Temples & Legends Of Assam |
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Temples & Legends Of
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THE SATRAS - III |
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"These
progresses are generally attended with considerable pomp and dignity. If the journey is
made during the rainy season, the Gosains and their followers travel in stately
barges, whose carved prows and slender lines distinguish them from the ordinary
rough built country-boats. Most of the Satras own
oneor more fine elephants, and these ponderous animals take a leading part in the
procession that escorts
the spiritual leaders of the people. The Gosains themselves are carried in litters, drums
are beaten and cymbals clashed before them; and when they alight they are not
permitted to touch the ground with their bare feet."
The Satradhikars, during their periodical visits
give sarana to new disciples, and Bhajana to
those who are already converted. The sarana or
initiation is a simple ceremony, which consists in taking.
Refuge to four fundamental principles (carivastu) of the faith, namely, Nama, reciting the
name of the God, deva, surrender to God, guru,
acceptance of a preceptor, and Bhakta, delight in the company of religious
brotherhood. |
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