Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar

Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar is a historic Namghar (prayer hall) located in Dhekiakhowa village, about 15 km east of Jorhat in Assam. Established in 1461 by saint-reformer Madhavdeva, a principal disciple of Srimanta Sankardev, it is a prominent centre of Ekasarana Dharma. The Namghar is renowned for its earthen lamp (akhanda banti) that has reportedly been burning continuously since its inception.

Visitors can expect a tranquil religious complex centered around a large open prayer hall (kirtan ghar) with traditional Assamese architecture, wooden pillars and a thatched or tin roof. The main attraction is the continuously burning earthen lamp inside the hall. The surroundings include open courtyards, devotee gathering areas and simple ancillary structures. Visitors can observe daily prayers, naam-kirtan chanting and the serene rural setting of Dhekiakhowa village.

Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar was established in 1461 by Madhavdeva, the foremost disciple of Srimanta Sankardev, the 15th-16th century saint-reformer who propagated Ekasarana Dharma in Assam. It is considered the oldest Namghar in Assam. The Namghar is famous for an earthen lamp lit by Madhavdeva himself which has been kept burning continuously by priests and devotees for more than five centuries, symbolizing continuity of the faith.

The Bornamghar is a major centre of Ekasarana Dharma and Assamese Vaishnavite culture. It serves as a community prayer hall for daily naam-kirtan, religious discourses and festivals. It plays a central role in preserving Sankari culture, including devotional music, dance and literature, and remains an important pilgrimage site for followers of Sankardev and Madhavdeva across Assam.