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The Vaishnava Sattras
In
15th century Sankardeva took shelter in Majuli and spent a couple of
months at Beloguri (in west Majuli) which was a place of glory for the
historic and auspicious; Manikanchan Sanjog' between Sankardeva and
Mahavdeva. This was the first "Sattra" in Majuli. From "Manikanchan
Sanjog" there had been sixty-five "Sattras growing up for
propagation of ethics and socio-cultural ideals. But at present there are
only twenty-two Sattras in Majuli. The other had to be shifted to other
safer places due to devastation of flood and erosion.
Among the noteworthy Sattras existing in Majuli are: (a) Dakhinpat
Sattra, (b) Garamurh Sattra, (c) Auniati Sattra, (d) Kamalabari Sattra,
(e) Bengenaati Sattra and (f) Samaguri Sattra.
A Treasure House Of Performing Arts
These Sattra are the treasure house of "Borgeet", 'Matiakhara',
'Jumora' dance, 'Chali' Dance, 'Notua' Dance, 'Nande Vringee',
'Sutradhar', 'Oza-Pali', 'Apsara' Dance, 'Satria Krishna' Dance,
'Dasavater' Dance etc., which were contributed by Shri Sankardeva.
The Various Sattras
(a) Dakhinpat Sattra: Dakhinpat is another well-known Sattra in
the Majuli Island established by Vanamalideva, another disciple of
Vamshigopal. Vanamalideva was very strong in faith and devotion. He was
honoured and treated with much respect by the reigning Ahom monarch
Jayadhvaj Singh who made liberal gifts to the Sattra.
(b) Garamur Sattra: Lakshminarayana, another saint of
Damodaradeva sect and a passionate devotee, established the Garamur Sattra
in the Majuli Island during the reign of Jayadhvaj Singh. It should be
noted that under the patronage of the Ahom sovereigns, the Majuli Sattras
became famous centres of the Vaishnava faith, cultural activity and piety
of the monks. During autumn end, traditional Raasleela (co-acting) is
shown with great enthusiasm. Some ancient weapons called "Bortop"
(canons) are preserved here.
(c) Auniati Sattra: Niranjanadeva a distinguished disciple of
Vamshigopal founded the Auniati Sattra. Niranianadeva's purity of
character and devotion to God drew admiration even from the Ahom King
Jayadhvaj Singh (1648-1663 AD) who himself became the saint's disciple and
endowed the Sattra with suitable land grants for the maintenance of the
monks and the monastery. This Sattra is famous for "Paalnaam"
and Apsara Dance and also for its considerable collection of Assamese old
utensils, jewellery and handicrafts.
(d) Kamalabari Sattra: Padma Ata who was a Shudra set up
Kamalabari Sattra in the Majuli Island. He led a very simple and saintly
life and attained high spiritual eminence. In course of years, inessential
rites and unrecognized observances crept into the faith which Padma Ata
and Mathura Das of Barpeta Sattra reformed. They set up a refined sect
called "Nikasainhati".
Padma Ata stressed the teachings of Sankaradeva that external things such
as yogic exercise, sacrifice, bathing in Holy River, pilgrimage, 'Sanyasa'
and fasting do not purify a man as honest life, good company and love of
all beings do. On the eve of his death, Padma Ata nominated his Brahman
disciple Shriram to the Adhikarship of the Kamalabari Sattra. This is also
an Udasin Sattra i.e., the head of the Sattra is a celibate.
Kamalabari Sattra is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical
studies. Its branch Uttar Kamalabari Sattra has performed cultural
programmes of Satria Art in several states of India and abroad.
(e) Bengenaati Sattra: It is a storehouse of antiques of cultural
importance and an advance centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grand
son of Sankaradeva's stepmother has founded the Sattra. 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 over here.
(f) Samaguri Sattra: This Sattra is resourced with the famous
Mask-crafts in India.
Auniati, Dakhinpat and Garamur are the principal Brahmanical Sattras. The
Sattradhikar's of these monasteries are strictly celibates. The
Sattradhikar's for these Sattras are elected from other Sattras where
married life is allowed. The chosen young man is brought into the Sattra
during his teen age and trained up in Vaishnava religion, philosophy and
life. During the period of training this young devotee is called "Deka-Adhikar",
the young pontiff.
Institutions of Sattras
Besides Bardowa and Barpeta, Majuli Sattras along with Kuruabai Sattras
exercise tremendous influence on the life of the Assamese people. They are
even to-day the glorious religious institutions of Assam,
and are not only the seat of religion, learning and education, but the
very centre of traditional cultural activities like dance, drama, music
and religious recitals.
Judged by such external standards as landed estates, number of 'Sisvas'
and 'Bhaktas', these Sattras still claim to be the biggest religious
institutions. In the hey-day of their glory, the income of these Sattras
went mainly to the welfare of the people by way of the promotion of
learning, development of cultural activities and help to the needy.
These are some of the important Sattras, which brought about a new
orientation and salutary reformation in every aspect of Assamese life.
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