Multiple mega projects have been announced to develop Batadrava Than of Bordowa in the Nagaon district of Assam as a place of tourist attraction, preserving its history and cultural heritage. Under the Central government’s initiative, the entire project will embody the structure of a large tree or “batabrikkha,” glorifying the cultural ideology of the Assamese people as well as the Vaishnava religion propounded by Srimanta Sankardev. A fund of Rs 155 crore has been sanctioned for the ambitious project to develop Batadrava Than as an ideal place for tourism.
Birthplace of Srimanta Sankardev
Batadrava Than holds significance in the glorious history of India. ‘Than’ an indigenous Assamese word used by Srimanta Sankardev, indicates the sacred residential institution in Assamese society. Batadrava is preached as a religious place because the saint was born at Alipukhuri- Bordowa in 1449. The first-ever Kirtangarh was set in 1468 by Sankardev in Batadrava and since then it is named Sri-Sri Batadrava Than. After Sankaradeva’s 12-year-long pilgrimage in 1493, he began to preach his Vaishnavite religious ideas at Batadrava Than.
Sankaradev set up the first institution to propagate ‘EKA SARANA NAMA DHARMA’ and used to practise Nama Prasanga regularly in the Kirtangarh along with his devotees. He advocated the ideas based on Bhagvat Purana – ‘EKA DEVA, EKA SEVA, EKA BINEY NAHI KEWA,’ which simply means that one should worship one god, Lord Krishna.
Culture Preservation for promoting tourism
A major spot of attraction is Shilikha (Myrobalan) tree near the Kirtangarh. Sankravdeva used to write scriptures below this tree which is still in existence even after five and half centuries. Devotees from all over the world visit the place to see this sacred tree. The design of Kirtangarh, constructed by the saint, was of futuristic design which was recognized by the Western world late in the twentieth century. The linear simplicity and use of pillars, also characterise modern architecture. In order to preserve such a creation, the government has laid various development projects to promote the rich culture and history of Batadrava Than. Government is also committed to transforming Batadrava Than by enhancing the grandeur and magnificence par excellence.
This project will recognize a broader initiative of the government to promote ‘Assam Darshan’ and will emerge as a magnificent destination for tourism.
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