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{{Short description|Institutional centers associated with the Ekasarana tradition of Vaishnavism}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
[[File:Dakhinpat Temple.jpg|thumb|right|Sanctorium of the Dakhinpat Sattra in [[Majuli]]]]
[[File:Sankardev Satra Patbausi, Barpeta.jpg|thumb|Sankardev Satra of Patbausi, Barpeta]]
[[File:Sotai sattra2.JPG|thumb|Sotai Satra]]

'''Satra'''s ({{lang-as|সত্ৰ}}) are institutional centers associated with the [[Ekasarana Dharma|Ekasarana]] tradition of [[Vaishnavism]], largely found in the Indian state of [[Assam]] and neighboring regions.<ref>{{cite book|author=S. M. Dubey|title=North East India: A Sociological Study|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HkR4Fv37URkC&pg=PA189|year=1978|publisher=Concept|pages=189–193|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103123641/https://books.google.com/books?id=HkR4Fv37URkC&pg=PA189|archive-date=3 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Sfn|Sarma|1966}} Numbering in the hundreds, these centers are generally independent of each other and under the control of individual ''adhikaras'' (or ''[[satradhikars]]''), though they can be grouped into four different ''Sanghatis'' (orders).

These centers, in the minimum, maintain a prayer house (''[[Namghar]]'', or ''[[Namghar|Kirtan-ghar]]''), initiate lay people into the Ekasarana tradition and include them as disciples of the Satra from whom taxes and other religious duties are extracted. Although the culture of setting up religious institutions like Satras started in [[Sadiya]], the Neo-Vaishnavite satra culture started in the 16th century. They grew rapidly in the 17th century and patronage extended to them by first the [[Kamata Kingdom#Koch kingdom|Koch kingdom]] and later the [[Ahom kingdom]] was crucial in the spread the Ekasarana religion.<ref>{{harv|Sarma|1966|pp=23–24}}</ref> Many of the larger Satras house hundreds of celibate and non-celibate ''bhakats'' (monks), hold vast lands and are repositories of religious and cultural relics and artifacts. The Satras extend control over their lay disciples via village Namghars. Satras in which the principal preceptors lived, or which preserve some of their relics are also called ''thaan''s.<ref>{{harv|Sarma|1966|p=101}}</ref>

Another satra was established by a king named Samudrapal at a place known as Yogihati in the same period (1232 AD) as evident from a stone inscription found in [[Ambari]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/67151/11/11_chapter%203.pdf |title=''The inscription has recorded that Samudrapala who was like the Sun God had this sattra establishment within his jurisdiction, in which rituals were performed and was attached to the royal residence, the inmates o f the sattra being the yogis or siddhas, residing at a particular spot called YogihatT. The inscription is dated Saka 1154 (A.D. 1232) and was composed by one Mudha.'' |access-date=25 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611211517/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/67151/11/11_chapter%203.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The neo-Vaishnavite satras were established by Assamese Vaishnavite monasteries for religious practices at the initiative of the [[Ahom Dynasty|Ahom]] Kings of Assam in the middle of the 17th century<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auniati.org/ |title=Sri Sri Auniati Satra: |publisher=Auniati.org |access-date=2013-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602081450/http://auniati.org/ |archive-date=2 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> to propagate neo Vaishnavism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vedanti.com/News/satra.htm |title=SATRA |publisher=Vedanti.com |access-date=2013-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032437/http://www.vedanti.com/News/satra.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://onlinesivasagar.com/page_tourism_places_satras.htm |title=Satras |publisher=OnlineSivasagar.com |access-date=2013-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229211230/http://onlinesivasagar.com/page_tourism_places_satras.htm |archive-date=29 December 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sankaradeva]] is said to have established his first Satra at Bardowa, his birthplace, and then in different places of Assam.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sentinelassam.com/op_ed/story.php?sec=33&subsec=0&id=145907&dtP=2013-01-13&ppr=1 |title=The Sentinel |publisher=Sentinelassam.com |access-date=2013-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924100946/http://www.sentinelassam.com/op_ed/story.php?sec=33&subsec=0&id=145907&dtP=2013-01-13&ppr=1 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindubooks.org/temples/assam/satras-III/page1.htm |title=Temples & Legends Of Assam.Satras-III -(page1) |publisher=Hindubooks.org |access-date=2013-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227062729/http://www.hindubooks.org/temples/assam/satras-III/page1.htm |archive-date=27 December 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="History of Education in Assam">{{cite book|title=History of Education in Assam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4K886M1bDQQC&pg=PA4|access-date=29 March 2013|publisher=Mittal Publications|pages=4–|id=GGKEY:CPYTFZEK94F|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618073402/http://books.google.com/books?id=4K886M1bDQQC&pg=PA4|archive-date=18 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Through initially the satras were started as a part of the egalitarian movement of Eksarana Dharma, they later turned into a place of orthodoxy. From the early 20th century, the authority and orthodoxy of the Satras have been challenged by reform movements, most notably under the Sankar Sangha. The Satras coordinate some of their activities via the Asam Satra Mahasabha, an umbrella organization of all the Satras. According to the Mahasabha's count on its website there is altogether a total of 862 Satras including the satras present in both the states of Assam and West Bengal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Satra Mahasabha renews demand for separate directorate |author=Correspondent |url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=oct1209/State9 |newspaper=The Assam Tribune |date=12 October 2009 |access-date=7 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507142510/http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=oct1209%2FState9 |archive-date=7 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Structures==
The Satra is generally a four-sided enclosed area with four gateways (''karapat''). Centrally placed in this enclosure is a rectangular prayer-hall (''[[Namghar]]'' or ''kirtanghar'') at the aligned in the east-west direction. On its eastern side there is an additional independent structure called the ''Manikut'' (jewel-house), the ''sanctum santorum'', in which the ''asana'', a wooden tetradehral structure with four carved lions), is placed containing the main object of worship (usually a copy of the Bhagavat Purana in manuscript or an idol). The namghar is surrounded by four straight rows of huts, called ''hati'', in which monks (''bhakats'') reside. The ''adhikara'' and other high officers of the Satra reside in the eastern ''hatis''.<ref>{{harv|Neog|1980|p=309}}</ref>

