| Temples & Legends Of Assam |
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| Temples & Legends Of India |
THE SATRAS - III |
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| Besides, there is a
class of special Bhaktas called Kewaliyas, celibates who have forsaken the world in early life and residing in a Satra devote themselves to rigorous discipline, religious life and practices. The Satradhikar runs the entire administration. In some Satras, he is designated as Mahanta or Gosain, and he is a lifelong celibate. In some Satras, however, the Satradhikar are allowed to lead a household life. It should be noted that the Satra-institutions gave rise to a new priest class appointed from the Sudra having position of spiritual power and social importance equal to Brahmans. Along with it, the Satras introduced the system of worship of saints and the veneration of relics, particularly padd-silas, the footmarks.
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