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Sundaridiya Satra of Barpeta  Assam

Sundaridiya Satra, around 3 kilometres away from Barpeta town Assam, is one of the leading Satras (monasteries) of Assam where several leading Vaishnava Saints visited in sixteen century and some of them made it their centre for preaching activities of Vaishnavism.

Towards the Southern Side of the main Kirtan Ghar, there is the residence of Mother Kalindi – the second wife of Shankardev. She was also one of the leading Vaishnavas who spread the philosophy of Shankardev with the utmost zeal, especially amongst the ladies. She took special interest to spread Eknamdharma of Shankardev in Sundaridiya Satra. It was on her advice Madhavdev came to Sundaridiya Satra along with seven Vaishnav families and they started to stay here permanently.

Several items that Mother Kalindi used still preserved with the utmost care by Sundaridia Satra Parisalana Committee. These items are –earring, tool and bed leg etc. Though time to time ladies gather here, it needs lots of attention both from the Government and the devotees. Keeping the surrounding neat and clean and also preserving the old items etc. needs urgent attention.

Facing to eastern horizon Akshay Banti or Akshay Dip meaning eternal lamp is the most sacred spot for the devotees for a must-have darshan and prayer. This Akshay Banti is believed to be consigned to the flame by Madhavdev. Since then without any pause this it has been lighting on cotton wick soaked in mustard oil. Oil is and the cotton wick is offered by dedicated devotees better known as ‘ but Bhakat’ in popular parlance. As per the beliefs of the people in the surrounding areas, as long as the wick remains to inflame no harm can touch the residents of the areas. Lots of people donate money to keep the flame intact.

Present Dol Ghar is constructed on the model of Sapta Baikuntha Loka as mentioned in the Bhagavatam. The main dol ghar is located on the top of the Sapta Vaikuntha. It was constructed on the Year 1379, 1st Agathon. There are four entry doors and devotees can have Darshan of Lord Vamshi Gopal from any one of the sides, although right now the present Southern door is being closed. During the Dol Mahotsav, Satradhikar, main Pujari along with all the devotees take Sri Bigraha of Vamshi Gopal on Palanquin and makes around of the Sapta Baikuntha and for four times and finally install deity for four days inside the Dol Ghar on a  Jhulan. The deity relaxes there for three/four days. On the final day of Dol Utsav the deity comes down to the courtyard for the final journey and the deity is again installed on its original place.

Towards the southern side of Dol Ghar, Sabhaghar or Jagmohan Ghar is located. Before the first day of Dol Ustav which is called Gandha Sri Bamshi Gopal is brought here through the procession and placed here where is adhivash ceremony is held. Sir Vamshi Gopal is bathed with several items -like milk, curd, khir, juices, flowers and finally dressed in new clothes. Cultural programmes like Ojapali, Yatra and Bhawona are held here. Besides that, all the important meetings of Satra are held here in presence of the Satradhikar and Deka Satradhikar and

The main entrance of the Kirtan Ghar is known as Karapat and Baatchara Dalan. There are three main entrances from the front side. Three domes with its grand style on the overhead Baatchara Dalan looks majestic in its look. The main dome is also constructed on the model of Saptavaikuntha. Located on the western side this entrance is also called Haridwar. All three doors are linked with collapsible doors. Similar doors are also on the Eastern, Northern and Southern side - they are known as  Singhadwar, Balidwar and Yamadwar respectively.

Saint  Madhav deva was a celibate monk or Brahmachari. He did not marry despite repeated pressure from his parents and relatives. Ever since he started to stay there, special houses were built for the celibate devotees. They are popularly called Udashin  Devotee or Bhakt. Sundaridiya Satra was the first Satra to establish this Kewalia Baha.

These senior devotees or Burha bhakta had also played a special role in initiating the Kirtan and going on different periods of the day and 14 times, keeping the Akshay Banti lighting. On the time of different festivals, they used to play a special role.

Till 1950 the main sanctum of the Kirtan Ghar was made of thatched straw, coming from the local paddy grounds, where were thirteen rooms. later on, these straws were removed and Tin sheets were placed on there.

The construction work of the main Kirtan Ghar started from 1860 onwards whose width was 105 feet and breath was 42. The main architectural grandeur of Sundaridiya Satra, constructed during the reign of Ahom King Pramatta Singh in 1771, is its main Matha situated on the northern side of main Kirtan Ghar. There are 12 small size maths are located on all around the main Math signifying 12 devotees Vaishnava. On the entrance of the Math, there are twoDwarpal - Jai and Vijay are standing like a sentinel to Protect the main deity.

But during the earthquake of 1897, the height of the math reduced to 10 feet inside the soil. Those sculptors of the different demigods can be seen on the walls of the math falling down on the soil.

Situated on Barpeta Bhawanipur road and around 200 meters away from main kirtan Ghar, Kalaya kirtan Ghar has special importance for Sundaridiya Satra. The palace was previously known as Ververi.

Every year on the first day of Magha Month a Ghat Sewa Ustav is held here and devotees from the nearby areas throng here. Devotees take the water of the pond on their forehead and mouth with great reverence as the Ganga water. They also put diyas on its bank. A big mela is also held with food stalls and different fancy items.

For Vaishnavism in Assam, Guru Aasana has special importance. Bhagawatam is kept over the Guru Aasana and devotees worship Lord Krishna there. There are three Guru Aasana in Sundaridiya Satra. As per Guru Charit Madhav dev had established the Guru Aasana in Sundaridiya Satra But later on two more Guru Aasana were established there; though from the spiritual point of view, there is always one Guru Asana.

Several original manuscripts and it copies are preserved in Sundaridiya Satra. As per Charitputhi when Madhav dev came to Sundaridiya Satra he first translated the  Bhakti Ratnawali into Assamese from here. His greatest literary contribution Namghosha was composed here. From that point of view, Sundaridiya Satra has special significance to the Vaishnava movement of Assam. Madhavdev also composed several Bargeet and Jhumra from here. In fact, the atmosphere of Satra is still so serene and calm that he must Madhavdev must have been inspired to write here his highest literary creation.