HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, March 15: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a major infrastructural development initiative worth ₹11.14 crore aimed at preserving Vaishnav heritage in the Barpeta region.
The project focuses on the restoration and enhancement of Shri Shri Shankardev Than at Patbaushi Satra and Shri Shri Dev Damodar Guru’s Adi Dham.
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Additionally, Sarma laid the foundation stone for another ₹7.32 crore project at Chinpara Bhithi Than, a historically significant site where Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev spent a year.
Patbaushi Satra holds immense cultural and historical significance, as it was established by Srimanta Shankardev, who lived there for 18 years.
The Satra served as a hub for his spiritual, literary, and artistic contributions, playing a crucial role in the propagation of Sattriya culture and Vaishnavism.
Along with Mahapurush Madhavdev, Damodardev, and Haridev, Shankardev used the Satra as a centre for disseminating the Vaishnav faith.
The newly inaugurated development project aims to enhance and preserve the Satra’s structures, including the Namghar and Monikut, by constructing key facilities such as a Daul Ghar, Jagmohan Ghar, Math, Kalindi Aai Ghar, a museum, a Patkuwa, and a dining hall.
Additional infrastructure, including a dormitory, sanitation facilities, and drinking water provisions, will also be developed.
The project includes environmental improvements with paved pathways, benches, a lawn, and lighting installations.
Similarly, the development work at Shri Shri Dev Damodar Guru’s Adi Dham will involve the renovation of the Namghar and Monikut, the construction of a Daul Ghar and Jagmohan Ghar, and the establishment of two entrance gates.
The project will upgrade guesthouses, build a community hall and a training centre, and create a museum and a rest area for women.
Infrastructure enhancements will also include sanitation and drinking water facilities, paved pathways, and a landscaped lawn.
A 2-metre-wide foot overbridge will be constructed to improve connectivity between Shri Shri Shankardev Than and Shri Shri Dev Damodar Guru’s Adi Dham.
At Chinpara Bhithi Than, the ₹7.32 crore project will focus on preserving its historical importance.
Spanning approximately 8 bighas and 1 lecha, the site will undergo renovation of the Kirtanghar and Monikut, along with the construction of essential amenities such as a main entrance, pathways, a Rang Ghar, Darshan Ghar, Daul Ghar, and Jagmohan Ghar.
The development will also include a dormitory, a dining hall, a women’s rest area, a conference hall, security cabins, and sanitation facilities.
Landscaping elements such as paved walkways, benches, and gazebos will enhance the site’s aesthetic appeal.
Addressing the media, Sarma emphasised the historical importance of Patbaushi, where Shankardev composed many of his literary works.
He noted that upon assuming office, he had committed to preserving the region’s cultural heritage, and the newly inaugurated projects are a fulfillment of that promise.
The Chief Minister stated that the Assam Government has documented the locations where Shankardev lived and has planned a phased development approach for their conservation.
He highlighted completed projects at Bordowa and Gangmou Than and announced a ₹50 crore development plan for Madhupur Satra.
During his visit, Sarma also paid his respects at the historic Barpeta Satra, participating in the ongoing four-day Doul Utsav celebrations. He attended a performance of Barpeta’s traditional Holi geet and inaugurated the Srimanta Sankardev Museum at Sri Sri Sankardev Than, Patbaushi Satra.
Several dignitaries accompanied the Chief Minister, including Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development; Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister of Environment and Forests; Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs; MP Phani Bhusan Choudhury; MLA Phani Talukdar; and Sudarsan Thakur, Secretary of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra.
