Book on Srimanta Sankardeva released
Guwahati: Assam Governor Prof. Jagadish Mukhi recently released a book on Srimanta Sankardeva at Raj Bhavan. Authored by Dr. Jagadindra Raychoudhury, the book titled ‘Bareko Koroho Pranam’ is a biographical piece with scientific analysis from of the fifteen-century saint, philosopher and reformer’s earlier days to his nirvana at Koch Bihar.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Mukhi appreciated the efforts of the author commenting that it is an praiseworthy attempt to write about a multifaceted personality like Sankardeva especially with scientific analysis. Sankardeva was also a contemporary of Guru Nanak which both of them led a Bhakti movement, stated Professor Mukhi. He also commented that a person who writes about Sankardeva must have undergone a lot of research and opined that it has reflected different aspects of Sankar Guru.
The author terms Sankardeva as a conservationist, taxonomist, social scientist, physiologist, musical therapist, etc. During his childhood while Sankar was roaming all around the forest with his friends, they usually captured many animals for the purpose of playing. But later he released all of them that reflects the spirit of wildlife conservation, said the author. Sankardeva encouraged eating of fishes as thousands of eggs are laid by fishes at a time and it would create an overpopulated situation within a short span of time.
So, to minimize its production somehow it should be consumed which reflects the concept of ecological balance. Moreover, fishes are not only rich in protein but also with vitamin A that is needed for improving eye sights. Gurujona had an expertise in selecting the leaf of Sanchipaat and mixing of proper leaf liquids to prepare the ink (Mohi) which indicated a taxonomic interpretation of plants and chemical reaction to make an indelible ink.
To arrange a common platform Sankardeva invited people from different caste & creed to Namghars where the lights of social science persisted. He encouraged the entire disciples to wear pure white clothes to maintain the purity of mind. According to the author, it can be compared with that of doctors who wear white cloths during surgery to control their minds and indirectly it is transmitted to the patients.
During Namaprasanga (prayer time) a special mat was provided which was made up of Kuhila. It reduces the heat which generated in the body during Prasanga and worked as an earthening. Mah Prasad which is a mixture of nutritious food, made up of protein and vitamin and the presence of sugarcane in Prasad made up of sucrose which washes the mouth and cleans the teeth. It also helps in the digestion process.
Sankardeva introduced Sattriya dance in which before the actual performance Mati Aakhora is performed which reflects the various types of exercises and very helpful for keeping fitness of the health. Jagatguru raised voices against the superstition and sacrificing of animals which is a common agenda for science workers.
Sankar Guru was able to show his expertise in fine arts through Vindabani Bastra with the help of waivers without a canvas. As per the request of King Narnarayan, Sankardeva wrote the summary of Bhagabwata in a small piece of book named Gunamala that carried the quality of an original literary piece. Jagatguru also promoted tourism science and travelled for a long period across Bharat.
Padmashree Ajoy Dutta, eminent educationist Dr. Dayananda Pathak and publisher Dr. Rabindra Mohan Sarma were also present on the occasion. Published by Chandra Prakash, the book has 318 pages and priced at rupees 300/-.
