Nagshankar Temple, located in the Biswanath district of northeastern Assam, has recently been recognized as a model site for turtle conservation efforts.
About Nagshankar Temple
This historic Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is positioned on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam’s Biswanath district. It is believed to have been originally constructed in the 4th century AD by King Narasankar of Nagakha. The temple underwent restoration in 1480 under the Ahom ruler Su-sen-pha.
Within the temple grounds lies a large pond home to approximately 250 to 300 turtles, including some of the rarest species worldwide. Notable among these are the black softshell, Indian softshell, and Malayan softshell turtles. Several of these turtles are thought to be centuries old. Additionally, the temple campus is inhabited by other wildlife such as peacocks, deer, and pythons.