MAJULI Island. The land of Satras. The biggest river island of World. Exploring Assam Ep. 1

MAJULI Island. The land of Satras. The biggest river island of World. Exploring Assam Ep. 1

Set amidst the mighty and the mythical male river Brahmaputra, Majuli is known as the oldest and the largest inhabited riverine island of the world.

What are Satras ?

Satras are most significant part of Neo Vaishnavism culture. These are both temple and culture centre for Neo vaishnavite disciple. Most of the Assamese people are followers of Neo Vaishnavism. Saint Srimanata Sankar Deva established 64 satras in Majuli island to spread the culture and education in ancient time. Due to erosion in Majuli island, only 31 satras left. Each satra has its own cultural significance and try to preserve unique artistic attribute in music, literature, dance, drama etc. Read to know more about Satras in Majuli island.

Samaguri satra

This satra is famous worldwide for its unique traditional Mask-making practices. They are practicing mask making from more than Five Centuries now by successive generations.
The tradition of mask making has been traditionally carried out by the satra, the institutional centers of Vaishnavism.
Masks are observed to have different forms and colours making them easily noticeable from the other characters of the bhaonas.
The Samaguri satra was established in 1663 by Sri Sri Chakrapani, grandson of Srimanta Shankardeva.
This art form has been passed down through generations of satriya bhakats. This unique piece of art has been able to attract the interest of millions.

Auniati Satra

Sri Sri Auniati Satra occupied the highest position amongst the various Satras of Assam in the eyes of the Ahom Kings. The slightly elevated land of Majuli, where this Satra was established, was full of Auni Paan. Ati means elevated place. That’s how it got the name Auniati Satra.
The idol which receives daily worship in the Satra Temple is the idol of Lord Krishna called Govinda. This idol was originally brought from Jagannath Kshetra and installed there with all the Vedic religious rituals.
The main prayer in the Auniati Satra continues from morning till evening everyday and is being continued without interruption for more than last 350 years. The Satriya performances are usually a regular devotion to Lord Govinda by the vaishnavs in the Satra in the general prayer hall locally called (Naam-ghar).
The Satriya performances of the Auniati Satra include various forms of prayers, dances and religious theatrical shows based on the great Indian epics of Puranas, Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, SrimadBhagawat etc.

Dakhinpat Satra

Dakhinpat Satra, situated in the south-east corner of Majuli. It is one of Assam's most well-renowned and principle monastic Satra, established by Banamali Dev Goswami in 1654 under the patronization of Ahom King Jayadhwaj Singha.
The main idol worshipped here is of Lord Jadav Rai. Dakhinpat Satra played a very important role in political and administrative affairs during the Ahom reign.
The Satra belongs to the Brahmasamhati, founded by Damodardev and admitted some Brahminical rites along with general devotional practices and took a rigid view on caste distinction.
Dakhinpat Satra is well known for its annual Rass festival and Brahmaputra Puja, held after every twelve years. Performance of many other Sankari culture is performed regularly within the Satra premise. The Satra has a collection of hundreds of manuscripts, many being illustrated with paintings. It also has a large number of valuable artifacts from the Ahom reign.

Garamur Satra

Garamur Satra is one of the four major royal Satras of the Majuli Island.
The Garamur Satra is located at the heart of Majuli town area at Garamur. The Garamur Satra is also known for its grand Raas Leela celebrations and the Bhaona staged here is a must visit for all.
The Garamur Satra in Majuli Island follows a similar build like the other Satras and there is a Namghar at the centre.
It is said that this Satra was established and patronized under the regime of the Ahom King Pratap Singha in the year 1653-60.
The name is called as the Garamur Satra because it being established in the place by the name of Garamur in the heart of Majuli Island.