Sankardev’s Versatile Expression To Bring Harmony And Integrity

Preaching of Mahpurush Srimanta Sankardev did not demand diversification towards various religious practices that involved rigorous observation, costly religious act, worship of multiple demigods and idol worship. His methodology of devotion was based entirely only on one sole God from which the entire universe came to existence with observation to all his incarnation on earth to bestow benevolence and spread humanitarian  principles to abolish  sin. Sankardev set this universal principle of God through his own supernatural exemplification. According to his established preaching there is none above one God known as Vishnu ( Sri Hari) from whom originated all beings as well as Maya ( illusion that pervades us from knowing God so that we remain engrossed in life activities as plant, animal and human) in order to expand his creation.

The sole purpose of establishing his dharma (based on principles of God’s universal law) was to influence the people to concentrate on Vishnu only to help bring integration between diverse communities with harmony and help progress towards life. He took the giant step to bring development in the present cultural activities with religious touch to help associate its theme with various background people. The mission of Sankardev was found through the expression of drama (Bhauna), prayer and procession with divine chanting to spread the essence of Bhagavad in simplified manner to capture the interest of the lower class people to the upper grade ones.  Since the Assamese society had diverse communities that followed different lifestyles and varied languages so the best way he found to unite them वास by capturing their senses through colorful expression of Bhauna (drama about Krishna life story). Bhauna was first introduced by Sankardev in India that still rules in Assam pompously. Apart from it Sankardev highlighted the glorification of God through humanitarian service and creative activities.

Sankardev’s New Creation To Give Base To His Reform

It was not that Sankardev had forgotten his mission to reform the society by  getting again engrossed in family life but he kept discovering new ideas to establish his new humanitarian act. After getting partially rid off his family responsibilities Sankardev was at the height of lord’s devotion and establishing righteous preaching that elevates one’s life to the higher context of divine status where one could find in direct connection with God without any rigorous religious act. He kept himself deeply engrossed in lord’s service and prayer. Praising God’s benevolence through chant, preaching and bhauna (mythological drama with implementation of real  actors to help convey message to the layman in the community) he started to attract people’s mind to his mission. In this process of reformation Sankardev had performed a higher religious act of surrender to lone God only without any deflection to other deities.

He in this context established himself as a firm believer in Bhagavad Gita without any concentration towards idol worship. Sankardev’s main believe  and preaching was to abstain from other deity worship for according to him if we serve the root of a tree which he resembles to God then rest of its parts (like branches, leaves, stems, flowers, seed and fruit) will naturally get nourished. He considered the other parts of the tree to demigods  and  according to him one need not necessarily entertain one’s mind at their services as it does not meets the requirement of the root from where the entire energy is generated to help grow the tree fruitfully.

The main preaching of Sankardev was to pour water  at the root then the entire tree will be served. Why simply to pour one’s devotion to innumerous demigods after serving the main God. In the quest to devote his mind and soul in God’s (Hari) concentration he started to search a suitable solitude place nearby his house. In this search he found a place named as a Tambuwani which was few kilometers from his residence at Alipukhuri. This place Tambuwani had mythological connection about Krishna and Rukmini’s brief shelter when they had fled from the marriage that was arranged at Kuntipur.

It was here in Tambuwani where Sankardev gave creation to Kirtan Ghar (a house of God) where the precious Bhagavad was placed with honor in a 'Manikut' (a decorative case like a house). Kirtan Ghar is like a temple but the difference is that here instead of idol the pious book 'Bhagavad' wasworshipped. The Kirtan Ghar had the capacity to accommodate more than five to hundred people based on the construction  and space area. After constructing it Sankardev started to devote much of his time there and later started to live nearby it in a small hut. Sankardev had to do so as it was the peak time of his reformation  act in the society to bridge people of various cultural backgrounds.

This was stated to be his first step to build the Kirtan Ghar where he could program devotional activities in an engrossed manner. Sankardev at this stage was highly motivated by the main essence of Hari Kirtan (God’s sole concept as described in religious scriptures) and its piousness for which he had even rejected the honor of Bhuyan title that would have bestowed upon him with highest worldly pleasures that a king deserves. He was rather happy to be at his new place where he had constructed a Kirtan Ghar  at a plot allotted by his deceased father Kuhumbor.

