SARTHEBARI, Feb 8 � Governor JB Patnaik today appreciated the role played by the Gomura Satra for encouraging women to enter and pray in the Kirtan Ghar in recent times. This step was a precondition the Governor had set when he was first approached to visit the place. He added that in no time or place had the great Vaishnavite saints made a distinction between female and male devotees.
Laying stress on the inclusiveness of Vaishnavite culture and objects associated with it, JB Patnaik visited two sites of spiritual as well as historic significance in Barpeta District. Addressing the faithful in both places, he underlined the contributions of saints like Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev, and mentioned the religious traits common to people in Assam and Orissa.
At Gomura Satra established by Sankardev�s disciple Madhavdev, he urged the
Satra authority to protect the institution by making representation to the appropriate quarters. He assured help and support from his office to rejuvenate the place where the saint had stayed for more several months, and where he composed borgeets as well as religious texts.
Underlining the legacy of the Vaishnavite saints the Governor referred to their roles in the uplift of society and culture of the region. They were able to unite the people of Assam through cultural transformation, and thus get rid of evil practices and prejudices.
During the visit, the Governor interacted with the locals present and was able to see some of Madhavdev�s writings, a well that was dug in his time, and his footmarks.
The Governor was felicitated in the venue, and he saw some devotional songs and dances being performed by local artistes. He met with various functionaries of the Satra, including the chief Satradhikar and younger bhaktas.
