Sattras of Assam - Neo‐Vaishnavite Sattras in Majuli

 Sattra-Neo‐Vaishnavite Sattras in Majuli

The colourful hub of Assamese neo‐Vaishnavite culture still survives but remains highly threatened for having suffered from two natural hazards: severe bank erosion and flooding. Historical records unfold that Mahapurush (Saint) Srimanta Sankardeva himself took refuge in Majuli and spent a couple of months at Belguri in West Majuli, which was a place of grandeur for the historic and auspicious and known for Manikanchan Sanjog, the first meeting between Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardeva and Mahapurush Madhavdeva, which was also the first Satra in Majuli. After the ‘Manikanchan Sanjog’, 65 Satras were set up. However, today only 22 out of the original  till survive. The establishment of 65 Satras in Majuli is reflective of the importance of Majuli to the Satras of Assam.

The main surviving Satras are-

Dakhinpat Sattra: 

Founded by Banamalidev, a supporter of Raasleela, this is now observed as one of the festivals of Assam. Dakshinpat Xatra is a treasure house of dances contributed by Shri Sankardeva such as the Borgeet, Matiakhara, Jumora, Chali, Noyua, Nande Vringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara, Satria Krishna and Dasavater among others while it is also a storehouse of antiques of cultural importance and an advanced centre for the performing arts.

Garamur Satra: 

This Satra was founded by Lakshmikanta Deva. The satra is maintained in a clean and tidy manner and the solitude of the place imparts peace to one’s mind and soul. During the end of autumn, the traditional Raasleela is enacted with pomp and celebrations. Ancient weapons called ‘Bartop’ or cannons are preserved here.

Auniati Satra: 

Founded by NiranjanPathak Deva, the satra is famous for the Paalnaam and Apsara dances and also its extensive assortment of ancient Assamese artefacts, utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.This satra is considered as the epicenter of Satriaya and Vaishnavism culture in Assam. Apart from carrying out the day to day holy activities, the satra is also engaged in many other activities like satriaya dances and songs; preaching various religious works and other works on bibliography of the Vaishnavite saints. On your visit here you can experience the devotional performances that are organized to please Lord Krishna.

Kamalabari Satra: 

The Kamalabari Satra, founded by Badulapadma Ata, is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical studies on the Majuli island. Its branch, the Uttar Kamalabari Satra has performed cultural programmes of the Satriya art in different parts of the country and abroad

Begenaati Satra: 

It is a reliquary of antiques of cultural importance and an advance centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grandson of Sankaradeva's stepmother was the founder of the Satra. The royal raiment, which belonged to the Ahom king Swargadeo Godadhar Singha, was made of gold. Also preserved is the royal umbrella made of gold.

Shamaguri Satra: 

This Satra is famous for mask making in India.These Satras are also the treasure house of ‘Borgeet’, Matiakhara, Satriya Nritya (Jumora Nritya, Chali Nritya, Notua Nas, Nande Vringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara Nritya, Krishna Nritya and Dasavater Nritya), all promulgated by the saint Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva.