Goalpara - Places To Visit

Places To Visit

Goalpara Town has many places to visit.

"SRI SRI SHYAMRAI SATRA"

The Shyamrai Sattra, the center of Vaishnavite culture of Srimanta Sankardeva and religion, was been established in the center of Goalpara about 366 years ago. In the preliminary stages, the Sattra was managed by two brothers named Late Raghu Medhi and Late Kush Medhi. Subsequently, the people of Goalpara assembled there and decided to permanently establish the Satra. They approached the Meshpara Estate Zamindar who, in turn, allotted 8 bighas of land in the center of the town for the establishment of the Satra.

Since then, the Sattra has continuously observed all formalities and aspects of vaishnav culture. Regular “NAM PRASANGA,” etc. are held in coordination with the observance of the yearly religious festivals. Thiyo Naam / Paal Naam Competition is organised every year, and groups come from all over Assam come to participate.

One of the most important aspects of the Satra is that the Satra authority has preserved the “ASTHI” (Lucky bone of the forehead) of Srimanta Sankardeva, which is exhibited in the Satra campus during Sankar Jayanti period i.e., in the month of Sukla Dasami (during September- October).

"SRI SRI CHAITANYA GAUDIYA MATH"

Sri Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math was established at Goalpara in 1969 in order to protect, preserve and expand Sri Krishna Chaitanya culture in the area on a donated plot of land in the center of the town. Regular puja Sangkirtan, etc. are held in the Math in addition to the observance of the religious festival, as per the Sri Chaitanya Calendar. A large number of devotees from different parts of Assam visit the Math regularly. During important annual festivals, devotees from different parts of the country, including foreigners, attend the Math.

"PIR MAJHAR"

The "MAJHAR" (tomb) of Hazarat Sayed Abul Kasem Kharasani, situated at the heart of Goalpara, is a place that is revered by people of all religious faiths. The Muslim graveyard grew around the "MAJHAR". It is situated by the side of the main road of the town; few pass through without saluting the Holy soul. It is the practice of both Muslims and Hindus of Goalpara to offer money and candles, pray for fulfillment of desires, and seek blessings from the Pir Saheb. Every year, the "UROS-MUBARAK"--the anniversary of the death of the Pir--is observed at the "MAJHAR-SARIF" on the 21st day of the lunar calendar month of "Safar". Thousands of people from all religious beliefs come to participate in the "UROS". The saint Sayed Abul Kasem was a resident of Kherasan, and he was born at a place called Fatima Killa. From there, he set off on a spiritual journey to India and eventually reached Rangpur, which is now in Bangladesh. Even after that time, he visited Goalpara frequently to spread his spiritual teachings.

Hulukanda Pahar: The Hill is located at the heart of Goalpara on the bank of the Brahmaputra. It is covered with a dense forest, which serves as a habitat for many birds, monkeys and other wildlife. On top of the Hill, there is a TV tower and a water tank that supplies drinking water to the town's residents.

Bank of River Brahmaputra is one of the more scenic areas in Goalpara. It is near Kachari Ghat around the foot of Hulukanda Pahar. Cool air and the sounds of the river flowing provide a natural beauty there.

There are many tourist locations near Goalpara Town. Some are:

"SRI SURYA PAHAR"

Sri Surya Pahar, located about 12 km southeast of Goalpara town and about 136 km northwest of Guwahati, is a significant but relatively unknown archaeological site in Assam, India. The site is centered on the hills (Pahar) of Sri Surya, which is profusely filled up with Shiva Lingas Lingam. The popular belief is that 99,999 Shiva Lingas were engraved here by Vyasa in order to build up a second Kashi (where there were 100,000 Shiva Lingas), and once it was one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the region. The site has the distinction of possessing valuable cultural remains of the three important religions of India, i.e. Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.

"Paglatek Shiv Mandir"

This is a renowned Shiva Temple situated at Barbhita, near Pancharatna, about 7 km from Goalpara Town. Many devotes visit this temple during Mela & Mornai about 21 km from Goalpara Town (Shiva) Temple situated at Mornai.