Ekasarana Dharma of Srimanta Sankardev

Ekasarana Dharma was a monotheistic Bhakti movement initiated by Srimanta Sankardev in 15th–16th century Assam. It was not just a religious reform, but a complete cultural renaissance that reshaped Assamese society, language, literature, art, and ethics.

Origin and Core Teachings

• • Founded by Srimanta Sankardev (1449–1568), a saint, reformer, and poet.

  • Rooted in the Bhakti tradition, it rejected:

    • Caste-based discrimination

    • Ritualism and idol worship

    • Brahmanical dominance

  • Advocated devotion (bhakti) to a single deity — Lord Krishna or Vishnu — as the sole path to salvation.

  • Emphasised moral living, equality, and community worship over orthodox rituals.

🔑 Ekasarana Dharma offered a spiritual alternative for the common people, fostering social harmony and cultural awakening.

Four Principles (Naam, Deva, Guru, Bhakat)

The movement was based on four central pillars, collectively called “Chatir Sadhana”:

1. 1. Naam – Chanting the holy name of Lord Krishna.

      • The constant repetition of God’s name was seen as purifying and liberating.

   2. Deva – Worship of one God, particularly Krishna (Vishnu).

      • No polytheism or idol worship allowed.

   3. Guru – Unquestioned devotion to the spiritual teacher, beginning with Sankardev himself.

      • The Guru was the pathway to spiritual knowledge.

   4. Bhakat – Fellowship with devotees (bhaktas).

      • Community was essential; mutual respect and equality were practiced.

🔑 These four principles gave the movement its unique devotional, egalitarian, and non-ritualistic character.

Monasteries (Sattras) and Namghars

• • Sattras: Religious-cum-cultural institutions founded by Sankardev and his disciple Madhavdev.

    • Functioned as centres of worship, learning, and social reform.

    • Headed by a Satradhikar.

    • Major Sattras: Barpeta, Kamalabari, Auniati.

  • Namghars: Community prayer halls found in every Assamese village.

    • Used for Naam-Kirtan, social meetings, and cultural performances.

    • Promoted a sense of equality, unity, and moral discipline.

🔑 Sattras and Namghars were the institutional backbone of the Ekasarana movement and remain central to Assamese village life today.

Artistic Contributions: Borgeet, Ankia Naat, Sattriya Dance

The movement created a rich body of devotional art blending music, drama, and dance:

🔸 Borgeet

• • Devotional songs composed by Sankardev and Madhavdev.

  • Based on classical ragas but sung in Assamese language.

  • Expressed love and surrender to Krishna.

🔸 Ankia Naat

• • One-act devotional plays written in Brajavali, a blend of Assamese and Sanskrit.

  • Performed in Sattras and Namghars with music, dialogue, and stylized acting.

  • Notable work: “Chihna Yatra” by Sankardev.

🔸 Sattriya Dance

• • Classical dance form developed in Sattras, originally performed as part of Ankia Naat.

  • Recognized as one of India’s eight classical dance forms.

  • Emphasizes Bhakti rasa (devotional emotion) and refined gestural language (mudras).

🔑 Ekasarana Dharma transformed devotion into a vibrant cultural expression, making art a tool of spiritual practice.

Philosophical Aspects and Krishna Worship

• • Strongly influenced by Bhagavata Purana and Vaishnava philosophy.

  • Monotheistic — worship of Krishna as the Supreme Reality.

  • Opposed to:

    • Idol worship

    • Complex rituals

    • Brahminical orthodoxy

  • Promoted Nivrutti Marga — the path of detachment, renunciation, and selfless devotion.

  • Advocated for a pure heart, self-discipline, and equality among all beings.

🔑 The philosophy of Ekasarana Dharma was a revolutionary social reform grounded in universal devotion and equality.