A land rich in verdant fields, Hojai is believed to derive its name from ‘Hoja’ or ‘Hojaisa’, the priestly class of the Dimasas, one of the earliest settlers in the state. About 176 km from Guwahati, 147 km from Kaziranga, and just 20 km from Doboka, Hojai is famed today for its thriving agarwood industry, whose aromatic products journey to as far as the Gulf nations.
Yet the essence of this town remains deeply rooted in a past that is both ancient and mysterious. From what was once the capital of ancient Durjoya to the land of fragrant treasures now, Hojai blends the past and the present in a wonderful offering of stories whispered through the winds of time. And if you are taking the train into the town, a delightful experience, you will find this tapestry of tales lingering in the air.
Here archaeological treasures are scattered across the landscape. The Kapili-Jamuna Valley, which includes Hojai and surrounding areas like Doboka, was a center of Shaiva and Shakti worship between the 7th and 12th centuries and in the ruins of ancient temples such as those in Rajbari in Jugijan, Kenduguri, Nabhanga, and Akashiganga—likely to have been patronized by the Bhouma or Pala kings— you find glimpses into the spiritual life of those times.
In Jugijan, 10.5 km from Hojai Railway Station, you find royally magnificent Rajbari, with vast sprawling grounds that are now dotted with the stone and brick remains of nine Shiva temples dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries—their carved door frames and ornate columns speaking of a harmonious blend of devotion and craftsmanship.
Not too far away, in the Na-Nath temple complex in Kenduguri, dedicated to the sacred Nine Nath lords, it is the ensemble of eight temples arranged with fine symmetry to form a sacred space—with a ninth, the Kenduguri temple, standing slightly apart— that enthralls with two of the temple plinths still have rows of decorative terracotta plaques and the carved stone mandapas, maintained meticulously by the Directorate of Archaeology.
The Amtala site, near Hojai Railway Station, is another fascinating juxtaposition of the ancient and modern. Here, a contemporary Shiva temple stands atop the remains of older structures, where excavations have uncovered ancient plinths and elaborately carved stone tanks. In nearby Jogijan, at the Sankhyadevi site, of the three ancient temple mounds, one holds the remnants of a Goddess Durga image—hinting at a rich cultural history dating back to the 10th–11th centuries.
While in Hojai you also cannot miss the Raj Mohan Nath Archaeological Park (closed on Mondays, second, & fourth Saturdays and on Government Holidays) which houses an exhibition gallery of artifacts unearthed from Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, North Cachar, and beyond. Named after a pioneer of Assam’s archaeological exploration, it is also a treasure trove of exhibits from Barpukhuri, Na-Nath of Jogijan, and Burhagu-Saithan, a window into the artistic zenith of the 10th–11th centuries.
In tracing the footsteps of kings and priests, exploring ancient temples, and immersing yourself in the fragrance of agarwood, you find in Hojai a vibrant blend of heritage and industry, beauty, and trade. It is more than a destination—it is a storyteller where every carved stone and forgotten mound speaks out to filmmakers, historians, and curious travelers The temple complexes, with their intricate carvings and lush landscapes, present a cinematic canvas. But like all such treasures, they must be preserved and filming has to protect this heritage from mass tourism or intrusive filming activities. The power of Hojai’s many stories is immense and like its agarwood, this wonderful space of Assam will continue to leave a lasting impression on the world.