The Baragita of Assam is a living tradition that represents a significant aspect of Assamese cultural and spiritual heritage. These are Assamese verse and song compositions, primarily consisting of simple devotional hymns sung in rural areas. The themes of Baragita are predominantly Vaishnavite, focusing on the deities Rama and Krishna. Origins and Development The pioneering figure behind Baragita is the saint-scholar Sankaradeva, a seminal figure in the Bhakti movement in Assam. Sankaradeva's contributions to Assamese music and literature are foundational, with Baragita (Baragīta), literally meaning "great song" or "superior song," being one of his most significant legacies. Alongside Sankaradeva, his foremost disciple Madhavadeva played a crucial role in the creation and preservation of these devotional lyrics. Characteristics Baragitas are known for their distinct pattern of melody, or rāga, which makes them stand out in Assamese music. They are sung both ind...

The historical figure Jungal Balahu, a prominent character in the history of Assam, is known primarily through oral traditions and local folklore. He was a Tiwa king, the son of King Arimatta. Here is a summary of the life and legend surrounding Jungal Balahu: Background Tiwa Kingdom: The Tiwas, also known as Lalungs, are an indigenous tribal community in Assam. They have their own distinct cultural and historical heritage. The Tiwa kingdom was one of the numerous small principalities that existed in Assam before the arrival of larger empires. King Arimatta: Jungal Balahu's father, King Arimatta, is often depicted as a powerful and influential ruler in Tiwa lore. He played a significant role in consolidating Tiwa power and establishing a strong kingdom. Jungal Balahu's Life Rise to Power: Jungal Balahu inherited the throne from his father, King Arimatta. His reign is remembered for its valor and significant contributions to the Tiwa community. Warrior King: Known fo...

Hatimura Temple, situated near Jakhalabandha in the Nagaon district of Assam, is a prominent shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga in her Mahishasuramardini form. This temple holds significant importance as a center of Shakti worship, drawing devotees from various regions. The current brick structure of Hatimura Temple stands over the remnants of an ancient stone temple dating back to the 17th century CE. The temple as it is known today was constructed in 1745 CE during the reign of the Ahom king Pramatta Singha. This historical context adds to the temple's cultural and architectural value, representing the rich heritage of the Ahom dynasty. Hatimura Temple is not just a place of religious significance; it is also renowned for its picturesque surroundings. The temple is nestled in a location abundant with natural beauty, characterized by scenic hills and the serene flow of the mighty Brahmaputra River. This idyllic setting enhances the spiritual experience for visitors, making it a...

Batadrawa Than, also known as Bordowa Than, is the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev (1449-1568), the great Vaishnavite saint of Assam. This sacred site, founded by Sankardeva in 1494 CE, holds immense importance for the Vaishnav followers of Assam. Mahapurush Sankardev was a visionary who played a crucial role in the religious and cultural revival of Assam in the fifteenth century. He established the first Kirtan Ghar at Bordowa to practice and preach the neo-Vaishnavite faith, propagating the Ek Saran Nam Dharma. This doctrine emphasizes devotion to a single deity, Vishnu or Krishna, and rejects caste distinctions and elaborate rituals. A unique feature of the Thans is the Namghar, a community prayer hall, and the Monikut, a shrine within the Namghar. These were innovative designs introduced by Sankardeva and have since become central to Assamese village life, serving as places of worship and community gathering. Devotees of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva and follower...

The Hindu temples of Assam do not fully illustrate the architecture of the state but they provide a clue to it. On the basis of available material, the state’s architecture can be traced to the Gupta period, i.e., the Varman dynasty of Kamarupa (from the 4 th to the 7 th century CE). Not a single temple belonging to the pre-Ahom-Koch period, i.e., the 13 th Century CE stands today. Wherever a temple existed in that period, we see only heaps of ruins over which the Ahom-Koch temples were constructed. The heaps of ruins are full of various broken parts of the stone temples. The scattered pieces of the temples can be assigned to a period ranging from the Gupta period to the 13 th century CE. Quite a few surviving temples can, however, be seen standing all over the state even today , and are datable to the late medieval period, i.e., the 16 th to 17 th centuries CE. More than one reason is ascribed for the loss of the temples belonging to the pre-Ahom period. First, there must have...

Bharali Namghar, a prominent religious site, is situated in Hatbar, Bharali village near Nagaon, Assam. This sacred place holds a significant place in the history and cultural fabric of the region. Historical Significance The Namghar has a poignant history; it was burnt down during the Burmese invasion of Assam but was subsequently rebuilt by the resilient local community. This act of rebuilding symbolizes the unity and dedication of the people towards preserving their spiritual heritage. Unique Features One of the most intriguing aspects of Bharali Namghar is its 'laikhuta' or main pillar, which is made from the Tulsi tree (Holy Basil). The use of this particular tree is not only rare but also imbues the Namghar with a unique spiritual essence. Devotees believe that prayers offered here are invariably answered, enhancing the Namghar's reputation as a place of divine intervention. Festivals and Traditions The Namghar is especially vibrant during festivals like M...

