SATRA

Majuli, an island in the river Brahmaputra, is the biggest river island of the world and is a famous centre of the religion of the Vaishnavas. It became the head - quarters and the chief seat of the Satras founded by Brahnnanas from the time of Rudra Singh (1696-1714 A. D.), the greatest of all the great Ahom rulers.

Satras in Assam are basically monasteries which were established to propagate neo Vaishnavism. The Satras of Assam also became centers for education and dissemination.  Majuli is the world’s biggest riverine island and a principal place of pilgrimage for the Vaishnavites of Assam since the Ahom days. There are several Satras of Vaishnava religious creed. Some of these holy seats, Auniati, Daksinpath, Garamur and Kamlabari are the four most prominent ones. What is of special importance is its Satra establishment, consisting of separate structures, built for different purposes.

Dakhinpat Satra: Dakhinpat Satra was founded by Banamalidev, an exponent of Raasleela, which is now observed as one of the State festivals of Assam.

Garamurh Satra: This Satra was founded by Lakshmikantadeva. During autumn end traditional Raasleela is performed with great enthusiasm. Some ancient weapons are also preserved here.

Auniati Satra: Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, this Satra is famous for 'Paalnaam' and Apsara dance and it also has considerable collection of old Assamese utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.

Kamalabari Satra: Kamalabari Satra founded by Bedulapadma Ata, is a center of art, culture, literature and classical studies. Its branch Uttar Kamalabari Satra has performed cultural programme of Satria art in several states of India and abroad.

Bengenaati Satra: It is a store house of culturally important antiques and an advanced center of performing arts. Muraridev, the grand son of Shankaradeva's step mother, had founded the Swargadeoatra. The royal robes belong to the Ahom king Swargadeo Gadadhar Singha, made of Gold and an umbrella which is also made of gold, are preserved here.

Barpeta Satra, located in the heart of Barpeta, is a unique feature of Vaishnavism in Assam. Established by Madhavdeva (the greatest disciple of Shankardeva), the Satra attracts Vaishnavas from all over India especially during Holi and anniversaries of various Vaishnava Gurus.

The Kirtan Ghar located here is considered to be the largest building of its kind in the state. It has three Guru Asanas, which were built in honour of Shri Sankardeva, Shri Madhavdeva and Shri Badula Ata. Behind the Asanas are two Satradhikars, which hold Nam-Prasangas regularly

.

Barpeta Kirtan Ghar

Patbaushi Satra: The Satra at Patbaushi was established by Shrimanta Sankardeva. His Vaishnava faith was spread by the guru's able disciples Shri Madhav Deva, Shri Damodar Deva and Shri Hari Deva. It was from this Satra that Srimanta Sankardeva spread his faith, literature, music art-forms, culture and work-culture to its fullest form. Here the guru spent 18 years of his life with remarkable achievement including completion of the 'Kirtan Ghosa' and composition of 20 invaluable Borgeets. Some of the items used by these Gurus and Sachipat puthis are well-preserved here. The Satra is located about 2 km north of Barpeta town.

Ganakkuchi Satra: This Satra was founded by Sri Madhav Deva for which the land was purchased by Shrimanta Sankardeva for 1 Tola (about 10gm) Gold and nominated his close disciple Shri Madhav Deva as the Satradhikar to stay here to spread his faith for which he went on to stay there for 18 long years. Some of the items used by the guru and Sachipat puthis are well-preserved here. The Satra is located within the Barpeta town area.

Jania Satra: This Satra was established by Sankardeva's disciple Shri Narayan Das Thakur Ata. He composed a large number of devotional songs here. This Satra is located at a distance of 8 kms from Barpeta in Barpeta Jania Road.

Sundaridiya Satra: The Satra was established by Shri Madhav Deva after leaving Ganakkuchi Satra. The first Satradhikar of Barpeta Satra Sri Mathura Das Burha Ata initially came to this Satra and became a disciple of Shri Madhav Deva. It was here that Paal Nam and Beer Nam or Thiya Nam was created by Shri Madhav Deva.

Barpeta Satra: Sri Madhav Deva founded the Barpeta Satra and stayed here for 8 long years. Here he appointed Sri Mathura Das Burha Ata as the first Satradhikar of the Satra. It was Burha Ata who systematized the administration of the Satra leading to development of the institution and the region of Barpeta. A democratic system was introduced which is effective till today. Large number of followers came to Barpeta & accepted the Vaishnava faith irrespective of their caste high or low that created an egalitarian Society. A new work culture developed among the followers. The Satra has several buildings. The front gate is called 'Batsora'. The main 'Kirtanghar' is where prayers or 'Nam Kirtan' are performed is an architectural splendour. Earlier built as a Kutcha house, it was concretized with big-pillars in 1952 with decorative wall paintings. All the 'bhakats' or 'devotees' discussed all kinds of problems in the Jagmohan Ghar. In the 'Bhajghar' a lamp is continuously burning for more than 400 years and is called 'Akhay Banti'. Sri Krishna Doul festival is organised at the premises of Doul ghar. There is a small zoo and small 'rangial' garden. Within the premises a cultural school, Keli kadam tree, Shri Shri Mathura Das Burha Ata Library, study-room, office and kitchen are also located. Constitution formulated by Sri Mathura Das Ata is still in vogue.

Baradi Satra: This satra was also established by Sri Madhav Deva who stayed here for a very short period. Baradi Satra is the "Adi Satra" of Madhav Deva. The Sankarite culture spread far and wide of Baradi making it a centre for learning. The place is located about 2 kms east of Barpeta town. Holi "fakua"is one of the most holy festivals of Baradi Satra.

Satra Kanara: Established by Sri Sri Narayan Das Thakur Ata this Satra is damaged by natural calamities. Floods create problem for running the Satra. As a result the original inhabitants of this place shifted to Gajia and Ganakkuchi in Barpeta. The Satra is located at a distance of 16 kms from Barpeta.