Namghar

Namghars (Assamese: নামঘৰ) literally Name House are places for congregational worship associated with the Ekasarana religion of Assam. In the Assamese language, 'Naam' means prayer and 'Ghar' means house. Hence, it is called Naamghar. Besides forming the primary structure used for worship, they also function as meeting houses for congregations, as well as theaters for dramatic performances (bhaona). The Namghar, also called the kirtanghar, is also the central structure in the Sattras (monasteries of the Ekasarana religion) where the other buildings are positioned around it. Namghars are widespread in Assam, and very often more than one namghar exists in a single village, signifying many congregational communities.

Namghars were introduced in Assam by the Vaishnavite saint Sankaradeva for Assamese people where they can culture and practice naam (devotional songs) and Bhakti of God (devotion). He established the first Naamghar at Bordowa in Nagaon district. There is a Namghar in Puri as well, near the Jagannath Temple.

The Namghar is usually a rectangular building with a gable, gablet or a hip roof raised on pillars the length of which is aligned in the east-west direction. The traditional thatch roof has been replaced in the late 20th century by corrugated tin sheets, and the timber or bamboo pillars by concrete ones. This hall usually has an outer wall (not mandatory), with the main entrance at the west end. There is a verandah around the outer wall, with windows and minor entrances on the north and south sides. Two parallel rows of pillars usually run along the length, with the northeast most pillar, called the lai khuta, carrying special significance. The hall might contain idols of mythical figures like Garuda, Hanuman, etc. that are mythological Vaishnava devotees, that face east near the western end or north and south near the eastern end. The floor is traditionally mud, replaced in recent times by concrete.

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