Mahapuruxiya Dharma

Mahapuruxiya Dharma (Assamese " _as. mahapuruxiya", from Sanskrit "IAST|mahā-puruṣa" "great man") is a monotheistic religion initiated by Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century. Most of the adherents of this religion today live in the Indian state of Assam. This religion though considered a part of the Hindu religion, has definite features that set it apart.

The central religious text of this religion is Bhagavat of Sankardeva, which was transcreated from the Sanskrit Bhagavata Purana by Srimanta Sankardeva and other religious percepts. This book is supplemented by the two books of hymns: "Kirtan Ghoxa" by Sankardeva and "Naam Ghoxa" by Madhabdeva. These books are written in Assamese and Brajavuli languages.

The religion is called "Mahapuruxiya" because it is based on the teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva who is known by the honorific "Mahapurux" ("great man"). The religion is also called "Ek Sarana Naam Dharma", and the adherents are often called "Sarania", "Sankari", "Mahapuruxia" etc. Non-adherence to the Hindu varnasrama system and egalitarianism marked its character.

A monotheistic religion, the only form of worship prescribed by this religion is uttering the name of God, who is worshiped in the form of Krishna. Thus it is also called "ek sarana naam dharma". Though a part of the wider Bhakti movement, it does not worship Radha with Krishna, and it is characterized by the "dasa" form of worship. Historically, it has been against idol worship, and especially against animal sacrifices common in "sakta" forms of Hinduism. Noted for its egalitarianism, it posed a challenge to Brahminical hinduism, and converted into its folds people of all castes, ethnicity and religion (including Islam).

acred texts

The single most religious text is the Bhagavata. This work was transcreated from the original Sanskrit Bhagavata Purana to Assamese of the 15th century by different persons, but chiefly by Srimanta Sankardeva.

Two other works find a special place in this religion. "Kitan Ghoxa", composed by Sankardeva and "Naam Ghoxa", composed by Madhavdeva form a complete set of hymns for singing.

Denominations

The religion fissured into four "samhatis" ("sanghati") soon after the death of Srimanta Sankardeva. The first fissure occurred when Damodardeva moved away from the main body, then led by Madhavdeva, to form the "Brahman-samhati". Later Gopaldeva and Purushuttomdeva moved away to form the "Kala-samhati" and "Purusa-samhati" respectively. What remained formed the "Nika-samhati".

References

* Barman, Sivanath (1999) "An Unsung Colossus: An Introduction to the Life and Works of Sankaradeva", Forum for Sankaradeva Studies, Guwahati 1999.