Nagaon, December 29:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the Rs 217-crore Batadrava Than Redevelopment Project in Nagaon district, marking a major transformation of the sacred birthplace of 15th-century saint-reformer Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva into a world-class cultural and spiritual destination. The project has been developed over 162 bighas of land reportedly freed from encroachment.

Located about 140 km from Guwahati, the sprawling complex now features several architecturally distinctive structures, including what is being described as the world’s tallest Guru Asana, an art centre shaped like traditional cymbals, a khol-inspired research centre, a boat-shaped skill development complex, and a theatre modelled on the traditional Assamese japi.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Home Minister referred to the state government’s anti-encroachment initiatives, stating that more than one lakh bighas of land have been cleared under the current administration. Shah described Batadrava Than as a symbol of the inclusive and humanistic spiritual essence of the Nav-Vaishnavite Dharma propagated by Sankardeva.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed the initiative a “cultural resurrection,” while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted its potential to strengthen global recognition of Assam’s cultural heritage and Sankardeva’s teachings.

Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva (1449–1568), founder of the Ekasarana Dharma, is revered for reshaping Assamese society through his spiritual philosophy, literary contributions, performing arts, and the establishment of the Namghar–Satra tradition. His influence continues to define Assam’s cultural, literary, and devotional identity.

Batadrava Than, a revered pilgrimage site attracting thousands of devotees annually, stands as the saint’s birthplace. The redevelopment project, launched in 2021, aims to combine heritage preservation with modern infrastructure, ensuring the enduring legacy of Sankardeva for future generations.

• Dipanjana D