Guwahati (Assam) [India], March 15 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday inaugurated an infrastructural development project valued at INR 11.14 crore at Shri Shri Shankardev Than, Patbaushi Satra, and Shri Shri Dev Damodar Guru's Adi Dham in the greater Barpeta region.

During his visit to Barpeta, he also laid the foundation stone for another infrastructural development initiative, amounting to INR 7.32 crore, at Chinpara Bhithi Than, a site of historical significance where Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev had spent a year.

Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev had established a Satra at Patbaushi, where he resided for approximately 18 years. This Satra served as the centre from which he propagated his spiritual philosophy, artistic endeavours, and cultural contributions throughout the region.

Due to its role in developing Sattriya culture and literature, the institution remains of significant historical and cultural value. Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev, Mahapurush Madhavdev, Damodardev, and Haridev used this Satra to further propagate the Vaishnav faith.

The infrastructural development project inaugurated by the Chief Minister aims to enhance and preserve Shri Shri Shankardev Than, Patbaushi Satra, and its Namghar and Monikut.

The project entails the construction of several facilities, such as a Daul Ghar, Jagmohan Ghar, Math, Kalindi Aai Ghar, a museum, a Patkuwa, a dining hall, a discussion room, a dormitory, sanitation facilities, and provisions for drinking water.

Additionally, efforts will be made to improve the site's natural environment by developing paved pathways, benches, a lawn area, and lighting installations.

Similarly, the development project for Shri Shri Dev Damodar Guru's Adi Dham includes renovating and enhancing the Namghar and Monikut, along with the construction of a Daul Ghar and Jagmohan Ghar.

The project will also involve building two entrance gates, upgrading guesthouses, and constructing a community hall and a training centre. A museum, a Patkuwa, a designated resting space for women, sanitation facilities, and drinking water systems will also be built.

The project includes the development of a 2-metre-wide foot overbridge to establish connectivity between Shri Shri Shankardev Than and Shri Shri Dev Damodar Guru's Adi Dham, improving accessibility between these historically and culturally significant sites.

The infrastructural development project at Chinpara Bhithi Than, covering approximately eight bighas and one lecha, is designed to enhance and preserve the site's historical and cultural significance. The Kirtanghar and Monikut will be renovated as part of this initiative.

The project also includes the construction and refurbishment of essential facilities such as the main entrance, pathways, Rang Ghar, Darshan Ghar, Daul Ghar, Jagmohan Ghar, Patkuwa, dormitory, dining hall, and a designated rest area for women.

Additionally, provisions have been made to reconstruct the conference hall, security cabins, sanitation and drinking water systems, and boundary walls. To improve the site's accessibility and aesthetic appeal, paved walkways, benches, landscaped lawns with lighting, and gazebos will be installed.

Addressing the media, Sarma stated that Srimanta Sankardev spent a significant period of his life in Patbaushi, where he composed many of his invaluable literary works.

He recalled that upon assuming office as Chief Minister, during his visit to Barpeta and Patbaushi, he had announced a project to preserve the region's cultural and historical legacy.

In fulfilment of that commitment, the foundation stone for this initiative has now been laid, he added. Sarma highlighted that the Assam Government has documented the historical significance of locations where Srimanta Sankardev resided and devised a phased plan for their systematic development.

He mentioned that completed projects at Bordowa and Gangmou Than have been successfully delivered and announced that a INR 50 crore development project will be undertaken for Madhupur Satra.

The Chief Minister later visited the historic Barpeta Satra, where he paid respects at key sites, including the Doul Griha, during the ongoing four-day Doul Utsav celebrations.

He attended a performance of Barpeta's traditional Holi geet, appreciating the region's distinct cultural heritage. Additionally, he inaugurated the Srimanta Sankardev Museum at Sri Sri Sankardev Than, Patbaushi Satra.

Sarma was accompanied by several dignitaries, including Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development; Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister of Environment and Forests; Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs; MP Phani Bhusan Choudhury; MLA Phani Talukdar; and Sudarsan Thakur, Secretary of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, among others.

On the other hand, Sarma visited Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, and paid his obeisance to the Gurujona for the welfare and wellbeing of all sections of the people of the state.

He also participated in the Doul Utsav at Batadrava Than, which involves traditional Vaishnava rituals, music, dance, and religious processions.

On this occasion, speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Sarma said that on the occasion of auspicious Holi, he felt fortunate to have visited Batadrava Than and prayed to the Gurujona for the wellbeing of the people of Assam.

He added that he prayed so that the people of Assam could stay happy throughout the year like the days of Holi.

He also mentioned that the Batadrava Than Project, aimed at transforming the site into an ideal place for religious and cultural tourism, will be completed in October.

Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, MLA Rupak Sarma, and others were present on the occasion. (ANI)