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The sacred complex of Billeswar Devalaya (study)

by Rajesh Kakati | 2019 | 72,486 words

This essay studies the sacred complex of Billeswar Devalaya by exploring the historical, cultural, and religious significance of this ancient shrine in Assam (northeastern India). It emphasizes how this temple, also known as Billbeshwar Devaloy, functions as a focal point of faith and tradition for the surrounding communities. The research further ...

Part 5 - Performing Arts: as a medium of glorifying the Devalaya

At the very initial stage the Devalaya institution did only the work of spreading its religion in society. But in due course of time the most important role of the Devalaya towards the society was to develop education, literature, acting, art and craft, the social reformation etc. as an institution. Culture is a unique and inseparable component of human beings which paves the way for development in society. It is at the same time, the main platform for taking forward our nation as well as our society. In this the Devalaya have undoubtedly played a key role.

The basic feature of a culturally reach society is the sense of integrity and collective idea for bringing peace and progress. The common benevolent purposes of a greater locality form a cultural society encouraging the people of different strata. Though society is bound to exist relying upon the stratification system primarily on the basis of professions; however, it is apt to serve the common aspiration of the people. And these purposes are served by the Billeswar Devalaya institutionally by promoting egalitarianism among the people. In simple words, Billeswar Devalaya is a common platform for cultural enrichment.

In modern times, though people are materially developing in a rapid pace; however, sociological survey is indicative of people’s fatigue which is born out of the collapse of the relation with the nature. There are other reasons also among which the distortion of joint family structure is a major one. The entertainment imported from the electronic media e.g. Internet, TV etc. which are based on the westernized model is found to be cannibal in case of indigenous types of entertainment. The indigenousness is perpetually intact only in the folklore. Billeswar Devalaya is the epitome of folkloristic performance wherein a huge number of people belonging to the locality get solace for ages. The sacredness which is possessed by the Devalaya is a potential factor to entice the people by its activities. The demography says that majority people of the locality are Hindu by religion. Though the Devalaya is of original Shaivite legacy; however, it became the altar for all deities in later days. Both the Puranic and Vedic traditions are observed in every aspect of the Devalaya.

In short, all the worships prescribed by both the traditions whether Puranic and Vedic are performed with continuity due to which people of all faiths of Hinduism are attracted by the Devalaya. Besides it, Vaishnavite traditions are also maintained on many occasions which started since the time of affiliation of Koch Kings. The atmosphere may be exploited by the rampant performance of folk art. Folk performing arts are still relevant in propagating the religious story amongst the folk people which has a widespread acceptability due to its theatrical mode and attractive attire worn by the performers. Devalaya vicinity is a vital place in enticing the people of different walks of life through its sacredness having the legendary, mythical stories and long standing beliefs including supernatural elements.

The Devalaya epitomizes all these things which are affiliated with people with folk ways detaching themselves from the current scientific and so-called thoughts. Owing to this aged beliefs, the Devalaya can work in promoting happiness, peace, integrity which are the timeless demands of the society, though, our society is seen to be overwhelmed with the impacts of globalization. Performing arts may be used as a great folk instrument for the social sake making more productive by the addition of current subject matters.

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