The original place of Kirtan Ghar which Sankardev had established is stated now as Shantijan which is located in Nagaon district of Assam. In this mission of reform in cultural activities of Assam to bring harmony in the religion conflicted land, Sankardev was joined in by many other people from his relative side. They equally followed the methods as installed by Sankardev in his new project of reform where the followers had to surrender  only to Bhagavad without any deflection to other concentration.

Sankardev was looked upon as a Guru rather than as a family member. In this process Sankardev took to the Guru Akhon (seat of religious head) to preach and guide people about God’s law as depicted in the holy ‘Bhagavad’. He helped people to realize life in better perspective out of the illusion. Gradually his popularity spread to all the regions as the emerge of a new spiritual reformer who was later graced with highest title as Dharma (law) Guru, Preacher and Maha Purush (Divine Being) Srimanta Sankardev.

Sankardev’s Return Followed With Second marriage

After twelve years of pilgrim tour  all over India Sankardev’s grandmother Kherhuti  and other folks of his village were overjoyed by his sight. Later his grandmother  started to think deeply about Sankardev’s lonely life. She was filled with emotion to see her grandson‘s incomplete life without a partner. It was an early exit of his wife from his life where there was many years to go for  Sankardev. She thought that Sankardev’s life has become like the edges of a tree without a proper  ground. Pondering about all these grandmother Kherhuti was quite distressed about his future that how he is going to live his life and who is going to take care of him at his later stage. Thinking day and night about all these one day she called many of her  elderly members for  a meet to discuss about Sankardev’s future and to help settle his life for the second time with a new lady named as Kalinadi who belonged to Kasthya family.

In advent of his second marriage Sankardev had four children from Kalinadi who gave birth to three sons named as Rama Nanda, Kamalalusan and Harisaran. The fourth  child was a girl whose name was Rukmini (alias Vishnupriya). After his successful second marriage and extension of family members the relatives thought of appointing him with Bhuyan title. To this suggestion Sankardev in  a polite manner  declined it by stating there is no necessity of offering him with Bhuyan title. For in his twelve years span of nationwide pilgrim venture to  acquire varied knowledge in  spiritual context had completely disillusioned him from materialistic path  and wanted to emerge in the spiritual realm by concentrating on God’s pursuit. He reasoned that he does not want to lose the real essence of life which he had gained with great difficulty. Sankardev expressing his position had persuaded them not to force him further and stated that he is sorry for being unable to make their wish come true.

Sankardev's Spiritual Challenge And Vindiction

Stepping into the age of twenty one Sankardev moved from his youth to manlihood to get experience in  family life by tying knot with Suryawati who is the most beautiful and talented daughter of Horibor Giri. Suryawati family was  from Kayastha Bhuyan class and her father was extremely happy at the marriage proposal.  Horibor felt privileged to hand over his daughter’s hand to the most efficient and eligible lad in his community.  Though Sankardev was inclined in spiritualism but maintained the code of conduct of worldly life without exempting from it. During this phase of grihastha (family life) life he lead a happy married life. One year after his marriage his wife Suryawati gave birth to a girl whose name they had kept as Manu but later changed it to Hraipriya.  Later when Sankardev’s daughter Haripriya became of marriageable age her father placed her hand to a man from Kayastha class whose name was Hari. After her marriage Suryawati deceased and this was a phase when Sankardev experienced life attachment turmoil.

In the earlier stage of his life he abandoned from parental love and now at manhood his love made an early exit, making his life painful to lead. For him the life seemed to be heavier to bear and unable to get himself back to its clutch of attachment. It was at this peak of situation he decided to set for pilgrimage by leaving aside the illusive world after setting the ashes of his wife and parent in the holy waters of river Ganga. He turned to his brother Bongayagiri to take over the household activities. He proceeded to set his foot in this journey to pilgrims all over India and grouped with few of his favorite men like Mahendra Kandali, Parma Nanda Harbajoy, Ramram and Ramraiokay. There were seventeen other known people of his village who joined this group of Sankardev for pilgrim tour.

