According to legend, the goddess Sati burned herself of the sacrificial fire at her father Dakshya's abode because her father was scornful of her husband the God Shiva. (This incident gave rise to the custom of sati in India). In a rage, Shiva began his Dance of Death(tandava) to bring the destruction of the Universe. The other gods, afraid of their annihilation, pleaded to Vishnu to prevent Shiva. Thus, wherever Shiva wandered while dancing, Vishnu followed. He dare not come close to the terrible Shiva, so he starts hacking with his sword the corpse of Sati. Slowly, pieces fall off until Shiva is left without a body to hold. Seeing this, Shiva sits down to Mahatapasya (great penance). Eons later,

There are supposedly 52 pieces of Sati scattered across the Indian subcontinent.Her vagina is said to have fallen on the spot where the Kamakhya temple stands today.

The idol in the temple Kamakhya is in fact a large block of granite on which sindoor (vermillion) is scattered, with a golden mask representing the goddess.It is a major tourist attraction.

Further reading

• Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 8120803795) by David Kinsley