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Institution
of Satra
These
are unique features of Vaishnavism in Assam. Satras are basically
monasteries which were propagate neo Vaishnavism. They also
became centers for education and dissemination of all kinds
of art of harmonius living. Satra culture developed mainly at
Majuli, Bardowa, Barpeta, Madhupur etc. When the British invaded
Assam in 19th century, missionaries followed and churches were
established all over Assam. Assam is a unique example of communal
tolerance and religious harmony which prevails amongst the believer
of different faiths. Assamese society is remarkably free from
communal conflict.
Satras
of Majuli
World's largest
river island Majuli is the seat of several Satras established
by Vaishnava revivalist, Sankardeva. During Rasotsava several
thousand devotees visit these holy Satras every year.
Batadrawa
Satra and Shrine
14 kms from Nagaon
town, Batadrawa is the birthplace of famous Vaishnav are
former Sankerdeva. The shrine is held in high veneration by
the Vaishnavas.
Barpeta
Satra and Kirtanghar
This famous Shrine
and Kirtanghar attracts Vaishanavas from all over India. It
was established by Madhadeva, the greatest disciple of Shankerdeva.
Da-Parbatiya
One of the finest
example of ancient architecture, Da-Parbatiya of Tezpur dates
back to 5th-6th century. The structure is not more than a door
frame but the intricate carvings on it represents the best of
Gupta art.
Kamakhya
and Bhubaneswari Temple
This temple is
on the top of the Nilachal hill some eight kms from Guwahati.
This temple is dedicated to Shaktism and the different sculptures
in the temple premises date back from eighth to seventeenth
century. Devotees from all over India converge on this holy
place during Ambubachi Mela and Manasha Puja.
Navagraha
Temple
As the name indicates,
this temple is dedicated to the nine planets in the solar system.
It is situated on Chitrachal hill in Guwahati and is a center
of astrological and astronomical research.
Vasistha
Ashram
This Ashram is
16 kms from Guwahati and is believed to have been established
by the great Sage Vasistha. It is located on the Sandhyachal
hills. The ashram has a bestowing charm of its own. It is an
important pilgrimage with rivulets Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta
converging here.
Umananda
Temple
The great Shiva
temple situated on the peacock island in the middle of Brahamaputra
in Guwahati attracts devotees from all over the country during
the Shivaratri celebrations.
Hayagriva-Madhab
Temple
Hajo, about
20 Kms. from Guwahati is the meeting place of Hinduism, Islam
and Buddhism. It is an important pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists
both.
Poa Mecca
At Hajo itself
there is this Poa Mecca. It is a pilgrimage for Muslims. It
is believed that by offering prayers here a faithful gains one
fourth spiritual enlightenment of what could be gained at Mecca.
Shivadol
It is the tallest
Shiva temple in North East India. It is located in Sibsagar.
This temple is on the banks of a huge lake where thousands of
migratory birds are seen during winter.
Dargah
of Ajan Pir
The dargah of
Muslim saint Shah Aulia alias Ajan Fakir, who led a Muslim reform
movement in Assam, is a revered place of pilgrimage for the
Muslims and Hindus alike.This is in a place known as Sahaguri
Chapari near Sibsagar.
Maha
Bhairav Temple
Dedicated to
Lord Shiva this temple is the oldest Shiva shrine in the region.
It is located in Tezpur town.
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