NAAMGHAR TEMPLE, ASSAM
The Naamghar temple at Birthplace of Srimant Shankardeva, managed by Sri Sri Batardava Than Parrichalana Sametee. Naamghars literally Name House are places for congregational worship associated with the Ekasarana religion of Assam. In the Assamese language, 'Naam' means prayer and 'Ghar' means house. Hence, it is called Naamghar . Besides forming the primary structure used for worship, they also function as meeting houses for congregations, as well as theaters for dramatic performances (bhaona). The Namghar, also called the kirtanghar, is also the central structure in the Sattras (monasteries of the Ekasarana religion) where the other buildings are positioned around it. Namghars are widespread in Assam, and very often more than one namghar exists in a single village, signifying many congregational communities.
Naamghars were introduced in Assam by the Vaishnavite saint Sankaradeva for Assamese people where they can culture and practice naam (devotional songs) and Bhakti of God (devotion). In this system they do not engage in idol worship, srimadbhagwat puran on the top guru asana and is worshipped. The Guru Āsana, literally the Seat of the Guru is a seven-tiered, triangular, wooden throne adorned by the tortoise-elephant-lion motif and other decorative woodwork.
Read MoreNaamghars were introduced in Assam by the Vaishnavite saint Sankaradeva for Assamese people where they can culture and practice naam (devotional songs) and Bhakti of God (devotion). In this system they do not engage in idol worship, srimadbhagwat puran on the top guru asana and is worshipped. The Guru Āsana, literally the Seat of the Guru is a seven-tiered, triangular, wooden throne adorned by the tortoise-elephant-lion motif and other decorative woodwork.
