Sivasagar is a town with full of exciting places to explore, but the biggest attraction here is undoubtedly the Sivasagar Lake, also known as Borpukhuri.
This impressive artificial lake was built by Queen Ambika, wife of King Shiva Singha, in 1734, and it covers an area of about 130 to 257 acres. The literal meaning of the lake is “sea of Lord Shiva,” and based on this, the city was named Sivasagar.
But the lake is not just a beautiful sight to cheer; it also has a rich history. On the banks of the lake, you will find three temples called Dol in the Assamese language. These temples were built by Kuvuri Ambika, wife of Assamese ruler Swargadeo Siba Singh, in the same year as the lake’s construction. The temples are Vishnu Dol, Devi Dol, and Shivdol, and the Shivdol is the most revered among them.
The lake is surrounded by deep earthen moats, and it’s a great spot to relax, have a picnic, and take in the stunning views of the city. You’ll also find parks, gardens, a museum, a masjid, a Buddhist monastery, and a church surrounding the lake, so there’s plenty to explore.
As one of the top historical attractions in the entire state of Assam, the Sivasagar Lake is a must-visit for all kinds of travelers, from nature admirers to wildlife buffs and history lovers. It’s no wonder that hundreds of tourists come here every day from all over the country and state.
So, if you want to experience the beauty and history of Sivasagar, make sure to visit the Sivasagar Lake. And don’t forget to take a dip in the “sea of Lord Shiva” while you’re there!