Nothing speaks so eloquently - nothing is more Vibrant with eternal life force- than images wrought on hard lifeless stones by a sculptor's chisel, Carvings that arrest time and remain ageless proclaiming eternal yearning for love and joy. Every carvable surface here is vibrant with a fervour of Joy-de vivre which transformed rocks into living, breathing, dancing beauty. A timeless dream on silent rocks.

       Scattered all around this tiny hillock, with an idyllic backdrop of green hills and flowing rivulet, are griffins, nymphs, dancing fairies, gods and goddesses in cosmic evolution, walls, pillars, lintels and door frames decorated with flowers, animals, kalpa-vriksha (the tree of fulfilment)- six headed Bhairava, four headed Siva, demons, serpants and men, women and animals in every conceivable erotic postures, all in ruins-ruins of gigantic proportion that is Madan Kamdev. Kamrupa- the ancient name of Assam, is believed to have derived its name from the legend that love god Kama or Madan after being turned into ashes by an angry "Siva" was reborn here. One school believe that Madan was reborn and united to Rati in this tiny hillock. Others more rational argue that the name Madan Kamdev is a romantic association to the place, because of the numerous erotic sculptures. Perhaps there is no place in India except Khajuraho, where basic weaknesses of mortals cought in fear, doubt, love, jelousy and consumate passion have been so eloquently expressed.

       Assam Archaeology more or less confirm that the ruins of Madan Kamdev belonged to the 10th to 12th century A.D. when the Pala dynasty ruled Kamrupa. The ruins are believed to be the remains of more than twenty temples consigned to Lord "SIVA" The surviving portions of Madan Kamdev shows that these were perhaps the finest medieval temples ever built in the Brahmaputra Valley. Be it so, or be it otherwise Madan Kamdev, continues to remain an archaeological challenge, beckoning you to unravel her enigma....

How to get there: Baihata Chariali, 35 km from Guwahati is on National Highway 52. Madan Kamdev is 5 km. to the South East of Baihata Chariali. Being on a National Highway Balhata Chariali is well connected with buses which ply every 15 minutes from Guwahati. Taxis, Minibuses are also available.