All structures were originally temporary, made with wood, bamboo and covered over with thatch; brick and mortar found use after the 18th century.<ref>{{harv|Neog|1980|p=313}}</ref>

Monks, called ''bhakats'', live in satras under a ''satradhikar'' or ''Mahanta''. In some orders of the religion, the ''bhakats'' are celibate (''kewalia bhakat''). The satras are not merely religious institutions but play cultural and historical roles in society. A dance form that was initiated by [[Srimanta Sankardeva]] and later developed within the sattras, and thus called ''[[Sattriya]]'', is one of the eight classical dance forms in [[India]].

===Origin and evolution===
The name ''satra'' originates in the [[Bhagavata Purana]] in Sanskrit (''sattra''), and is used in the sense of an assembly of devotees.<ref>{{harv|Neog|1980|p=310}}</ref> During Sankardev's lifetime, the devotees assembled in the open, under trees. Though temporary prayer houses were built, the tradition of devotees living in the premises did not happen during Sankardev's lifetime. The first mention of the ''hati'' is found in the context of the Patbausi Satra of Damodardev. Madhavdev built the Barpeta Satra, and laid down the system of daily prayer service and initiated the system of religious [[tithe]]s. Vamsigopaldev was instrumental in establishing Satras in eastern Assam.

The last quarter of the 16th century saw the satras divide into four different sects (also called ''samhati'')—Brahmasamhati, Purusasamhati, Nikasamhati, Kalasamhati. These four sects were firmly established by the early 17th century. [[Damodardev|Damodaradeva]] (a brahmin disciple of Sankardev) formed the Brahmasamhati, which represented the brahmanical practices and ritualism, while still adhering to the namadharma but taking a rigid view of caste distinction.<ref>".This sect [Brahmasamhati] admitted brahmanical rites together with general devotional practices and took a rigid view of caste distinction."{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=248}}</ref> This sect had a close relation with the [[Koch dynasty|Koches]] and the Koch king [[Nara Narayan]] was initiated into the Vaishnava order by Damodaradeva.<ref>"They had a close relation with the royal family of the Koches. The Koch king Naranaraya was initiated into the Vaishnava order by Damodaradeva."{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=248}}</ref> Auniati satra, [[Dakhinpat Satra]], Garamur satra and Kurawabahi satra became the most influential of the Brahmasamhati and received royal patronage from the [[Ahom kingdom|Ahom kings]].<ref>{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=248}}</ref> The Purusasamhati represented the original features of Sankardev teachings and therefore considered to be the main sect. The head priest was either chosen from a [[Kayastha]] or a [[Brahmin]] family.<ref>{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=248}}</ref>Bardowa satra is a representative of the Purusasamhati. Caste distinction was not as rigid in the Purusamhati as in the Brahmasamhati.<ref>"They maintained an intermediate position on the observance of caste distinction"{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=248}}</ref> The next samhati, the Nikasamhati was established by Mathuradasa and Padma Ata, both of whom were disciples of [[Madhavdeva]]. This samhati strictly conformed to the teaching of Madhavadev and placed more important on ascentism.<ref>"this branch, which strictly conformed to the teaching of Madhavadeva, and this sect came to be known as the Nikasamhati"{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=248}}</ref> This sect being much more egalitarian did not hold any caste distinction.<ref>"This sect did not attach much importance to brahmanical rites and had little interest in the observance of caste distinction."{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=248}}</ref>The last and final samhati, the Kalasamhati represented the offshoots of six sudra satra and six brahmana satra formed by [[Gopaldev|Gopala Ata]] and his followers during the late 16th-and early 17th-centuries.<ref>{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=248}}</ref> The [[Moamoria|Mayamara satra]] formed by [[Aniruddhadev]] (a disciple of Gopala Ata) later became the most prominent among the six sudra satra of the Kalasamhati which revolted against Ahom kingdom during the latter part of the 18th century.<ref>"the Mayamara satra of Aniruddha has rapidly emerged as a great adversary of brahmanas and revolted against the Ahoms in the latter part of the 18th century"{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=249}}</ref>

