Namghar
Also called: Naam ghar · Topic: Bhakti and Sufi Traditions · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 2 "Bhakti-Sufi Traditions"
Meaning
A namghar, or naam ghar, is a prayer hall in Assam where people gather for naam kirtan, the group singing of God's names. Shankaradeva encouraged naam ghars from the late 15th century as part of his Vaishnava faith. They made worship simple and open to the whole village. Naam ghars still flourish today and serve as centres of community life.
Example
In Assamese villages, people meet at the local naam ghar to sing hymns from Shankaradeva's Kirtana-ghosha in sat sanga, or congregation.
Don't confuse with
- Satra: This is a monastery that Shankaradeva's movement founded, where monks live and teach. A naam ghar is a simpler prayer hall for the village congregation.