Dhekiakhowa, Jorhat, Assam
The Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar, a significant site for tourists and pilgrims, is a beautiful and vibrant centre depicting Vaishnavism (worship of Lord Vishnu) and the culture of Assam. Established by Saint-reformer, Sri SriMadhavdeva, who was a disciple of SrimantaShankardeva, itis one of the most renowned religious destinations in the Dhekiakhowa village of Jorhat in the state of Assam.
‘Namghar’ means a place of worship where Assamese people gather to pray and discuss religious matters. The name ‘Dhekiakhowa’ originated from two words that is ‘dhekia which means the fern and ‘khowa’ which means to eat in Assamese. The legend has it that Madhavdeva, while touring in that area with the aim to preach and reform people, stopped at a small hut of a poor couple. Due to their impoverishment, they could just offer rice and ‘dhekiasaak’ (a popular, nutritious green leafy vegetable) to the great Saint. Immensely pleased with the food and hospitality, Madhavdeva decided to build a Namghar in the village.
Madhavdeva assembled all the villagers at the old couple’s hut, poured oil on a peel of an Elephant Apple (outenga) and lit a lamp and he appealed to the villagers never to blow out the lamp. This lamp can still be seen burning in the premises of the Bornamghar. The Naamghar was constructed on the exact location where the hut stood. Eventually the place got its name as Dhekiakhowa. Hundred-year-old Dhekia flowers, which are rare to find could be still seen being well preserved in the Bornamghar. The main pillar of the Namghar is made of Sal tree.
Huge number of devotees visit the Namghar every day, especially during the month of Bhadra (from mid-August to mid-September) devotees take active part in the NaamProxango (hymns sung together by the devotees in the prayer hall). A large number of idols of Hindu deities can be seen inside the Namghar.
The Namghar is well connected by air, road and rail. Jorhat has its own airport which is 10km away from the Jorhat city. By train, the Janshatabdi Express runs daily from Guwahati to Jorhat every morning and trains like Rajdhani also stops at Jorhat. It is well connected by road service with other parts of Assam.