Explained: All about Assam’s Batadrava Than where Rahul Gandhi was denied entry

The Congress has alleged that the Himanta Biswa Sarma government is creating roadblocks in the yatra

On January 22, when India celebrated the consecration of the Ram idol at the new temple in Ayodhya, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is in Assam for the Northeastern leg of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, undertook a massive sit-in protest after the management committee of the Batadrava Than, the birthplace of 15th-century social reformer Srimanta Sankardev, rescheduled his visit, the programme for which had already been finalised,  to the ‘Than’ on January 22 to after 3 p.m. The Congress has alleged that the shrine's managing committee had earlier agreed on the Congress leader's visit but later changed its position.

This comes amid a heated exchange between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress leaders, who have accused him of creating roadblocks in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Reportedly, the current BJP dispensation has denied permission to Rahul Gandhi's Yatra to move through arterial roads in Guwahati. Congress workers were asked to take the National Highway 27, which acts like a ring road around the city.

Is this the first time when Rahul Gandhi was prevented from entering a shrine in Assam?

In December 2015, he was allegedly turned away from western Assam’s Barpeta Satra on the day he launched the Congress campaign for the 2016 Assembly elections. A few weeks later, former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched his election campaign for the BJP from the Uttar Kamalabari Satra in Majuli.

What is 'Batadrava Than'?

Sri Sri SankarDev's Batadrava Than Sakha Satra, also known as Bordowa Than, is a holy prayer house situated in Nagaon, Assam. The site is located in Batadrava, approximately 16 km from Nagaon city, covering an area of four acres.

Srimanta Sankardev  established this Than Satra at the age of 19 in the year 1494 AD, making it the first ‘Namghar' or Than constructed. The rituals conducted at Bordowa Than follow the norms of Purush sanghati, emphasising the teachings of Ekasarana Dharma.

Various structures within the campus include Natghar (drama hall), Alohighar (guest room), Sabhaghar (assembly hall), Rabhaghar (music room), Hatipukhuri, Aakashi Ganga, Doul mandir (festive temple), and more.

There is also a mini-museum displaying historical articles and artefacts. Bordowa Than has a history of disputes over ownership, leading to its division into two satras: Narowa and Salaguri. In 1958, it was reunified under the banner of 'Bordowa Than,' with both former Satras combined, and a single Namghar was established.

Also Read: Nyay Yatra: Rahul Gandhi to interact with students, civil society members

What is the significance of Batadrava Than?

Batadrava Than, one of the most sacred sites for Assamese Vaishnavites, is a temple complex at the birthplace of revered Vaishnavite reformer Saint Srimanta Sankardev. According to the Nagaon district’s website, “Sankardeva founded the first-ever Kirtan Ghar at Bordowa in 1494 AD to practice and preach the neo-Vaishnavite faith during the 15th century in Assam and propagated the Ek Saran Naam Dharma."

A checkered history

Bordowa Than has a history marked by ownership disputes, resulting in its split into two Satras, namely Narowa and Salaguri. However, in 1958, it underwent a reunification process under the name 'Bordowa Than,' bringing together the two former Satras.

The reunification led to the establishment of a single Namghar. The administration of the Than includes different officials appointed by the Sattradhikar (head of the Satra) to ensure the seamless execution of rituals and prayers. An annual highlight for devotees in Bordowa is the grand festival "Doul Mohotsava," celebrated during Holi.

The political importance of Batadrava Than

Home Minister Amit Shah, in February 2021, laid the foundation stone for a Rs 188 crore project to develop Batadrava into a major religious and cultural tourism centre. The foundation-laying ceremony sent a strong message that the BJP means business, as it wants to stop the influx of illegal immigrants and safeguard the rights of the indigenous Assamese populace. Weeks before his programme, the Assam unit of Congress launched a bus yatra as part of their Assam Boson Ahok (Come, let us save Assam) campaign from Batadrava, underscoring its political importance.