Ghiladhari Xatra at Amlakhiati village on the verge of extinction

 A CORRESPONDENT

JAMUGURIHAT: Ghiladhari Xatra, which stands on the northern bank of the Ghiladhari river, is situated at Amlakhiati village on the southern part of Sootea, approximately five km from the NH 15. This one of the ancient Xatras of Assam is on the verge of extinction.

Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev spent 45 days in the Xatra during one of his tours. During his stay, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva preached lessons of neo-Vaishnavism and other cultural as well as religious ideologies to his followers.

Such an ancient and historical Xatra has been on the verge of extinction due to a lack of funds for renovation and government patronage. The deplorable condition of the Xatra irks the hearts of the local residents and followers as well. The pathetic condition of the entrance gate (batchora) and the main building of the Xatra needs urgent attention from the state government and the department concerned. Many scriptures and important ancient books that are in the Xatra are worn out due to a lack of facilities for preservation and a safe place for storage.

This Xatra has a close relationship with Gangmouthan Xatra; Behali is on the eastern part of this Xatra, which is nearly 40 km away.

Whereas the state government has taken initiatives for the restoration and renovation of ancient Xatras, temples, monuments, and places of historical importance, the Ghiladhari Xatra of Sootea is yet to be rediscovered by the department concerned and the local administration. Now, doubt arises among the local residents about how long they have to wait for the government appraisal. At present, one Laba Saikia takes care of the Xatra. The conscious people of the greater Sootea area have made a humble appeal to the state government and the department concerned to look into the matter and take the necessary action immediately.

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