Satya Dharma (lit. True Religion) is a humanistic and monotheistic religious movement primarily practised in Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. It emphasises spiritual development, ethical living, and devotion to a singular, universal God.
Satya Dharma was founded in the 19th century by Mahatma Gurunath Sengupta, a distinguished Bengali Sanskrit scholar, philosopher, and spiritual teacher. He authored numerous works on spirituality, ethics, and religious philosophy, and is revered by followers as the movement’s spiritual guide and is considered its founder.
The propagation and organisational structure of Satya Dharma were developed further by Mahatma Nibaran Chandra Pandey, who helped institutionalise its practices and festivals.
Beliefs and Teachings
Satya Dharma teaches the existence of a single, all-encompassing God and encourages self-improvement through spiritual practices, ethical conduct, and communal worship. Key principles include:
Monotheism – belief in one God.
Humanism – emphasis on moral values and personal virtue.
Tolerance – respect for other faiths and traditions.
Devotional practices – regular prayer and spiritual discipline.
The faith encourages personal transformation through devotion and prayers (Upāsanā) alongside spiritual practice and good habits of achieving good qualities (Sādhanā).
Scriptures
The primary religious text of Satya Dharma is the Satyadharma (lit. "Eternal Religion"), written by Mahatma Gurunath Sengupta. Other significant texts include:
Tattwajñāna – covering themes of prayer (Upāsanā) and good practice/habits (Sādhanā).
Saṅgīta – a compilation of devotional songs.
Istri Shiksha – guidance on moral and spiritual development for women.
Practices
Communal prayer and religious festivals form a core part of Satya Dharma practice:
Some devotees gather every Tuesday for communal worship, a tradition introduced by Paresh Chandra Pandey, son of Mahatma Nibaran Chandra Pandey. This weekly observance holds additional significance for followers, as Mahatma Gurunath Sengupta—founder of Satya Dharma—was also born on a Tuesday (specifically on ২২তম অগ্রহায়ণ, ১২৫৪ or 22nd Ogrohayon, 1254 in Bengali calendar and approximately the 7th of December 1847 in Gregorian calendar).
There are eight annual festivals known as Utsab, six of which were established by Mahatma Nibaran Chandra Pandey.
These gatherings include prayers, discourses, and the singing of devotional music.
Music
Music holds an important place in Satya Dharma. Many hymns were composed by Mahatma Gurunath Sengupta and later by Gourpriyo Sarkar. These songs are performed during worship and festivals.
Organisations
The key religious and organisational bodies associated with Satya Dharma include:
Satyadharma Mahāmaṇḍala – the central organisation overseeing religious activities and festivals.
Mahatma Nibaran Smriti Raksha Samiti – an association dedicated to preserving the legacy of Mahatma Nibaran Chandra Pandey.
Demographics
The religion has an estimated following of 500,000 to 800,000 adherents, primarily located in:
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