Sri Sri Harihar Ata

Sri Sri Harihar Aata was revered as one of the most erudite, devoted, and talented disciples of Sri Sri Madhabdev. Initiated into the Vaishnava religion by Sri Sri Madhabdev himself, Harihar Aata remained closely involved in all religious activities alongside his preceptor. His reverence for Sri Sri Madhabdev was unparalleled, considering him as God and serving him with unwavering devotion, despite facing challenges from unscrupulous individuals.

Born as the second son of Hardatta, with his eldest brother being Haribar and the youngest Haricharan, opinions regarding Sri Sri Harihar Aata’s birthplace vary. However, his journey was marked by adversity, particularly following the assassination of his elder brother Haribar by Ahom King Harihar. In response, Harihar Aata, along with his brother Haricharan, fled the Ahom Kingdom, traversing through Biswanath and Hajo to enter the Kamrup Kingdom. There, they met Sri Sri Madhabdev at Sundaridia and were initiated into the Vaishnava religion. After spending some years at Sundaridia, Harihar Aata obtained permission from his Guru to depart for Behar. He later reunited with Sri Sri Madhabdev at Bheladowa Satra in Behar, about 8 to 9 years after its foundation.

Unfortunately, a discord arose between Sri Sri Madhabdev and Sri Harihar Aata due to the influence of unscrupulous individuals, leading to Harihar Aata’s departure from Bheladowa. Subsequently, he lived a nomadic life, wandering briefly from place to place. Seeking solace, Sri Harihar Aata sought refuge at Belai Thanadar after leaving Dhuriyanibari, where he initiated Sri Sri Purushottam Thakur, the grandson of Mahapurush Sankardev, into the Vaishnava religion.

Later, Harihar Aata arrived at Khalamarabari, where he initiated Sri Sri Chaturbhuj Thakur, the grandson of Sri Sri Sankardev, into the Vaishnava religion. After a brief four-month stay at Khalamarabari, he settled under a tree in a vast field where cowherds congregated. Witnessing his destitute condition, the cowherds constructed a hut for him. It was at this humble abode that Sri Sri Harihar Aata departed from this world.

Throughout his life, Sri Harihar Aata remained vigilant against societal challenges and upheld a particular manner, embodying the virtues of devotion, resilience, and spiritual commitment.