Auniati Satra is a prominent monastery (satra) located on Majuli, the world's largest river island, in Assam, India. Established in 1653 CE, the satra is one of the four "raj satras" or royal satras associated with the Ahom dynasty, the first patron of the satra.
The satra is dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshipped here as Govinda. The idol of Govinda was originally brought from Jagannath Puri and installed with proper religious rituals.
Getting There:
Majuli can be reached from the mainland by two ferries: one from Jorhat at Nimati Ghat and another from North Lakhimpur at Kamalabari Ghat. The most preferred route is via Jorhat, which is 14 km from the ferry terminal.
Auniati Satra is located around 5 km from Kamalabari, the main town in Majuli. You can hire a taxi or rickshaw to get to the satra.
What to Expect:
The Auniati Satra complex is a peaceful place with traditional Assamese architecture. There's a main temple (Manikut) where the Govinda idol is enshrined. Devotees can be seen offering prayers and participating in rituals throughout the day.
Auniati Satra is not just a religious center but also a cultural hub. You can witness traditional Assamese dance forms like Sattriya Nritya being performed here. The satra also houses a library with a rich collection of Assamese manuscripts.
Monastery life revolves around prayers, rituals, and spiritual discourses. Visitors are welcome to observe these activities respectfully.
Festivals:
The satra comes alive during the Janmashtami festival, celebrating Lord Krishna's birthday. Special pujas and cultural programs are organized during this time.
Stay:
There are limited stay options available near the satra. You can find decent accommodations in Kamalabari town.
Tips:
- Dress modestly when visiting the satra.
- Photography is allowed in the complex, but avoid taking pictures inside the main temple.
- Be respectful of the ongoing religious activities.