Madhavdeva

Madhavdeva was the principal disciple of Srimanta Sankardeva - his apostolic successor and one of the leading lights of Assam Vaishnavism, also referred to as Eka-sarana Hari Naam Dharma or Mahapuruxiya Dharma. His efforts at organization of the Sattra (Vaishnavite monastery) after the Passing of Sankardeva resulted in the establishment of a permanent foundation for the Neo-Vaisnavite Movement in Assam. As an author and Saint-poet, Madhavdeva's contribution to his Master's religion is immense. He is the author of the holy "Naam ghoxa", the book of the Lord's Name, which is as great a work as Sankardeva's "Kirtan ghoxa", and the famous "Bhakti Ratnavali". He is also the author of many "Borgeets" or 'noble numbers' (191 of them) besides several dramas or one-act plays (6 in number). Among his other outstanding contributions are "Janma Rahasya", "Naam Maalikaa" and the Assamese rendering of the Adi Kanda of Valmiki's Ramayana.