Though the [[Ahom kingdom]] initially resisted the ingress of religious preceptors it finally endorsed the Satras, enabling them to establish themselves on sound economics, make themselves attractive to the lay people, and spread the Ekasarana religion. The 17th century saw the rapid growth of the Eksarana Dharma in upper Assam<ref>"the 17th century onwards, when the movement expanded to the upper Brahmaputra Valley, the area under the rule of the Ahom kings"{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=243}}</ref> and [[Majuli]] became a focal point of Satra tradition and authority. The number of Satras grew during this period, 125 satras build in the 17th century and 85 satras build in the 18th century, while suffering two major setbacks, first in the case of [[Moamoria rebellion]] and other in the case of [[Burmese invasion of Assam]].<ref>{{harvcol|Shin|2017|p=243}}</ref>

==Cultural programmes==
Some of the cultural programmes, which are held in Sattras:

* [[Bhaona]]
* [[Holi|Doul Utsav]] or Deul
* [[Janmastami]]
* [[Rasa lila]] or Raas utsav

==See also==
* [[List of Satras]]
* [[Sattriya]]

== Citations ==
{{reflist}}

== General references ==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book
|ref = Dr. Dambarudhar
|last = Nath
|first = S N
|url = http://dvspublishers.com/index.php?option=com_djcatalog2&view=item&id=11:satra-society-and-culture--pitambardeva-goswami-and-hisory-of-garamur-satra-&cid=5:culture&Itemid=82
|title = SATRA SOCIETY AND CULTURE, Pitambardeva Goswami and History of Garamur Satra
|publisher = DVS Publisher
|year = 2012
|isbn = 978-81-86307-56-4
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131017214603/http://dvspublishers.com/index.php?option=com_djcatalog2&view=item&id=11:satra-society-and-culture--pitambardeva-goswami-and-hisory-of-garamur-satra-&cid=5:culture&Itemid=82
|archive-date = 2013-10-17
}}
*{{cite book
| last = Neog
| first = Maheshwar
|author-link=Maheswar Neog
| title = Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Assam
| publisher = Motilal Banarasidass
| year = 1980
| location = Delhi
}}
*{{cite book
| last = Sarma
| first = S N
| title = The Neo-Vaisnavite Movement and the Satra Institution of Assam
| publisher = Gauhati University
| year = 1966
| isbn = 978-8173310263
}}
* {{Citation|last=Shin|first=Jae-Eun|contribution=Transition of Satra from a Venue of Bhakti Movement to the Orthodox Brahmanical Institution|year=2017|title=Clustering and Connections in Pre-Modern South Asian Society|editor-last=Ota|editor-first=Nobuhiro|pages= 237-257|place=Tokyo|publisher=Tokyo University of Foreign Studies}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Satra}}
* {{Youtube|MxJh38-1H58|A view of a Satra in Majuli, Assam, India}}
* [http://www.atributetosankaradeva.org/satra.htm A Tribute to Sankaradeva]—A website on the Neo-Vaisnavite Movement of Srimanta Sankardeva
* [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:QUaI1CSJcsoJ:www.ijsst.com/issue/778.pdf+&hl=en&gl=in&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShiDuDMBOoCDakTdJA4OGZmwQvrTH9saoyg_yP4rfymN-OnueRpgG47F7iIlc86g49dPICmMDFzk1VC5rqyWaZp0Ycc-4YBOJaQj5m1DNg4E86FD_o5Z_BzIGXtkT8kOgtFZQAX&sig=AHIEtbTUWLiSZENHSWLrZLjRqcZa6WNlNQ Bhakti Movement in the Brahmaputra Valley: Response of the Satra Institution towards Social Equality]

[[Category:Culture of Assam]]
[[Category:Ekasarana Dharma]]
[[Category:Satras (Ekasarana Dharma)| ]]
[[Category:Cultural history of Assam]]

Satra (Ekasarana Dharma) - Revision history

->Oculi: /* Published-sources */ rm empty param

imported>NirupamxD at 15:14, 2 September 2021