Matua Mahasangha or MMS is a religious reformation movement that originated in what is today Bangladesh, with a considerable number of adherents both in Bangladesh as well as in West Bengal in India. Matua is a sect of folkHinduism without chaturvarna system. The movement was launched as a reformation by the followers of Harichand Thakur. Born to a peasant family belonging to the Namasudra community, Thakur attained atmadarshan at an early age and would subsequently preach his Darshan in Twelve Directives. The teachings of Thakur establish education as preeminently important for the adherent and the upliftment of the population the adherent's duty, while also providing a formula for endingsocial conflict. Matua-mahasangha believe inSwayam-Dikshiti. So anyone who has faith in the Darshan or Philosophy of God Harichandbelongs to the Matua-mahasanhga. After Partition in 1947, many of the Matua migrated to WestBengal in India.
History
was born to a peasant family belonging to the Namasudra community. According to historian Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, Thakur "experienced atma darshan or self revelation, and the followers believe that he is the incarnation of God himself, born in this world to bring salvation to the downtrodden". He established the Matua sect of Vaishnavite Hinduism. The Matua Mahasangha movement was launched as a reformation by the followers of Harichand Thakur.
Organisations
Initially the Matua-mahasangha followers or "matuas" formed an organisation in Orakandi, Faridpur, Bengal Presidency. After 1947, followers formed a second organisation in Thakurnagar, West Bengal, India. At first, it was very difficult to form the temple. The temple was initially looked after by Thakur's family, but as of 2011 it was managed by a trustee chosen by the followers. Followers may be found throughout India and Bangladesh. In some locations they have established worshipping places. In the beginning Matua-mahasangha followed simplified rituals, but later adopted Vaishnavism.
