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 3.7 - The performance of Bhaira
[Full title: Performing Arts under the auspices of the Devalaya (7) Bhaira]
Bhaira is a folk theatrical performance arranged in the Billeswar Devalaya Complex in some public and personal festivals. During its performance anywhere in the complex a Bandana is dedicated to the Bilweswar-Shri Shri Maharudra. It adds the sense of religiousness, though it is performed in order to entertain the people and to propagate the epical stories among the folk people. This special form of performing art resembles with Oja-Pali and it is originated at the village of Jagara, a revenue village, an inseparable part of the Billeswar Devalaya Complex. A typical Bhaira team consists of an Oja, a Dyna Pali and 3-4 Palis like the Oja-Pali group. They wear unique folk attire resembling satriya dancers. Bhaira has much inclination to the Vaishnavaite cult.