Navaratna of Neo-Vaishnavism, Sri Sri Keshab Charan Aata was a devoted soul dedicated to propagating the doctrine of the Vaishnavism of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva among all sections of society. His life was marked by various significant events that shaped his spiritual journey.
According to belief, his ancestors hailed from Banduka, now in present-day Bangladesh, before migrating to Assam and settling in different areas of present-day Darrang, Lakhimpur, and Sivasagar districts. Born to Tepai Kath (Kayastha) and Chitramali, Sri Sri Keshab Charan Aata’s birthplace has been a matter of different opinions. He was raised in his aunt’s home in the village of Kechamati after the demise of his parents, later seeking shelter with his elder sister Madhuri at Dhekiabari following his aunt’s passing. Eventually, they relocated to Narayanpur in the present-day Lakhimpur district.
Sri Sri Keshab Charan Aata’s quest for knowledge led him to the village of Shalakh, where he encountered his cousin brother Chaturbhuj Ata, under whose guidance he received an education. He commenced his conjugal life at Shalakh at the request of Chaturbhuj Atai. However, following the passing of his wife, Sri Sri Keshab Charan Aata grew increasingly indifferent to worldly affairs and immersed himself in religious discourses with Chaturbhuj Atai. At the latter’s urging, he embarked on a journey to Barpeta Satra to seek refuge with Sri Sri Madhabdev and arrived at Malcha in southern Kamrup, where he met another devotee, Sri Sri Barbishnu Aata.
Accompanied by Sri Sri Barbishnu Aata, Sri Sri Keshab Charan Aata proceeded to Barpeta, where he was initiated into the Vaishnavism by Sri Sri Madhabdev. His dedication to his Guru and his reverential nature endeared him to fellow devotees, and he actively participated in religious activities at Barpeta Satra. Following Sri Sri Madhabdev’s instructions, he journeyed to upper Assam, meeting Sri Sri Padma Aata (later Badula Aata) along the way.
Reuniting with Sri Sri Padma Aata at Barpeta Satra, they ventured together to upper Assam. Sri Sri Keshab Charan Aata played a pivotal role in establishing Madhupur Satra after erosion affected Bheladowa Than. Later, he founded Barjaha Satra and Bhatokuchi Satra, while Sri Padma Aata established a Satra at Narayanpur, which gained prominence as Badula Satra.
In the twilight of his life, Sri Keshab Charan Aata resided at Badula Satra, where he eventually passed away, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and service to the Vaishnava faith.
Barpeta Satra .... বৰপেটা সত্ৰ 