In this journey to pilgrimage with a small troop he first paid visit to the holy river Ganga where he took a holy dip and set the ashes of his beloved deceased ones into its sacred water. After performing religious act Sankardev set his feet to Gaya to perform the last rituals of his deceased ones with his final obeisance. In the initial part of his journey Sankardev spent nine days nearby Ganga then three nights in Gaya before returning to the river bank. From there he proceeded towards Jagannath along with his companions and after twenty one days later he reached the divine pilgrim of lord ‘Krishna’.

Later he came down to Puri of Orissa after the brief span in Jagnnath to acquire in-depth knowledge about Brahma Puran. During this phase of venture he stored his divine experience about Srikhetra of Puri in detailed written format. Sankardev in his zest to acquire knowledge in spiritual field had undergone vigorous reading of various scriptures to perfect his knowledge who later was able to make his presence as the great learned pandit (scholar) during philosophical sessions held with many other brilliant competitors. Hereby he attained fame with respect and devotion from the higher priest as well as panda(guide) of Puri.

From there he proceeded to Vrindavan the holy abode of Krishna/Vasudeva’s early pastime during his childhood who was stated as the eight incarnation of the lord Vishnu. During the spiritual venture in  Vrindavan, Sankardev was found to be involved in couple of debates that was arranged between him and the profound scholars with in-depth knowledge in numerous religious scriptures. Though Sankardev‘s brilliance was unsurpassable among the rest but he enjoyed the exposure that he got from the new outer challenges apart from his people of his land. It was proved that there was no stance of anyone to challenge to win a debate against him. It could be stated as that there was rarely anyone to contradict his logical standpoints. In this process Sankardev not only earned fame but also established himself as a renowned scholar of all time. He made his journey from Vrindavan to Mathura and from there he left for Dwarka.

To Dwarka he was assisted by only two of his companions who were Habajoy and Praman Nanda. Engrossed in the acquirement of knowledge Sankardev fascinated many to challenge him in a debate to experience his might. In this trip to pilgrimage Sankardev visited places like Varnashi, Prayag, Sitakund, Borahkund and other before proceeding to Norh Bahini Ganga to make way to Ayodha. At last he again returned to the charismatic land of Krishna’s childhood reminiscences Vrindavan.

At the time when Sankardev was at Vrindavan then his topmost disciple was born at Upper Assam near Lataku Pukhuri (a pond surrounded by Lataku berry tree which still has its existence). The great divine soul Madhavdev was born to Harhingha Ujir Bora’s family. At this period of pilgrimage Sankardev spent few times at Vrindavan before proceeding to Badrika Ashram. At this pious place of Badrika Ashram Sankardev was influenced to compose a beautiful song titled ‘Man Meri Ram Saran He Lagu.’ During this period of pilgrimage Sankardev was completely out of the illusion world and was much emerged in the Bhagavad Dharma that was filled with God’s divinity. Sankardev did not spare any parts of India that had spiritual connection. It took him twelve years to discover new regions with spiritual connection by barefooted only. He had perfected himself not only in the knowledge of religious scripture but also in laws, art and other versatile aspects. After the span of twelve years time in Bharat Vraman (Indian tour)

Sankardev returned back to his native place Bardowa and established the religious laws as depicted by the lord from time immemorial in a new dimension that was far apart from the religious act of Hindu culture. It could be stated as reform in earlier religious act followed in Assam that could be stated as the advanced system to perceive God in the righteous way that nobody could challenge to defy its worth till date but have to leave with a bow headed to Sankardev’s great work implemented for society’s benefit. Sankardev had established his preaching based only on Bhagavad Gita without giving any prior to other religious act and devoted his time in the endeavor to build strong society of diverse background to help bring harmony in the lives of people. This system could be stated as the beginning of the Nam Dharma which was conducted in a sacred place known as ‘Namghar’.

Sankardev's Display Of Might

Leaving aside his childhood gradually Sankardev grew into a handsome lad with a well built masculine body. Serene look of Sankardev and his graceful footsteps adored the eyes of every passerby with awe. One could state the luster of his body to be like that of raw gold and a face with display of captivating eyes that emits brilliant spark. Enable enough to succumb his foes and alike with his attractive presence like iron to magnet. It is stated that Sankardev’s presence was simply unavoidable from the crowd of thousand.

