Dakhinpat Satra

Dakhinpat Satra is a prominent Vaishnavite monastery located at Dakhinpat on Majuli Island in Assam, India. Established in 1584 by Banamalidev, a disciple of Srimanta Sankardev's tradition, it is one of the four Raj Satras patronized by the Ahom kings. The satra preserves Ekasarana Dharma traditions, religious manuscripts, artifacts and performs Sattriya dance and Bhaona theatre, serving as a major cultural and spiritual centre of Majuli.

Visitors can expect a traditional Assamese satra complex centered around a large Namghar (prayer hall) with wooden architecture, monks' quarters (hatis), and open courtyards on Majuli river island. Inside, they can see religious artifacts, ancient manuscripts, idols and costumes used for Bhaona performances. The setting is quiet and devotional, with daily prayers, chanting, and occasional Sattriya dance and theatre rehearsals. The surroundings are rural with paddy fields and village paths.

Dakhinpat Satra was founded in 1584 by Banamalidev (Vanamalidev), a prominent disciple in the Ekasarana Dharma tradition established by Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev. It was later patronized as a Raj Satra by Ahom King Jayadhwaj Singha, who granted land and support. The satra was originally established at a different location and later shifted to Majuli. It has played a significant role in preserving Vaishnavite scriptures, traditions and Ahom-era relics.

The satra is a major centre of Ekasarana Dharma, the Vaishnavite faith propagated by Srimanta Sankardev. It preserves and promotes Sattriya dance, Bhaona devotional theatre, Gayan-Bayan music and traditional craftsmanship. It maintains religious manuscripts, idols, costumes and artifacts, and serves as a spiritual and cultural institution for the local community and for visitors interested in Assamese Vaishnavite heritage.