Matua Mahasangha

Matua-mahasangha (Matua) is a religious reformation movement originated from present-day Bangladesh with a considerable adherents both in Bangladesh and West Bengal. Matua is a sect of Hindu folk religion. The movement was launched as a reformation by Sri Harichand Thakur's followers. He is popularly known as God Harichand. Born in Namasudra (Namassej) community to a peasant family. He attained Atmadarshan at an early age and preached his Darshan in Twelve Commandments. He preached for education, for uplifting the population and for ending social conflict.

Matua-mahasangha is not a religious organisation in the ordinary sense of Hinduism. There is no Gurutantra. Matua-mahasangha believe in self-Dikshitisation (self-realization). So anyone who has faith in the Darshan or Philosophy of God Harichand belongs to the Matua-mahasanhga.

After partition in 1947, a big chunk of Matua community migrated to West Bengal (India). In 2011 provincial election (Bidhan Swava), they have been a big political force behind Mamata Banarjee's win and sweeping victory over left alliance. On January, 2015, first-ever Matua minister Manjul Krishno Thakur left Mamata's TMC and joined BJP.

Organisations

Initially the Matua-mahasangha followers or "matuas" formed an organisation in Orakandi, Faridpur (Bangladesh). After 1947, followers formed a second organisation in Thakurnagar, West Bengal, India. Dr. C. S. Mead, a Catholic Missionary, was involved with the movement. At first, it was very difficult to form the Mandir ( place to worship). The Mandir was initially looked after by Thakur's family, but as of 2011 it was managed by a trustee chosen by the followers. The State Government of West Bengal offered the Matua Mahasangha 20 cottah of land to build a research organisation.

Followers may be found throughout India and Bangladesh. In some locations, they have worshipping places. In the beginning Matua-mahasangha followed simplified rituals, but later adopted Vaishnabism.

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