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”:
Naam – Chanting the holy name of Lord Krishna.
The constant repetition of God’s name was seen as purifying and liberating.
Deva – Worship of one God, particularly Krishna (Vishnu).
No polytheism or idol worship allowed.
Guru – Unquestioned devotion to the spiritual teacher, beginning with Sankardev himself.
The Guru was the pathway to spiritual knowledge.
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.