A Memorable Visit to Sri Sri Auniati Satra of North Guwahati: A Journey into Assamese Spirituality and Culture
Nikunja Sharma
Sri Sri Auniati Satra, a prominent Vaishnavite monastery, stands as a beacon of Assam’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Originally established in 1653 AD in Majuli by Ahom King Jayadhwaja Singha, the Satra takes its name from the abundance of Auni Paan (a betel creeper plant) on the elevated (Ati) land of Majuli. Known as one of the most prestigious Satras, it has greatly influenced the propagation of Neo-Vaishnavism, a movement founded by Srimanta Sankardeva, a 15th-century saint and social reformer.
The North Guwahati branch of Auniati Satra, established in 1915 by Sri Sri Kamal Dev Goswami, continues this legacy. Spread over 60 bighas of land acquired from the Aswaklanta Temple, it has flourished as a cultural and spiritual hub under the leadership of successive Satradhikars.
The architecture of the Satra is both graceful and functional, with a, enclosed complex and four gateways (Karapat). At its center lies the Namghar (prayer hall), a rectangular structure aligned east-west with its 14 poles. Adjacent to the Namghar is the Manikut (Sanctum Sanctorum), housing the Asana, a wooden structure adorned with four carved lions. The primary deity worshiped here is Govinda, an idol of Lord Krishna originally brought from Jagannath Kshetra, Puri. Surrounding the Namghar are rows of Hatis (monastic quarters) where celibate and non-celibate monks (Bhokots) reside.
The North Guwahati branch, rebuilt in 1959 by Bhagawat Bhaskar Sri Sri Hem Chandra Deva Goswami, reflects the timeless elegance of Assamese architecture and craftsmanship.
Auniati Satra plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Assamese culture through its rich repertoire of Satriya music, dance, and theater. The Satriya dance, a UNESCO-recognized classical dance form, originated in the Satras as a form of devotion to Lord Krishna.
The key performances and practices at the Satra include Satriya Dance Forms such as Natua Nritya, Krishna Gopi Nritya, Apsara Nritya, and Sutradhar Nritya, which depict mythological themes. Mati Akhara, a set of basic hand-and-body postures, is also an essential aspect of the Satra’s dance tradition. The Satriya Songs performed at the Satra, including Gayana Geet, Raas-Geet, Bairagi Nam, and Guru Bandana, glorify Vaishnavite ideals. Theatrical Shows (Bhaona), inspired by Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, are performed during festivals like Raas Leela and Doul Utsav.
The Satra also hosts Nam-Prasanga, daily congregational prayers involving devotional songs and hymns, which are integral to its spiritual life. Special celebrations such as Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s Birth), Holi, Raas Leela, and Bohag Bihu are celebrated with grandeur, attracting devotees from far and wide.
Auniati Satra is committed to uplifting local communities through educational initiatives, philanthropy, and moral and spiritual empowerment. It also plays an active role in preserving Assamese culture and literature. The Satra’s educational programs, such as Sharana (initiation), Bhajan, and Malamantradan, foster moral values and provide guidance for societal well-being.
The Satra’s influence spans across 12 branches in Assam, including the Kaliapani branch, established in 2003 by Sri Sri Dr. Pitambar Dev Goswami. Each branch serves as a hub for social cohesion and cultural enlightenment, in line with Srimanta Sankardeva’s vision of an egalitarian society.
The role of Satras in the propagation of Neo-Vaishnavism cannot be overstated. These centers emphasize monotheism, equality, and devotion to Lord Krishna. Today, Assam is home to 715 Satras, each playing a crucial role in religious, social, and cultural activities.
Majuli, located amidst the Brahmaputra River, is the largest riverine island in the world and the heart of Vaishnavite culture. Home to 22 Satras, Majuli offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and spiritual significance. The island is known for its eco-tourism, ancient manuscripts, traditional crafts, and diverse tribal communities like the Mising, Deori, and Kachari. The region’s cultural significance has earned it the recognition of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, Majuli faces serious threats from flood erosion, which has reduced its area significantly since 1950. Efforts are underway to promote sustainable tourism, implement flood control measures, and digitally archive cultural artifacts and manuscripts.
During my visit to Sri Sri Auniati Satra with my family, I had the privilege of meeting Sri Sri Dr. Pitambar Dev Goswami, the current Sattradhikar of Auniati Satra of Majuli. His insights into Neo-Vaishnavism and Assamese traditions were deeply enlightening. I was fortunate to learn from him about the Satra’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring relevance of Srimanta Sankardeva’s teachings. The serene environment and profound spiritual atmosphere made this visit a truly unforgettable experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore this sacred institution, which has left a lasting impact on my understanding of Assamese culture and spirituality.