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Picture Courtesy: The Hindu

Context:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ₹227-crore redevelopment of Batadrava Than, the birthplace of the Vaishnavite reformer Srimanta Sankardeva, at Borduwa in Assam’s Nagaon district.

Introduction:

Srimanta Sankardeva emerged in fifteenth-century Assam as a saint, philosopher, poet, social reformer and cultural visionary whose ideas reshaped religion, literature, art and social order in the region. He is regarded as the chief architect of Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam and one of the most influential figures of the Bhakti movement in eastern India.

Early Life:

Sankardeva was born in 1449 at Bordowa (Batadrava) in present-day Nagaon district of Assam. Known initially as Sankaravara, he later came to be celebrated as Sankardeva. From an early age, he experienced deep spiritual curiosity and gradually dedicated his life to devotion to a single supreme deity. His thought was shaped by currents of the Bhakti movement as well as broader philosophical traditions, and this early engagement laid the foundation of his later reformist mission.

Founding of Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam:

Sankardeva introduced a reformist devotional movement known as Neo-Vaishnavism or Ekasarana Dharma.
This tradition emphasised exclusive devotion to Krishna, collective worship and ethical living, while rejecting excessive ritualism and priestly dominance.
He created a spiritual path that was simple, accessible and rooted in Assamese culture.

Literary contributions:

Sankardeva made path-breaking contributions to Assamese literature and performing arts.
He composed Borgeet (devotional songs), wrote Ankia Naat and developed Bhaona to spread spiritual ideas.
He helped shape Sattriya dance, now recognised as a classical dance of India.
He used Brajavali, a special literary language, to reach wider audiences.
His disciple Madhavdev chronicled his life in Sankarvijaya.

Cultural contributions:

Sankardeva established Sattras, which became monastic, cultural and social centres of Assamese life.
He also conceptualised the Namghar (community prayer hall), which evolved into a nucleus of village culture and collective worship.
These institutions still influence religious practice, social organisation and cultural expression in Assam.

Social Reforms:

Sankardeva opposed rigid caste hierarchies and promoted equality and fraternity among devotees.
He supported women’s participation in religion and culture, challenging prevailing norms.
His ideas impacted the Koch and Ahom kingdoms, and his followers, called Bhakats, continue to preserve his teachings through festivals and collective worship.

Ekasarana Dharma:

Core Doctrinal Orientation: Ekasarana Dharma literally means “seeking refuge in the One.”
It is a monotheistic devotional tradition centred on Krishna, emphasising remembrance of God through singing, narration and listening rather than elaborate rituals.

Scriptures and Sacred Literature: The Bhagavat of Sankardeva is the principal scripture of the tradition, adapted from the Bhagavata Purana.
Other key texts include Kirtan Ghoxa by Sankardeva and Naam Ghoxa by Madhavdev.

Egalitarian Ethos and Initiation: Ekasarana Dharma rejected the varna (caste) system and promoted social equality.
It attracted people across castes and tribal communities because of its simplicity.
Initiation into the faith occurs through xoron-lowa, performed by Sattradhikars.

Concept of God and Spiritual Liberation: The tradition recognises both formless and manifest aspects of God.
Krishna is regarded as the supreme being, and salvation is sought through devotion and surrender.
Its core principles are: Naam, Deva, Guru, and Bhakat.

Evolution into Sanghatis (Sub-Sects): After Sankardeva’s demise, the tradition evolved into four sanghatis (sub-sects):

• Brahma Sanghati – absorbed some Brahminical practices
• Purush Sanghati – emphasised Naam with limited rituals
• Nika Sanghati – strictly opposed idol worship and enforced purity codes
• Kala Sanghati – focused on the Guru and expanded among tribal communities 

Conclusion:

Srimanta Sankardeva transformed Assamese society by combining devotional religion, social reform, and cultural creativity into a single movement. Through Neo-Vaishnavism, he promoted equality, community worship, and ethical living, while his contributions to literature, music, dance, theatre, and institutions like Sattras and Namghars left a lasting civilisational legacy. His message of inclusive bhakti and social harmony continues to shape Assam’s cultural identity today.

Source: The Hindu