Sataras
A good number of Satras were founded by these great saints and scholars that are considered regio-cultural institutions or monasteries that had a deep impact on the Social, political, economy etc.of the region. Although the Satra institutions were established for the propagation of Vaishnavite faith but with passage of time these institutions gradually transformed into open universities to become all-embracing socio-cultural centers covering numerous subject including education, music, dance, sculpture, drama, fine-art, Ivory-works etc.
Some of the important satras are:
Barpeta
Patbaushi
Ganakkuchi
Jania
Sundaridia
Baradi
Kanara
The Satra located at the heart of the City attracts devotees from all over the State particularly during Holi when Doul festival is organised and annivarsaries of various Vaishnava Gurus. The buildings within the Satra premise are architectural achievements in its own right.The Kirtan Ghar is considered to be the largest in Assam. The Three Guru Asanas are placed in this buildings in honour of Shrimanta Sankardeva, Shri Madhavdeva and Shri Badula Ata. The two Satradhikars sit behind the Asanas to hold Nam-Prasangas regularly. Numerous buildings are located within the premise covering an area of 20 Bighas.
Patbaushi Satra
The Satra at Patbaushi was established by Shrimanta Sankardeva. His Vaishnava faith was spread by the guru’s able disciples Shri Madhav Deva, Shri Damodar Deva and Shri Hari Deva. It was from this satra that Srimanta Sankardeva spread his faith, literature, music art-forms, culture and work-culture to its fullest form. Here the guru spent 18 years of his life with remarkable achievement including completion of the ‘Kirtan Ghosa’ and composition of 20 number of invaluable Borgeets. Some of the items used by these Gurus and Sachipat puthis are well-preserved here. The Satra is located about 2 km north of Barpeta town.
Ganakkuchi Satra
This satra was founded by Sri Madhab Deva for which the land was purchased by Shrimanta Sankardeva for 1 Tola (about 10gm) Gold and nominated his close disciple Shri Madhab Deva as the satradhikar to stay here to spread his faith and he went on to stay here for 18 long years. Some of the items used by the guru and Sachipat puthis are well-preserved here. The Satra is located within the Barpeta town area.
Jania Satra
This Satra was established by Sankardeva’s disciple Shri Narayan Das Thakur Ata. He composed a large number of devotional songs here. This Satras located at a distance of 8 km from Barpeta in Barpeta Jania Road.
Sundaridiya Satra
The Satra was established by Shri Madhab Deva after leaving Ganakkuchi Satra. The first satradhikar of Barpeta Satra Sri Mathura Das Burha Ata initially come to this Satra and became a disciple of Shri Madhab Deva. It was here that Paal Nam and Beer Nam or Thiya Nam was created by sri Madhab Deva. A large number of items used by the guru including Sachipat-puthis are preserved here.
Baradi Satra
This satra was also established by Sri Madhab Deva and stayed here for a very short period.Baradi Satra is the”Adi Satra” of Madhab deb.The Sankarite culture spread far and wide from Baradi making it a centre for learning. The place is located about 2 km east of Barpeta town.Holi”fakua”is one of the most holly festival of Baradi Satra.
Satra Kanara
Established by Sri Sri Narayan Das Thakur Ata. This Satra is damaged by natural calamities. Floods creates problem for running the Satra. As a result the original habitants of this place shifted to Gajia and Ganakkuchi in Barpeta. The Satra is located at a distance of 16 km from Barpeta.
Markaz
Barpeta District Head Markaz, Howly, is also one of the leading Markazs in Barpeta district. For the Muslim community, this is the only centre for ethnic education.[citation needed] Howly Head Markaz has some branches in all Barpeta district as Barpeta Town Markz Mosque, Barpeta Road Zame Mosque, Majgaon Markaz, Bhella Zame Mosque, Mandia Zame Mosque, Gomafulbari Tittle Madrassa, Balikuri Zame Mosque, Keotkuchi Zame Mosque.
Barpeta, Land of Satra 