Publication Details
Abstract
"Harinam rokhe Vaikuntha prakashe
Prem amritor nodi
Srimanta Shankare Paar bhagni dile
Bohe brahmandok Bhedi”
(Namghosa)
Through the essence of Harinam (Lord Krishna), life is filled with the nectar of divine love. The one who set flowing the river of immortal love is the revered master himself-
the great saint, Srimanta Sankardeva. He was born on the second Shukla Tithi in the month of Ashwina in 1449 AD. His father's name was Kusumbar Bhuyan and mother was Satyasandha. After being orphaned was brought up by his grandmother Khesuti at the death of his parents.
Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva was a versatile genius. From early childhood, his wondrous talent had begun to blossom. He was enrolled in the Mahendra Kandali Gurugrah for education. “Karatala Kamala” composed by Srimanta Sankaradeva during his boyhood, around the age of twelve, is celebrated as his earliest poetic work. Remarkably, the poem employs only the first Assamese vowel অ (a) together with consonants, to craft a vivid and graceful portrayal of Lord Krishna’s lotus-like hands, eyes, and feet. This youthful creation not only reveals Sankaradeva’s innate literary brilliance, but also marks the auspicious beginning of his enduring contribution to Assamese Vaishnavite literature. Sankaradeva‘s contribution to cultural institutions like Namghar and Satra fostering nationalism and nurturing equality among varied ethnic communities. Through these cultural endeavours, Sankaradeva sought to elevate and ennoble society, using the power of literary creation as his instrument of refinement and harmony.
"Jai Guru Shankar Sarvagunakar
Jakehi nahike upam”
In reality, Sankardev was a person of all virtues, incomparable to anyone.