Namaghosha, authored by the revered Assamese saint Madhavadeva in the 16th century CE, stands as a monumental devotional work in Assamese literature. Comprising one thousand verses, the text serves as a beacon of spiritual wisdom and devotion, intricately weaving together philosophical insights with the fervor of bhakti. The structure of Namaghosha reflects its multifaceted nature, delineated into three principal sections. Firstly, it expounds upon the virtues of the holy name, known as nama dharma, emphasizing the transformative power inherent in chanting the divine name. This section lays the groundwork for the spiritual journey, elucidating the significance of cultivating a deep reverence for the sacred. The subsequent segment of Namaghosha brims with verses of profound devotion and surrender. Here, Madhavadeva's poetic expressions reverberate with the heartfelt longing of the devotee to merge with the divine. Through eloquent verses, he encapsulates the essence of surrender...

The Ugratara Devalaya temple is situated on the western side of the Jor Pukhury tanks in the Lotaxil (Latasil) locality, at the heart of Guwahati city in Assam. Dedicated to Goddess Ugra Tara, the temple holds a rich history and intriguing story. History of Ugratara Devalaya The original temple, no longer standing, had connections to Goddess Sati. Legend has it that the navel of Sati fell at this site following the notorious Daksha yajna. The current Ugra Tara temple was constructed in 1725 CE by Ahom King Siva Singha. This monarch had previously excavated the Jorpukhuri tank three years before the temple's construction. Though a devastating earthquake destroyed the upper part of the temple, a local resident later undertook its reconstruction. Story of Ugratara Devalaya Ugratara Devalaya Temple In Assam – History And Story The Ugratara Devalaya temple is situated on the western side of the Jorpukhuri tanks in the Lotaxil (Latasil) locality, at the heart of Guwahati city in ...

Guwahati Basistha Temple is located atop the Sandhyachal Hill and is a short distance away from the Garbhanga Reserve Forest. The shrine is dedicated to Shiva Bhagavan and is on the banks of three rivers Sandhya, Lalita, and Kanta. As per history the temple was built by Ahom King Rajeshwar Singha and is more than 500 years old. As per Basistha Temple story, Sage Vasishta performed intense meditation and rituals here. But there was no proper source of water. So, he did penance and pleased Goddess Ganga, who blessed the region with three rivulets. Sage Basistha then meditated on Shiva and he was blessed with the darshan of Mahadev Shiva. Shivling appeared at the spot where Shiva appeared. Finally, Sage Basishta merged in the Shivling. The most important festivals observed in the temple are Shivratri, Shravan month (July – August), Ganesh Chaturthi and Makar Sankranti. The upadevatas or subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are Goddess Durga and Ganesha. The temple is surr...

Overview: Vadha Kavya, an allegorical form of Assamese poetic composition, plays a significant role in the literary tradition of Assam. Rooted deeply in the exploits of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, these poems are rich in symbolism and moral teachings. This literary form was pioneered by Ramasarasvati, a distinguished poet at the court of King Naranarayana of the Koch dynasty, who reigned from 1540 to 1584 CE. Themes and Symbolism: Vadha Kavyas narrate the battles fought by the Pandavas during their exile in the forest, primarily against Asuras (demons) and Rakshasas (giant demons). These battles are not mere tales of physical confrontations but are imbued with profound allegorical meanings: The Forest as the World: The forest represents the broader world, filled with challenges and moral dilemmas that one encounters in life. Pandavas as Sense Organs: The five Pandavas symbolize the five sense organs. Their battles against the Asuras and Rakshasas represent the human struggle t...

Aniruddhadeva (1553–1626) was a significant figure in the religious landscape of 16th-century Assam, recognized as a prominent Ekasarana preceptor and a disciple of the revered Sankaradeva. His contributions to the Neo-Vaishnavism movement and the establishment of the Mayamara Satra were pivotal in shaping the religious and social dynamics of the region. Early Life and Education Aniruddha Deva was born in 1553 in present-day Assam into a Bhuyan family, a class of feudal lords, to parents Gondagiri and Anjali Devi, the latter being a cousin of Sankaradeva. This familial connection to Sankaradeva likely influenced his early spiritual inclinations. Under the tutelage of Gopaldeva, Aniruddhadeva pursued his religious education in Barpeta, dedicating three and a half years to deepening his understanding of Vaishnavism. Founding of the Satra Upon completing his studies, Aniruddhadeva returned to his homeland and established a Satra at Bishnu-Bali Kuchi in January/February 1601. This Satra be...