ইংৰাজী প্ৰবন্ধ, Shrimanta Shankardeva and Madhavdeva : An everlasting companionship, Barasha Das , ৪ৰ্থ বছৰ ৪ৰ্থ সংখ্যা,

 Shrimanta Shankardeva and Madhavdeva : An everlasting companionship

” I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.”

—Helen Keller

Since time immemorial, mankind has been witness to several instances of true companionship. These are to be found all over the world recorded in history, art, literature etc., and our history is no exception. The Indian epic Mahabharata is witness to the eternally celebrated friendship of Vasudeva(Krishna)and Arjuna, and of Karna and Duryodhana. 

The state of Assam too can proudly claim to have been the birthplace of such companionship ; that of Shrimanta Shankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva. 

Mahapurush Shrimanta Shankardeva and Mahapurush Madhabdeva are two prominent Vaishnavite figures from Assam. The duo is widely known for their guru-disciple relationship. However, it was more a companionship. 

For Shankardeva, Madhabdeva became his “Pran Bandhu” (Friend of the Soul) with whom he sailed through life, becoming a part of his endeavor of religious reformation and socio-cultural harmony in Assam and beyond. 

Both legends brought about a cultural and religious revolution in the Brahmaputra valley. Their works led to the development of a distinct Assamese identity. Madhavdeva was the shadow of Shankardeva where one went and the other followed. Madhavedeva, accompanied him everywhere through thick and thin being an ardent follower of Shankardeva. 

This Guru-sishyo bond has had an evergreen and far-fetching impression in the minds of the people of Assam, so much so that both names are uttered together as one. Their relationship transcended from being a mere Guru-sishyo relationship and into a companionship, which defied contemporary understanding. They were united in their mission to spread the word of Hari and bring peace, prosperity and guidance amongst the masses and political tumult of 16th century Assam and have been relevant until this day. 

                  Barasha Das 

                  Asst. Teacher 

                  Chhaygaon Anchalik ME School