The Home Minister is visiting Assam to inaugurate a cultural development project at Batadrava Than, highlighting efforts to restore and preserve the sanctity of this iconic spiritual site.

• The Batadrava Than (also known as Bordowa Than) in Nagaon district is currently at the center of a major cultural restoration. 
• On December 29, 2025, a large-scale cultural project was inaugurated at this site to preserve the legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva.

Historical and Spiritual Significance

• Founded by Sankardeva in 1494 A.D., Batadrava is revered by devotees as the “Dwitiya Vaikuntha” (Second Heaven). 
• It is the site where the saint established the first-ever Kirtan Ghar to preach the Ek Saran Naam Dharma through congregational chanting.

Architectural and Cultural Features

• Namghar and Monikut: Sankardeva introduced the unique architectural design of the Namghar (prayer hall) and Monikut (sanctum sanctorum), which remain the focal points of Assamese village life.
• Sacred Water Bodies: The complex houses two significant ponds, Akashiganga and Santijan, which hold deep ritualistic value.
• Doul Mohotsava: The annual Holi festival (Doul) attracts over a lakh devotees, showcasing the vibrant “Sattriya” culture.

Modern Governance and Security

• The State Government has recently completed a massive beautification and anti-encroachment drive to restore the “sanctity and grandeur” of the site. 
• Simultaneously, the city of Guwahati is being integrated into this modern security framework with the launch of the Integrated Command and Control System, monitoring over 2,000 CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of cultural and administrative zones.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

Q. With reference to Srimanta Sankardeva and the Batadrava Than, consider the following statements:

1. Srimanta Sankardeva propagated the ‘Ek Saran Naam Dharma’ which emphasizes devotion to a single deity.
2. The Batadrava Than is the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva and the site of the first Kirtan Ghar.
3. The ‘Namghar’ is a community prayer hall architecture introduced by the Neo-Vaishnavite movement.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

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