The distinct significance of the ‘Guru Asana’ in Assamese social life

Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan 

(himangshur1989@gmail.com)

The Namghar holds an unparalleled position as the central hub of the cultural, spiritual, and social life of Assamese society. It is not merely a physical structure dedicated to religious activities but a living symbol of the spiritual consciousness, ethical values, and collective identity of the Assamese people. The Namghar emerged as a result of the Neo-Vaishnavite Bhakti movement led by the great saint Srimanta Sankardeva, which brought a new dimension to the lifestyle, beliefs, and cultural heritage of Assamese society. At the heart of the Namghar lies the ‘Guru Ashana,’ installed at the centre of the Manikut, which forms an indispensable part of this spiritual and cultural legacy.

The Namghar is a universal institution in Assamese society, where a unique confluence of religious, cultural, and social activities can be observed. Originating through Sankardeva’s Neo-Vaishnavite movement, it transcended caste and class distinctions, spreading the message of devotion and love for God among all people. This Bhakti movement brought profound changes to the social fabric of Assamese society, ushering in a new era of social cohesion, equality, and spiritual awakening. The Namghar provided an open platform for people from all walks of life, where religious discussions, cultural activities, and social decision-making processes converged. Through this institution, the cultural identity of Assamese society was shaped, beautifully blending religion, art, literature, and various aspects of social life. The ‘Guru Ashana,’ placed in the Manikut of the Namghar, is considered the central symbol of this Bhakti movement. Sacred texts such as the ‘Bhagavata,’ ‘Kirtan,’ or ‘Gunamala’ are installed on this seat, regarded as a representation of the divine presence of Lord Krishna. Devotees experience a divine connection through these sacred texts, masterpieces created by the great saints, and the ‘Guru Ashana’ becomes a sacred medium for this spiritual bond. The significance of the ‘Guru Ashana’ has profoundly impacted the spiritual life of Assamese society, uniting people from all strata and fostering a unique environment of religious and social harmony. This universality of the Namghar and the central role of the ‘Guru Asana’ have provided a stable foundation for the cultural and religious identity of Assamese society. Through the ‘Guru Asana,’ the core ideals of Sankardeva’s Bhakti movement—equality, devotion, and connection with God through chanting His name—are reflected in every aspect of Assamese life. The establishment of the ‘Guru Ashana’ has secured an eternal place for the Namghar in the heart of Assamese society, lending a new dimension to its spiritual and social life. The distinct significance of the ‘Guru Ashana’ is a profound aspect of the cultural and religious heritage of Assamese society, fostering unity and harmony among people from all walks of life. The Namghar’s role has become an inseparable part of the social structure of Assamese society, creating a unique atmosphere of unity and harmony among all its members.

Regarding the structure of the ‘Guru Asana,’ it is generally classified into three types—Singhasan, Garudasan, and Mayurasan (or Morasan). Among these, the Singhasan is typically installed in public Namghars, characterised by its intricate design and exemplary craftsmanship. The structure of the Singhasan may consist of three to seven tiers (khalpas), with each tier adorned with depictions of Vishnu’s ten avatars and scenes from Krishna’s life, painted with natural pigments like hengul and haital. These artworks reflect the immense skill and creativity of Assamese artisans. The four pillars of the Singhasan are engraved with figures of tortoises, elephants, and lions, each carrying deep spiritual significance. The tortoise is considered a symbol of patience and devotion, as it withdraws its limbs into its shell, representing self-restraint. This symbolism emphasises the importance of an ethical lifestyle for devotees. The elephant symbolizes sin, representing human desires and ignorance, while the lion, a symbol of the divine name, signifies the suppression of sin through the power of God’s name. This symbolic arrangement conveys a philosophical message: the lion, representing the divine name, suppresses the elephant, symbolising sin, to prevent it from entering the devotee’s heart. This symbolism reflects the moral and spiritual values of Assamese society, teaching devotees to adopt devotion as a guiding path in life. The structure and symbolic meaning of the Singhasan elevate it beyond a mere religious seat, establishing it as a philosophical and spiritual symbol. The intricacy of its design and the beauty of its artwork also reflect the artistic identity of Assamese society, creating a splendid harmony between religion and art. Through this structure, the skill and creativity of Assamese artisans shine, positioning the ‘Guru Ashana’ as an artistic medium as well. Each element of the structure, such as the engraved figures on the pillars and the paintings on the tiers, represents a profound aspect of Assamese religious and cultural heritage. The structure of the Singhasan thus embodies a remarkable blend of Assamese artisans’ creativity and religious sentiment.

