454th Tirubhav Tithi of Srimanta Sankardev observed in Assam

Guwahati: On the holy Occasion of the 454 Tirubhav Tithi of the great Vaishnavite saint and Social Reformer Srimanta Sankardev, his birthplace Batadrava, was resounded with spiritual and religious zeal from morning onwards.

Today is the Vaishnavite saint, Social reformer Srimanta Sankardev’s 450th death anniversary. On this auspicious day, right from the morning onwards, the Satras and the Namghars located across the state have been resounded with Guru Vandana- Nam-prasang.

Sankardev’s Tirobhav Tithi is also celebrated with extreme spiritual and religious zeal at his birthplace Batadrava, Nagaon. Devotees in large numbers including youths gathered today at Batadrava Thaan in the morning offered their prayers, took part in Nam Pransang and recalled the great 15th Century Vaishnavite saint on his death anniversary. Women devotees were seen performing Nagara Naam/Diha Naam. It is to be mentioned here that Various Satriya Cultural sessions including performing of Ankiya Bhaonas written by Sankardev will be held during the evening hours today.

Also, the Tirobhava Tithi of Sri Sri Sankardeva was observed at Kaliabor with fervour today. At every naam ghar, people observed the tithi performing naam-prasanga. People, irrespective of age, caste and creed, took part in the m-prasanga. The tithi was also observed at different educational institutions. On the occasion, at one or two Naam ghars, Bhao was performed with much enthusiasm. Kaliaborea Bhao has its unique style. It is noteworthy that Kaliabor is a stronghold of Vaishvite culture since its origin. There are xan-ara akhan (25) important xatras which are still centres of Kaliaborea Vaishvite culture.

Sankardev was a 16th-century Assamese polymath and saint-scholar credited with uniting Assam and considered as the father of Assamese culture.

The saint had an all-pervasive influence on Assamese culture, religion and society and he is widely credited with developing cultural relics and devising new forms of music (Borgeet), theatrical performance (Anika Naat, Bhaona), dance (Sattriya) and literary language (Brajavali). He left behind an extensive work of trans-created scriptures (Bhagavat of Sankardev), poetry and theological works written in Sanskrit, Assamese and Brajavali.

The Bhagavatic religious Ekasaranam Dharam or Neo-Vaishnavite movement promoted by him influenced the two medieval kingdoms of Koch and Ahom while the assembly of devotees he initiated evolved into Sattras, which continue to be important socio-religious institutions in Assam.

Shankardev inspired Bhakti movement in Assam. His literary and artistic contributions are living traditions in Assam today. The religion he preached is practised by a large population.