Vaishnavite Satras
Discover Majuli's religious heart
Majuli is a cultural hodgepodge. Beyond the animistic cultures of some of its tribal folk, Majuli is also a stronghold of Vaishnavite culture in Assam – a sect of Hinduism that follows Lord Vishnu, the sustainer. In the 15th century, the Assamese reformer and saint, Shankardeva had set up ‘satras’ or Vaishnavite monasteries to initiate the people in matters of culture and religion. Spend a day visiting these ‘satras’ and interacting with the sadhus and initiates, to understand some of the rhythms and religious beliefs of the island dwellers.