Sri Sri Badula Padma Ata

Navaratna of Nava-Vaishnav journey , Sri Sri Padma Aata was a revered figure who dedicated his life to spreading the Vaishnavism  established by Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva. Born to Tita Chomdar and Satya Aai in the village of Sankrahi near Narayanpur in the Lakshipur District in 1468 Saka, Sri Sri Padma Aata faced early challenges with the untimely passing of his father. Raised in his maternal grandfather’s home in Dhalpur, he received a comprehensive education.

While residing in Sankrahi, Sri Padma Aata witnessed a conflict between local residents and the Dafalas of the surrounding areas, leading to a war in which he also participated as a soldier. Deeply affected by the devastation he witnessed, he turned away from worldly pursuits and devoted himself to Vishnu.

Studying the ‘Bhakati Ratnawali’ of Sri Sri Madhabdev, Sri Sri Padma Aata developed a strong desire to seek refuge in Sri Sri Madhabdev, which materialized with the assistance of Sri Keshavcharan Aata at ‘Bhela Than’. In just seven days with Sri Sri Madhabdev, Padma Aata acquired profound knowledge of divine truths. He further enriched his understanding through teachings from Sri Sri Narayandas Thakur Aata, Sri Sri Mathuradas Burha Aata, Sri Sri Barbishnu Aata, and Sri Sri Gopal Aata (Bhabanipuria Gopal Aata), following the guidance of Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhabdev. He stayed with Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhabdev at Barpeta Satra during his initial time. Once Mahapurush Sri Sri Madhabdev convince with him , his knowledge and his preaching  capability, Sri Sri Madhabdev dispatched Sri Sri Padma Aata to Upper Assam as a preacher to disseminate the teachings of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, earning him the moniker “Badala Aata” or “Badula Aata”. Sri Sri Padma Aata founded the renowned Kamalabari Satra on Majuli, the river island, in 1595 Saka.

After tireless religious and cultural endeavors, Sri Sri Padma Aata, recognizing his advanced age, appointed Sri Sri Ram Ata as his successor. He passed away in 1598 Saka at Kamalabari, leaving behind a legacy of 130 years of illustrious service.