 Majuli is the hub of the Neo Vaishnavite culture of Assam. It was initiated during the 15th century by the Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva. Sankardeva preached about a monotheist form of Hinduism known as Vaishnavism and establishes several monasteries in Majuli, which are called Satras. The Satras exhibit the colourful culture of Assam. Saint Sankardeva took shelter in Majuli and spent some months in the west side of the island. There Madhavdeva met Sankardeva; the place is now called ‘Manikanchan Sanjog’, where the first Satra was built. After this, 65 Satras were constructed out of which only 22 are now operational. Out of 665 original Satras in Assam 65 were situated in Majuli.
Satras of Majuli Some of the prime Satras of Majuli are: Dakhinpat Satra: It was founded by Banamalidev. He was a supporter of Raasleela, which is now of the prime festivals of Assam. Garamurh Satra: This Satra was founded by Lakshmikantadeva. During the end of autumn season every year, Raasleela is celebrated with great joy in this Satra. Garamurh Satra houses the ancient weapon named ‘Bartop’ or cannons. Auniati Satra: It was founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva. This Satra is popular for the ‘Paalnaam’, ‘Apsara Dances’ and ancient Assamese artifacts, utensils, jewellery and handicrafts. It has 125 disciples and several followers worldwide. Kamalabari Satra: This Satra was founded by Bedulapadma Ata and this is a center of art, culture, literature and classical studies on the island. Its branch ‘Uttar Kamalabari Satra’ performs cultural programmes of the Satria Art all around the country and abroad. Narashingha Satra: Shri Shri Alengi Narasingha Satra was established in the year 1746 by Ahom King Promottra Singha. Benegenaati Satra: This Satra bears great cultural importance and is a center of performing art. Muraridev, the grandson of Sankaradeva's stepmother was the founder of the Satra. Shamaguri Satra: The Satra is famous for the mask making in India. Bihimpur Satra: This Satra is the hub of ‘Borgeet’ Matiakhara, Satriya Dances, which were all promulgated by Srimanta Sankardeva. It has become a center for shuddhi in the Northeast of India, due to the efforts of Pitambar Deva Goswami. |
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