Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Krishnaguru is an institutional faith centered around a person called Arundeva Goswami (1934-2017). During his lifetime Arundeva Goswami had received a healing power through his deep meditation under a tree in an isolated place. After receiving the power, he started to solve various problems of people by applying his magical power. Gradually those who benefited from his treatments had started to consider him as more than a simple human being. Eventually, this led him to the position of divinity in human form. Devotees recognized him as an incarnated person by naming him Krishnaguru. In 1974 individual practice turned into an institutional set while establishing Krishnaguru Sewashram at Nasattra, Sarthebari (Assam) by him. He established the institutional set known as ashram in a place where people used to pray pāglā-bābā (mad ascetic). However, earlier the area was known as Phulbari. Since the establishment of a Sattra (monastery-like institution) by Manohardeva, the place came to be known as Nasattra. This paper aims to discuss the life struggle of Arundeva Goswami and his healing process. Narratives of the benefited devotees along with the emphasis on continuing the trend of the faith will also be brought into for analyses. Further, the paper will explore non-believer´s interpretation of Krishnaguru.