Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated the newly redeveloped Batadrava Than, the sacred birthplace of the 15th-century Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva. The project, officially titled the Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Abhirbhav Kshetra, was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 227 crore in Nagaon district.
Upon his arrival, the Home Minister was greeted with a vibrant traditional ‘Sattriya’ welcome by ‘gayan-bayan’ performers. Accompanied by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, and State Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora, Shah visited the central structure housing the Guru Asana, the revered seat of the saint.
The redevelopment project, spanning 162 bighas of land that was famously cleared of long-term encroachments, transforms the site into a world-class spiritual and tourism destination. The complex features unique architectural elements inspired by Assamese traditions, including a research center shaped like a khol (drum), an art center shaped like a cymbal, and the world’s tallest Guru Asana.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the inauguration as a “historic moment” that fulfills a long-cherished dream of the people of Assam.“This project is very close to my heart and will represent our beautiful culture and further spread Gurujona’s ideals. Batadrava Than, freed from encroachments, is now a shining example of what steely resolve can do for the protection of our heritage,”the CM said.
First proposed in the 2021–22 state budget, the Abhirbhav Kshetra is designed to showcase the life, philosophy, and artistic contributions of Srimanta Sankardeva to a global audience. The government aims to position the Than as a major node for cultural tourism, promoting a deeper understanding of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement.
