Ekasarana Dharma of Srimanta Sankardev

Ekasarana Dharma was a powerful monotheistic Bhakti movement started in Assam during the 15th–16th century by the great saint and reformer Srimanta Sankardev.

It was not just a religious idea—it was a complete cultural revolution that transformed:

• • Religion

  • Society

  • Language

  • Literature

  • Art and performance traditions

At a time when society was divided by caste, rituals, and inequality, Ekasarana Dharma offered a simple, inclusive, and spiritual path for everyone.

Origin and Core Teachings

Who was Srimanta Sankardev?

• Born in 1449 CE

• A saint, poet, philosopher, playwright, and social reformer

• Travelled across India and absorbed ideas from the Bhakti movement

He realized that religion had become:

• • Too ritualistic

  • Controlled by Brahmins

  • Difficult for common people to follow

So, he introduced a simplified and accessible form of devotion.

Core Teachings of Ekasarana Dharma

1. Monotheism (One God)

• Worship of one supreme God — Lord Krishna (Vishnu)

• Rejection of polytheism

2. Rejection of Ritualism

• No need for:

  • Costly rituals

  • Sacrifices

  • Complex ceremonies

Example: A poor farmer could worship God simply by chanting his name, without needing priests or expensive offerings.

3. Equality and Social Reform

• Rejected:

  • Caste discrimination

  • Social hierarchy

• Promoted:

  • Equality among all devotees

Example: People from different castes could sit together in a Namghar and pray equally.

4. Devotion (Bhakti) as the Only Path

• Salvation (moksha) can be achieved through:

  • Pure devotion

  • Faith in God

Why It Was Revolutionary

Four Principles – The Foundation of Ekasarana Dharma

The movement is based on four pillars known as “Chatir Sadhana”.

1. Naam (Holy Name of God)

• Continuous chanting of Krishna’s name

• Believed to:

  • Purify the mind

  • Remove sins

  • Lead to salvation

Example: Group chanting in Namghars creates a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere.

2. Deva (One God)

• Worship of Krishna as the Supreme Being

• Strictly monotheistic

• No idol worship

3. Guru (Spiritual Teacher)

• The Guru guides the devotee towards spiritual knowledge

• First Guru: Srimanta Sankardev

Example: A disciple learns discipline, values, and devotion through the Guru.

4. Bhakat (Community of Devotees)

• Importance of community worship

• Encourages:

  • Unity

  • Equality

  • Mutual respect

Summary Table

Sattras and Namghars – Institutional Backbone

Sattras (Monastic Institutions)

Sattras are religious and cultural centres established by Sankardev and his disciple Madhavdev.

Functions of Sattras

• • Worship and prayer

  • Education and learning

  • Preservation of art and culture

  • Social reform

Leadership

• • Headed by a Satradhikar

Famous Sattras

• • Barpeta Sattra

  • Kamalabari Sattra

  • Auniati Sattra

Namghars (Village Prayer Halls)

• Found in almost every Assamese village

• Used for:

  • Prayer (Naam-Kirtan)

  • Meetings

  • Cultural programs

Example: Villagers gather in Namghars to resolve disputes peacefully, making it a social as well as spiritual center.

Importance of Sattras and Namghars

• Promoted grassroots democracy

• Built community bonding

• Encouraged moral discipline

Artistic Contributions of Ekasarana Dharma– Religion Through Art

Ekasarana Dharma transformed devotion into living art forms.

1. Borgeet (Devotional Songs)

• Composed by:

  • Sankardev

  • Madhavdev

• Based on classical ragas

• Written in Assamese

Theme

• Love and surrender to Krishna

Example: Borgeets are still sung in Namghars during prayer sessions.

2. Ankia Naat (Religious Drama)

• One-act plays written in Brajavali language

• Performed in:

  • Sattras

  • Namghars

Features

• Music

• Dance

• Dialogue

Famous Work: Chihna Yatra by Sankardev

3. Sattriya Dance

• Originated in Sattras

• Now recognized as one of India’s classical dance forms

Key Features

• Expresses Bhakti rasa (devotion)

• Uses hand gestures (mudras)

• Tells stories of Krishna

Summary of Artistic Forms

Philosophy and Krishna Worship

Philosophical Base

Ekasarana Dharma is based on:

• • Bhagavata Purana

  • Vaishnavism

Key Philosophical Ideas

1. Monotheism

• Krishna is the Supreme Reality

2. Nivrutti Marga (Path of Renunciation)

• Focus on:

  • Detachment

  • Self-discipline

  • Spiritual growth

3. Opposition to Orthodoxy

Rejected:

• • Idol worship

  • Complex rituals

  • Brahminical dominance

4. Universal Equality

• All humans are equal in the eyes of God

Example: A tribal devotee and a Brahmin were treated equally in prayer gatherings.

Impact of Ekasarana Dharma on Assamese Society

Ekasarana Dharma brought:

• • Social equality

  • Cultural unity

  • Religious simplicity

  • Growth of Assamese language

It played a major role in shaping modern Assamese identity.

Ekasarana Dharma was not just a religion—it was a social reform movement that:

• • Simplified spirituality

  • United society

  • Promoted art and culture

Ekasarana Dharma showed that true devotion does not need wealth, rituals, or status—only faith and a pure heart.