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Netai Dhubuni Ghat
The entrance of Netai Dhubuni Ghat, Dhubri. Image source: Anuran Haloi
The Brahmaputra River, often referred to as the ‘lifeline of Assam’, carries with it a wealth of legends and myths along its banks throughout the state. Many riverine towns have stories of their origins and evolution, deeply intertwined with the enduring legacy of this mighty river. Dhubri, known as the gateway to western Assam, is no exception. Nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra and Gadadhar rivers, this town boasts a rich cultural heritage.
The name Dhubri is believed to have originated from a myth linked to one of the Brahmaputra's ghats, known as Netai Dhubuni. The myth tells the story of Chand Sadagar, a wealthy merchant and devout follower of Lord Shiva, who refused to worship Manasa Devi, the Goddess of Serpents. In retaliation, Manasa Devi used all her powers to try to sway his decision. However, Sadagar had received protective mantras from Lord Shiva, which allowed him to resist her influence. Eventually, Manasa appeared before Sadagar as a beautiful woman, and he, captivated by her, lost control and the power of the protective mantras. In a desperate attempt to regain his strength, he sought help from Sankara, a local spiritual seer and devout disciple of Lord Shiva, but Sankara was unable to aid him.
Installations representing the tale of Beula-Lakhindara and Netai Dhubuni. Image source: Anuran Haloi
Despite his helplessness, Chand Sadagar refused to worship Manasa. In retaliation, she sent serpents to kill his six sons. Heartbroken by their loss, Sadagar became disheartened and lost interest in trade. Amidst such adversity, Chand Sadagar's determination was reignited, prompting him to embark on a journey to rebuild his business. After a successful trading expedition, he set sail for home, but Manasa conjured a storm that wrecked his ship, leaving him stranded near the home of Chandraketu, an old friend of Manasa. Chandraketu made every effort to convince Sadagar to become a devotee of Goddess Manasa, but Sadagar steadfastly refused. As a consequence, he was expelled from Chandraketu’s house, and having lost everything once more he was forced to resort to begging. Realising she couldn’t win him over alone, Manasa enlisted the help of her two celestial friends, who agreed to be reborn on earth—one as Chand Sadagar’s son and the other as the daughter of Saha, one of Sadagar’s business associates.
Chand Sadagar managed to rebuild his devastated life with the help of Saha. Later, a son was born to him, who was named Lakshindara. Around the same time, Saha's wife gave birth to a daughter named Beula. When they both reached marriageable age and their horoscopes were compared, it was predicted that Lakshindara would die of a snake bite on his wedding night. Despite this prediction, Lakshindara and Beula, both devoted followers of Manasa, decided to marry. To prevent his son's predicted death, Chand Sadagar built a Merghar, a sealed and safe stone chamber, to protect the newlyweds from snakes. The ruins of this Merghar can be found at a site in Chaygaon, about forty kilometres from Guwahati, restored by the State Archaeology Department of Assam. However, despite all precautions, Lakshindara was bitten and killed by a snake on his wedding night. Heartbroken, Beula set out on a raft with her husband's body, hoping to revive him with the help of the gods.
Chanda Sadagharor Merghar located in Champaknagar, Chaygaon, Assam. Image source: Manisha Ashraf.
After months of travel, she came across a washerwoman by the riverbank washing the clothes of Gods and Goddesses. Beula learnt that her name was Netai Dhubuni. According to legend, Netai Dhubuni would kill her son with a large stone each day because he disrupted her work, only to revive him in the evening. Witnessing this extraordinary power, Beula pleaded with Netai to restore her husband to life.
Touched by Beula's heartfelt prayers, Netai Dhubuni appealed to Goddess Manasa on her behalf. Manasa agreed to bring Lakshindara back to life, but only on the condition that Chand Sadagar would worship her. For the sake of his son's life, Chand Sadagar consented to worship the Goddess. As a result, Lakshindara was revived at the riverbank where Netai Dhubuni used to wash clothes. The mystical nature of Netai Dhubuni is believed to have inspired the name Dhubri, and this legend remains a captivating part of the town’s cultural history. The myth of Lakshindara’s revival is commemorated through statues of Beula, Lakshindara, and Netai Dhubuni at the public park named ‘Netai Dhubuni Ghat’ on the riverbank of Dhubri town. This ghat continues to stand proudly, echoing the tales of the mighty Brahmaputra River.
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