Basudev Than

Basudev Than (pronounced as [baxudew tʱan]) (বাসুদেৱ থান) or Narua Satra is a satra located in Dhakuakhana, Lakhimpur, Assam. The grandson of Sankardeva established it in the 17th century. Originally known as Laumura Satra, this satra is well known in Assam and other parts of India.

Etymology

Damodar Ata established this satra in the 17th century as Laumura Satra. However, the plot of the satra was transferred to many people many times. This led to the name na-rua[1] which might mean 'not stay'. The name Basudev Than is related to the Assamese word for lord Vishnu-- Baxudew.

History

The Sri Sri Basudev Than was established in mid-17th century by the grandson of Sankardeva, Damodar Ata as Laumura Satra, during the rule of Ahom king Jayadhwaj Singha. There is controversy whether Damodar Ata came from Bijani or from Upper Assam.[2]

The land of the Satra (where it was originally located) was donated by the king of Sadhayapur, Satyanarayana in 1314 to Narayan Dwij for Bishnu Puja. Later on, a Brahmin family took the land and finally a member of the Brahmin family 'Bahude' gave the land to Damodar Ata.[3] According to others, in 1323, Sadhayapuriya king Lakhinarayan devoted the land to Ravidev Basaspati for Bishnu Puja, and from this family, did the land go to Damodar Ata.[4] The Satra was then transferred to the present day location.

After Damodar Ata's death, Ramakanta Ata took the place of the Adhikar. However, having to look two other Satras a well, Basudev Than, due to neglection, almost turned into a forest. In 1683, Ramdev Ata took the place of the Adhikar, after the death of Ramakanta Ata. By that time, the Ahom kings started to pay respect to the Satradhikars. In 1707, Ahom king Gourinath Singha decided to visit this satra. However, he had to return from a place now called Uvata Sampara (Uvata meaning 'to return'[5]). Knowing this, Satradhikar felt sorry, left this satra and went to live in Barpeta. Later on, when king came to know of this, he regreted and sent Mahidhar Dangariya there and bestowed a Bor-Kah.[6][7]

Gradually, this place became deserted. This remained so till the arrival of Rangain Aldhara. Later on, Achyut Ata, with the help of Aldhara established a temple there. The Basudev Mandir was established in 'Maghi Purnima'. And thus, people organize Pal Nam every year on Maghi Purnima till date. His brother, Mahesh Ata built a big Namghar there.

Description

The than covers about 200 bighas of land. Large parts are covered by trees like Ajar. Many statues have been discovered in the nearby villages.[8][9]

Beliefs

According to the local people, Rukmini made the statue of Basudev for her desire to marry him.[10]

Access

The Lakhimpur railway station is the nearest railway station, and Lilabari Airport is the nearest airport.

References

  1. ↑ Assaminfo, tourist places, Sri Sri Basudev Than Para 1
  2. ↑ Assaminfo page on Basudev Than, Para 2
  3. ↑ cic.nic.in Shri Shri Basudev Than Para 1
  4. ↑ Assaminfo para 2
  5. ↑ xobdo.org xobdo online dictionary search result of 'ubhata' in Assamese
  6. ↑ http://www.assaminfo.com/tourist-places/27/shri-shri-basudev-than.htm
  7. ↑ http://www.assaminfo.com/tourist-places/27/shri-shri-basudev-than.htm
  8. ↑ 6th para Assaminfo.com
  9. ↑ http://www.cic.nic.in/cicwebpages/Assam/dakhuakhana/basudevthan1.htm cic
  10. ↑ cicwebpages, Assam, Dhakuakhana, Basudevthan1 Para 6
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