JORHAT, INDIA, August 22, 2012 (newstrackindia.com): A sacred lamp in a Vaishnavite monastery has put Assam’s Jorhat town on the world map. The lamp has been burning continuously for the past 484 years, and has been officially recognized by the Asia Book of Records. A temple official told reporters that the authorities are hoping to approach the Guinness World Records to register the record.
A Hindu scholar, Madhabdeva, the chief disciple of Assamese saint and socio-religious reformer Srimanta Sankardeva, lit the lamp first in 1528 at the Dhekiakhuwa Namghar Temple. A temple priest explained the objective behind keeping the ancient lamp lit for hundreds of years. “Light is burning only for religious persons, for the peace of the world and Assam,” said the chief priest. Temple priests along with the locals have shown their devotion by keeping the lamp lit for well over four centuries now, leading to massive popularity amongst devotees.