Besides attending the Doul Utsav celebrations at Barpeta Satra, Chief Minister Dr Sarma also visited Batadrava Than, the birth place of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev
GUWAHATI, March 14: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma today (March 14) took part in the Doul Utsav celebrations at Barpeta Satra and offering his prayers besides inaugurating an infrastructural development project valued at Rs 11.14 crore at Shri Shri Shankardev Than, Patbaushi Satra, and Shri Shri Dev Damodar Guru’s Adi Dham in the greater Barpeta region.
Furthermore, during his visit to Barpeta, he also laid the foundation stone for another infrastructural development initiative, amounting to Rs 7.32 crore, at Chinpara Bhithi Than, a site of historical significance where Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev had spent a year.
It may be noted that Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev established a Satra at Patbaushi, where he resided for approximately 18 years. This Satra served as the centre from which he propagated his spiritual philosophy, artistic endeavours, and cultural contributions throughout the region.
Due to its role in the development of Sattriya culture and literature, the institution remains of significant historical and cultural value. Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev, along with Mahapurush Madhavdev, Damodardev, and Haridev, utilised this Satra to further the propagation of the Vaishnav faith.
The infrastructural development project inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr Sarma today aims to facilitate both the enhancement and preservation of Shri Shri Shankardev Than, Patbaushi Satra, including its Namghar and Monikut.
The project entails the construction of several facilities, such as a Daul Ghar, Jagmohan Ghar, Math, Kalindi Aai Ghar, a museum, a Patkuwa, a dining hall, a discussion room, a dormitory, sanitation facilities, and provisions for drinking water.
In addition, efforts would be undertaken to preserve and enhance the natural environment of the site by developing paved pathways, benches, a lawn area, and lighting installations.
Similarly, the development project for Shri Shri Dev Damodar Guru’s Adi Dham includes the renovation and enhancement of the Namghar and Monikut, as well as the construction of a Daul Ghar and Jagmohan Ghar. The project would also involve the creation of two entrance gates at the front and rear, the upgrading of the existing guesthouses, a community hall, and a training centre.
Moreover, a museum, a Patkuwa, a designated resting space for women, sanitation facilities, and drinking water systems would be constructed. The project also includes measures for environmental enhancement through the development of paved pathways, benches, a lawn area, and the installation of lighting systems.
Additionally, a 2-metre-wide foot overbridge would be constructed to establish connectivity between Shri Shri Shankardev Than and Shri Shri Dev Damodar Guru’s Adi Dham, thereby improving accessibility between these two historically and culturally significant sites.
The infrastructural development project at Chinpara Bhithi Than, encompassing approximately 8 bighas and 1 lecha, is designed to enhance and preserve the site’s historical and cultural significance. As part of this initiative, the Kirtanghar and Monikut would be renovated, ensuring their structural integrity for future generations.
The project further includes the construction and refurbishment of essential facilities such as the main entrance, pathways, Rang Ghar, Darshan Ghar, Daul Ghar, Jagmohan Ghar, Patkuwa, dormitory, dining hall, and a designated rest area for women.
Additionally, provisions have been made for the reconstruction of the conference hall, security cabins, sanitation and drinking water systems, and boundary walls. To improve the site’s accessibility and aesthetic appeal, paved walkways, benches, landscaped lawns with lighting, and gazebos would be installed, ensuring a well-maintained environment for visitors.
Addressing the media on this occasion, Dr Sarma stated that Srimanta Sankardev spent a significant period of his life in Patbaushi, where he composed many of his invaluable literary works. He recalled that upon assuming office as Chief Minister, during his visit to Barpeta and Patbaushi, he had announced a project to preserve the region’s cultural and historical legacy.
In fulfilment of that commitment, the foundation stone for this initiative has now been laid, he added.
Noting that Srimanta Sankardev resided in various locations throughout his life, he said that the Assam Government has documented their historical significance and devised a phased plan for their systematic development. He highlighted completed projects at Bordowa and Gangmou Than and stated that a ₹50 crore development project would be undertaken for Madhupur Satra.
The Chief Minister then visited the historic Barpeta Satra, where he offered his respects at key sites, including the Doul Griha, during the ongoing four-day Doul Utsav celebrations. He attended a performance of Barpeta’s traditional Holi geet, appreciating the region’s distinct cultural heritage. Additionally, he inaugurated the Srimanta Sankardev Museum at Sri Sri Sankardev Than Patbaushi Satra.
Chief Minister Dr Sarma was accompanied by several dignitaries, including Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Environment and Forests Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita; MP Phani Bhusan Choudhury; MLA Phani Talukdar; and Sudarsan Thakur, Secretary of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, among others.
Besides attending the Doul Utsav celebrations at Barpeta Satra, Chief Minister Dr Sarma also visited the Batadrava Than and offered his prayers on the occasion of Doul Utsav.