The Amhi Ghar, located at the top tier of the Singhasan, is the most sacred part of the ‘Guru Ashana.’ Sacred texts such as the ‘Bhagavata,’ ‘Kirtan,’ or ‘Gunamala,’ composed by Sankardeva and Madhavdeva, are placed here. The Amhi Ghar is covered with cloth and jute on three sides, with four small pots (kalasi) placed around it and one at the top. The beauty and sanctity of this structure further elevate the spiritual ambiance of the Namghar. The sacred text placed in the Amhi Ghar is covered with white cloth, symbolising purity and sanctity. Once the text is installed, the Singhasan comes to life and is recognised as the ‘Guru Ashana.’ This process establishes the ‘Guru Ashana’ as the focal point of the Namghar’s religious activities. The sanctity of the Amhi Ghar and the beauty of its structure reflect a profound harmony between Assamese religious and artistic traditions. Through this structure, the ‘Guru Ashana’ is not only a religious symbol but also a living testament to the cultural and spiritual identity of Assamese society. The sanctity of the Amhi Ghar and the significance of the texts placed within it express the depth of devotion in Assamese society, guiding devotees toward a path of surrender and devotion to God. Each element of this structure, such as the cloth covering three sides and the placement of the kalasi, represents a profound blend of Assamese religious beliefs and artistic beauty.

The artistic aspect of the ‘Guru Ashana’ is a significant part of Assamese artistic heritage. The tiers of the Singhasan are adorned with figures of elephants, lions, and tortoises, along with depictions of Vishnu’s ten avatars and Krishna’s life, painted with hengul and haital. These artworks showcase the exceptional skill and creativity of Assamese artisans. The Chandratap, placed atop the Singhasan with four spouts at the corners and one in the centre, further enhances the artistic beauty of the Namghar. The structure and ornamentation of the Chandratap reflect a unique feature of Assamese art, harmonising religious sentiment with artistic beauty. Additionally, the cloth used in the ‘Guru Ashana’ is adorned by village weavers with colourful patterns of flowers, plants, and religious verses. The golden and silver floral designs woven into the cloth shine like stars, illuminating the Namghar’s atmosphere with divine radiance. Through this artwork, the creativity and religious sentiment of Assamese society are beautifully expressed, reflecting the beauty and cultural heritage of rural Assamese life.

The symbolic significance of the ‘Guru Ashana’ reflects the profound spiritual and philosophical thought of Assamese society. The seven tiers of the Singhasan are compared to the seven Vaikunthas—Shwetabilas, Shantanubilas, Pushpabilas, Pankaj Bilas, Kanak Danta, Sanatan, and Golok—governed by the Supreme Brahman. The four lions and elephants at the corners of the Singhasan also carry philosophical meaning. According to Xatriya culture, a seven-tiered Singhasan with four lions at each corner totals twenty-eight lions, considered a visual representation of the twenty-eight tattvas (principles), including the five elements, five senses, five organs of action, three gunas, prakriti, purusha, mahat, ahankara, and manas. This symbolism underscores the importance of connecting with God in all aspects of life, elevating the ‘Guru Ashana’ as a philosophical and spiritual symbol.

In religious activities, the ‘Guru Ashana’ holds a special role. Daily rituals in the Namghar, such as lighting the eternal lamp (Akshay Banti), playing the drum and cymbals, and chanting, create a spiritually charged atmosphere and awaken religious sentiments among devotees. The concept of the Akshay Banti symbolizes imperishable spiritual knowledge and devotion. Through these rituals, the ‘Guru Ashana’ becomes the focal point of the Namghar’s religious activities, fostering a deep connection with God among devotees.

In conclusion, the ‘Guru Ashana’ is an inseparable part of Assamese social life. It is not merely a religious symbol but a living embodiment of the spiritual, artistic, and philosophical thought of Assamese society. Through its structure, symbolic significance, artwork, and religious activities, the ‘Guru Ashana’ reflects the profound religious and cultural heritage of Assamese society. Positioned at the heart of the Namghar’s Manikut, it serves as a centre of devotion, uniting people from all strata and creating a unique atmosphere of religious and social harmony. The significance of the ‘Guru Ashana’ will remain eternal in the heart of Assamese society, ensuring that the ideals and values of Sankardeva’s Neo-Vaishnavite movement continue to inspire future generations.