Introduction
Sankaradeva's religion has many institutional aspects, and these exercise even today a tremendous influence on the cultural, social and community life of the Assamese people. As an institution, it may be considered mainly in two major aspects: the Satras and Namghars.
The word 'Satra' was used to denote a place of religious gathering. In the words of Bhatta Deva, "Where ardent devotees perform duties pleasing to God, where nine-fold Bhakti prevails, that supreme place adomed by Gods and Vaishnavas is called a Satra. Vaishnavas residing there are naturally prone to Harinama."
Author - H.V.Sreenivasa Murthy And B.K. Barua
|