From his previous restless nature of childhood Sankardev appeared to be more of somber attitude with a grave look. In the entire village there was no comparison to Sankardev’s well structured body which resembled to a gigantic wrestler. It is said that due to rigorous follow of yoga techniques that gifted him later with a perfect form of body that everybody envies. Sankardev not only sported a good structure but he had even exemplified his might at many cases that struck people with wonder. He was good at taking challenge and had the ability to win easily over his opponent.

The way he smiled with a slight curve simply used to take everyone’s breath away. Charm of Sankardev was simply unavoidable when he entered the stage of youth. Mesmerized by his exclusive charm Doitari Thakur composed a verse upon  Sankardev’s look:

Deekhitay Sunder Gaurbarana Kalaybar I (Looking at his whitish gold radiant beautiful body )

Karanta Prakaha Ati Surja Hammr II (It was like as if his body radiating like early sun rays)

Gamman Gambhir Natra Kamalor Pahi I (Graceful walk with lotus petals)

Chandraham Badan Parakahay Alap Hahi I (Moonlit body sported a face with enchanting smile)

To this composition of Sankardev’s enigmatic appearance even his topmost disciple Madhavdev mentioned his alluring presence in his own verse who remains mesmerized whenever he glanced at his master. Praising his looks Madhavdev made a note like:

                             Darokhitay Sunder Gaur Kalybor, Jaisona Huropakhay I

Madhavdev felt Sankardev to be of mystique beauty which he refers as nature’s miracle to gift such a being with excellent features and immeasurable charm. Relishing his magnanimous presence one can remain lost viewing him. Young Sankardev was not only captivating by his looks but was extremely strong. Physique of Sankardev was resembled to that of a wide shouldered wrestler. In the book of ‘ Charitra Puthi’ it has been mentioned that one day when young Sankardev was proceeding through the

dense forest along with his disciple Parmanda Atoi, they both encountered a wild  ox which was known for his notorious act of injuring anyone who came its way. Finding them on his way the Ox took them for challenge and advance towards them with all his might to ravage them under his foot. Frightened by the furious approach of the wild ox Paramanda fled from the scene to save his life. But on the other hand Sankardev appeared undeterred and instead he dropped his drape from his body and tied fast tightly to his waist.

Looking at him steadfastly Sankardev caught hold of his horns fast and with all his might he pushed the Ox backwards. To a far distance he drove the ox back and twisted his head before throwing him on the ground with a loud thud. The poor creature was helpless at Sankardev’s might and saw stars all over his head. Later immediately after the collapse the ox regained partially his consciousness and when he found Sankardev approaching him he felt his spirit running out of his body. In a trembled condition he somehow got up from the ground and fled away in stumbling manner without looking for anything nor potholes at his way.  Simply just rushed out from his presence thinking that Sankardev will give him another lesson for attacking him.

In his lifetime Sankardev had to meet many challenges from his opponent who in alliance with the king tried to trap him with force of army. In another example of his strength once what happened that during the time of Kachari’s menace in Kamrup the Barbhuyan group had to make best possible ways to escape from the infliction of torture at their hands. The condition of the Barbhuyan people were made like that of fugitive who  settled wherever they could find shelter. 

The main target of the Kachari was to capture the young Sankardev. It was mid-day time when two sturdy Kacharis approached Sankardev’s hut to capture him. Sankardev knew about this grim situation beforehand through his supernatural power  and was aware that two Kacharis were guarding at both sides of the front door of his hut. Analyzing the situation Sankardev slowly retreated back then tied his holy scripture over his vast chest  and with great speed he dashed out of the door to make his way for escape. 

Before the Kacharis could catch hold of him they found themselves on the ground in utter  state of shock what had happened. They were left in perplex whether it was a storm that passed away over them or it was Sankardev. Emergence of Sankardev with a powerful crash out of the door was beyond the capturer’s imagination who were left in unconscious and painful state when his mighty feet traded over their bodies. They were out of their wit in which way Sankardev made his escape. This reflected that Sankardev not only had the body to display but if required he can sport his might to safeguard himself whenever required.