Research Methodology
Chapter 4: Data Collection
4.3 Study of the areas and various buildings inside Satra Premises
4.3.1 Case study of Barpeta Satra
The initial data collection was mostly on the basis of visits, broad field observation and use of still photography and video recording using digital cameras.
There are various sections in a Satra and every section has its own importance.
Following are broad details based on case study of Barpeta Satra:
a) Satra Premises:
Fig. 4.1: Barpeta Satra Nahati Batchara (Photograph: Researcher)
There are total of three primary entrances in the Satra (fig. 4.1) also called 3 Batchara (Entrance of Satra), called (i) Nahati Batchara (Entry gate from West side), (ii) Uttar Hati Batchara (Entry gate from North side) and (iii) Dakshinhati Batchara (Entry gate from South side). There is no entrance from the East side of the Satra as it has water source also called Hari Jaan or a cannel. The whole complex is covered by walls. As a mark of respect to the Satra no vehicle is allowed inside the entrance or a vehicle to drive in front of the entrance with passengers/visitors in it except the driver and all others are supposed to get down from the vehicle and walk. This is applicable for the local residents as well as tourists. One can read the sign boards written in Assamese or Hindi, so that everyone can understand it. The main entry gate is also called Dalan being constructed in bricks and concrete.
b) Main Complex: (Surrounded by 7 feet high wall and 3 entry gate): The core of the main Satra is the Kirtan Ghar also called Naamghar.
Fig. 4.2: Naamghar at Barpeta Satra in Assam (Photograph: Researcher)
i) Kirtan Ghar (Main prayer hall) fig. 4.2: It is located in the core center of the Satra. As one enters inside near the main west gate, one can find two long wooden pillars called ‘Tulsi Khuta’, supporting the main building. At the end of the Naamghar there are three Guru Aasans also called Manikut. They are associated with the name of Sri Sankardeva, Madhabdeva and Mathura Das Burha Ata. The Manikut is covered with big Gamosa and traditionally made earthen lamps are placed near the Manikut. Behind the
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Guru Asana, there are two chairs placed in east corner for Burha (old) Satriya and Deka Satriya. Where they can carry out their day to day activities. Before the Guru Asana there are seven ‘Bar Sarais’ or Xorai (it’s a bell metal utensil for keeping food) placed in front of the Guru. One can see sculpture of Hanuman and Garuda inside the Kirtan ghar and no idol worship (God or Goddesses) takes place in Kirtan ghar. On the outer wall of Kirtan ghar pictorial visualizations with descriptions of Bhagavata and Purana (on the North and South side) are sculpted and painted. On the west side Dashavatara of Vishnu is depicted.
Fig. 4.3 (a): Exterior of Naamghar (South side) in Barpeta Satra (Photograph: Researcher)
Fig. 4.3 (b): Exterior part of Naamghar (South West) at Barpeta Satra (Photograph: Researcher)
ii) Bhaj Ghar (fig. 4.4): It’s a room where Manikut is kept. From the roof it is having a curve with bend stucture as compared with the other part of Kirtan ghar, which are just bend kind of structure. Bhaj Ghar is having two sections (i) Ghai Bharal and (ii) Manikut area. Ghai Bharal area is been used to keep expensive ornaments (gold and silver) and also to keep valuables of Satra, mustard oil storage in a tank and important books. The second part where Manikut is kept having the section where Kaila Thakur, which is lord Krishna and Rukmini are kept. It is established in the eastern side of Kirtan ghar. It was found that there is 500 years old earthen lamp named ‘Akhay Banti’ (eternal lamp) lightening inside the Bhaj ghar (Its in Dakshinapat Satra, Majuli).
Fig. 4.4 Bhaj ghar of Naamghar (South East) in Barpeta Satra (Photograph: Researcher)
(c) Pat Chang: The design and architecture style of pat chang is different than Kirtan ghar. It is made up of wood and now in modern setting its been replaced by concrete. It's almost parallel to Bhaj ghar (Naamghar) and 8 feet away from the Kirtan ghar. It’s a section where some religious and administrative special meetings are been conducted and it is 5 feet above from the ground.
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(d) Khatkhati (The bank of Hari Jaan Canal): Steps on the bank of the canal (Fig. 4.5) leading to the water on the east side of the Satra complex is called Khatkhati.
The steps was made with stones and goes till water body.
Fig. 4.5: Khatkhati (Hari Jaan canal) in Barpeta Satra (Photograph: Researcher)
The canal was once converted into a Madhab Sarover (lake) where Srimanta Madhabdev use to take bath with other bhakats although it was later again converted into a canal. A Statue of Krishna, sculpted as a child in Kalia Daman has been placed in the center of the Sarovar/canal.
(e) Math: The area of Math (fig. 4.6) was later constructed into residential place of Srimanta Madhavdeva with architectural style of Ahom kingdom. Important religious
activities are conducted in front of the Math and open space infront of Math is known as
‘Mathor Sotal’. No one says anything wrong or lie infront of the Math and it has been believed by the people.
Fig.4.6: Math in Barpeta Naamghar (Photograph: Researcher)
(f) Sri Ram Ata’s Bhiti: Srimanta Shankardeva’s disciple Sri Ram Ata house (also called as Bhiti) was established in front of Madhavdeva’s (Math). They have constructed a well and it is said that it has pure water, which can be used in the Satras other works.
(g) Burha Ata’s Bhiti: There is a small house built on the North-East side of the Satra where Mathura Das Burha Ata stayed in Barpeta Satra.
(h) Badula Padma Ata Bhithi: In between the Athiti Griha and Bhagawat Griha a small house was made, where the best disciple of Srimanta Shankardeva lived and it is situated in South side of the Satra.
(i) Bhagawat Griha: There is an L shaped open house in the southern side of the Kirtan ghar in open space without walls, where every evening Shastra Adhyayan (holy book reading place) is been recited and devotees can listen to Bhagawat. This is known as Bhagawat Griha.
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(j) Atithi Griha: There is a dormitory type guesthouse inside the complex where devotees can stay when they visit the Satra. Satra normally provide the grocery to cook for any visitor/ devotee who come there to stay and the devotees can prepare their meal themselves during their stay.
(k) Satria Music School: Satra has been fostering cultural education and practices in terms of music and Satria dance. The music school is in East-South corner of the canal (Jaan). The training in Sankari culture is provided here to the interested learners.
(l) Sabha Ghar: In the North-West side of the Kirtan Ghar the Sabha Ghar is located, where community Bhakat (especially Samoh Bhakat) conduct meetings.
Jagamohan Griha is another small house near Sabha Ghar.
(m) Doul (fig. 4.7): During the time of Doul (Holi festival) Kaila Thakur idol is kept here in North-West (near entry gate) corner. It has a unique design of seven stairs, which depicts that after crossing the seven steps one can reach to the God in heaven.
Fig.4.7: Doul at Barpeta Naamghar (Photograph: Researcher)
(n) Ranga Mancha: It is a place where cultural activities and performance is practiced and performed in the Satra premises (fig. 4.8). There were no boundaries around the ranga mancha but over the period of time it has been covered up.
Fig.4.8: Rang Mancha in Barpeta Naamghar (Photograph: Researcher)
(o) Mathura Das Burha Ata Library: One can find Shankari books, literature and cultural material in the library inside Satra office complex (fig. 4.9) and is managed by Kewalia Bhakat’s managing committee.
Fig. 4.9: Mathura Das Burha Ata Library