Published Paper Details:

Abstract Naam Prasanga, being a living religious and cultural heritage of Assam, is of tremendous importance in conserving the religious and social heritage of Srimanta Sankardeva and Shri Shri Madhavdeva. Naam Prasanga reflects their teachings of Neo-Vaishnavism as a path of devotion and prayer to the Almighty. Having its roots in the 15th century, Naam Prasanga was first introduced by Srimanta Sankardeva in the form of collective worship by hymn singing and devotional recitation devoted to God. Based on the Vaishnavite school of thought, Neo-Vaishnavism promotes one God, Lord Krishna, as the supreme deity. Naam Prasanga finds close affinity with the cults of Kirtan and Bhajan, in which people come together to sing and chant the glories of God in search of spiritual bliss and communion with God. Even though there are regional differences based on differences in social and cultural environments, the core of Naam Prasanga is consistent in Assam as the people cling to the time-tested philosophy of Srimanta Sankardeva. Assamese society, which is steeped in tradition and culture, welcomes many spiritual and cultural practices, of which Naam Prasanga holds a central position. It is not merely a devotional practice but a vibrant cultural expression through which the deep messages of Bhakti (devotion) and Stuti (praise) are carried to one supreme being--Krishna. Belief in the Nirakar Brahma (formless divine) is a central teaching of Neo-Vaishnavism and has a deep impact on the very nature of Naam Prasanga, transforming it into a living and spiritually enriching tradition that continues to dominate the cultural life of Assam.