Asom: Historic monastery set to celebrate 350 yrs

Guwahati, Apr 3: All roads of the world's largest river island Majuli led to the historic Garmur Satra, one of the four hallowed seats of Vaishnavite learning, as the monastery is set to celebrate 350 years of existence.

The four-day observation which starts from April 5 would showcase the affluence of Vaishnavite faith and culture preached by Sri Sankardeva, a colossal figure who is credited with providing a thread of unity to Asom building on past literary activities to provide the bedrock of Assamese culture and creating a religion that gave shape to a new set of values and social synthesis.

Ceremonial prayers organized at the altar of three 250-year-old trees, two 'silikha' and a 'bakul', are a unique feature of the celebrations.

Satradhikar (head of the monastery) Haridev Goswami told UNI over phone from Majuli that around 1.5 lakh devotees are expected to attend the celebrations.

Thousands of devotees have already poured in from far and near to take part in the 'Sisya Sanmilan' (laities' meet), 'Bishnu Yagya' and 'Ahuti'.

The bamboo structure erected for the Yagya will be maintained for five years as per traditional norms, Mr Goswami said.

He informed that Mauzadar of Jorhat Ajit Narayan Singh, the grandson of Ahom king Purandhar Singha, would initiate the ceremonial 'tarpan'.

An exhibition displaying ancient books, tools and other traditional materials preserved in the nearly 30 Satras of the riverine island will be another attraction of the celebrations.

A bust of Sri Sri Krishnachandra Goswami, the earlier Satradhikar, made in Rajasthan will be unveiled on the third day at the Satra premises.

The other three main Satras Dakhinpat, Auniati and Kamalabari (all in Majuli) have already completed 350 years.

Famous for the traditional 'Raasleela' (co-acting) and ancient weapons - known as 'bortup' (canon) in dialect - preserved in the place, the Garmur Satra was founded by Satradhikar Lakshkantadeva Goswami during the reign of king Jayadhaj Singha following the directions of Sri Sankardeva to propagate neo-Vaishnavism. However, Mr Goswami said that according to another legend, Satradhikar Jayharidev established the Satra much before that.

UNI