An Oasis of Social Cohesion in Bihar's Gaya District: Hindus Take Care of a 400-Year-Old Sufi Dargah

By Syed Amjad Hussain New Age Islam 21 December 2024 Kendui Village In Bihar's Gaya District Stands Out As The 500 Hindu Families Still Maintain The 400-Year-Old Mosque And The Shrine Of The Sufi Saint Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed, Living On With His Legacy Of Faith And Unity. Main Points: 1. Kendui village has 500 Hindu families, not a single Muslim inhabitant, yet it still possesses a 400-year-old mosque and the shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed. 2. The saint is remembered for acts of compassion, including ending a famine, and continues to be revered by villagers who pray at his tomb for blessings and rain. 3. Hindu families show great respect to the tomb. Major festivals such as Holi and Diwali are preceded by rituals at the shrine to symbolise unity and devotion. 4. The shrine is meticulously maintained by Kendui’s Hindu residents, with support from the Village Welfare Society, ensuring its sanctity and preservation across generations. 5. This site also attracts people of all faiths with a timeless commitment to peace and concord in an area marked by its religious diversity. ----- Located just four kilometres from the bustling district headquarters of Gaya in Bihar is Kendui, a village that remains largely under the radar yet robustly represents communal harmony and mutual respect. This is a place where approximately 500 Hindu families reside, and there is not a single Muslim household. Yet, at its centre, a 400-year-old mosque and the tomb of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed stand as symbols of history and spirituality. This significant site has been meticulously maintained by the Hindu community, producing an extraordinary example of unity in diversity. Sacred Connection Across Communities Kendui is not only a story of faith but also one of inclusiveness. While the village is predominantly inhabited by Rajputs, the Hindus here hold Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed in high regard, treating his tomb and the adjoining mosque with reverence akin to their temples. The mausoleum is believed to be the resting place of Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed, a Sufi mystic who lived in the village centuries ago, performing acts of compassion and miracles that earned him the status of a saint. The mosque and shrine stand as a testimony to this enduring legacy. Despite the absence of a Muslim population, Hindu families ensure that the premises are kept immaculate. Daily rituals, such as lighting lamps and incense sticks, are performed as marks of respect to the saint. The site is not merely a relic of the past but an active centre of devotion and community bonding. Legends of a Saint and His Miracles Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed’s life is steeped in stories of miracles and acts of kindness that have been passed down through generations. One of the most prominent tales associated with him is his intervention during a severe famine that struck Kendui centuries ago. The villagers, desperate and on the brink of despair, sought the saint’s blessings. Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed instructed them to place flour in a barrel, promising that rain would follow. Shortly afterwards, torrential rains saved the village from destruction, cementing his place in the hearts of the people. Even today, villagers attribute the saint with the power to end their sufferings. During droughts, they gather at his tomb to pray for rain, much like their ancestors did. A well within the mosque complex, believed to have been dug during the saint’s lifetime, stands as a silent witness to these events, although it has long since dried up. A Legacy of Faith and Responsibility The responsibility of maintaining the mosque and shrine has been passed down through generations of Kendui’s Hindu families. This legacy is not viewed as a burden but as a sacred duty. According to Santosh Singh, son of the late village head Vinod Singh, “It is our responsibility to ensure that this place remains a sanctuary of peace and devotion. All our important festivals start from here, and newlyweds always visit the tomb before proceeding to a temple.” The late Vinod Singh, a respected figure in the village, played a pivotal role in preserving the shrine. When the structure became dilapidated, he spearheaded efforts to restore it, raising funds from the community to rebuild the terrace, secure the premises, and install a gate to protect it from stray animals. His contributions are fondly remembered by the villagers, who continue his work through the Village Welfare Society. The Role of Festivals in Strengthening Bonds Festivals in Kendui are incomplete without paying homage at the tomb of Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed. On occasions such as Holi and Diwali, the shrine is decorated with flowers and lights, and villagers gather to offer prayers before commencing their celebrations. Holika Dahan, the ritualistic bonfire that marks the beginning of Holi, also takes place near the shrine. This tradition highlights the shrine’s integral role in the cultural and spiritual life of the village. Santosh Singh shares, “Every Holi and Diwali starts from here. It is a sacred abode, and starting festivities here is a practice we follow for prosperity and joyful times.” Couples also visit the tomb before proceeding to a temple after marriage, reflecting the shrine’s enduring significance. While Kendui is a small village, the tomb of Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed attracts visitors from neighbouring areas and beyond. Devotees, irrespective of their religious background, come to seek the saint’s blessings, believing that their wishes will be fulfilled. The tomb has become a symbol of hope and faith, drawing people from all walks of life. Local Muslims also occasionally visit the shrine to pay their respects. Although the site is registered under the Bihar State Sunni Waqf Board, the shrine is primarily cared for by Kendui’s Hindu families, who regard it as an integral part of their heritage. A Symbol of Unity in a Divided World In a world often divided along religious and cultural lines, Kendui offers a refreshing story of unity and coexistence. The villagers’ faith in Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed is an absolute dedication that transcends all religious boundaries, showing that faith and respect are universal values. It is not just a place of worship but a bridge connecting people of different beliefs. Dinesh Kumar Singh, a resident of Kendui, reflects on this harmony: “Our ancestors taught us to respect Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed. This honour has been passed down to us, and we continue the tradition. This is a place of faith, and faith knows no bounds.” A Timeless Tradition of Care The shrine is lovingly maintained by the residents, who dedicate both time and resources to its preservation. From cleaning the premises to performing daily rituals, every individual in Kendui takes pride in acting as a custodian of this sacred site. The Village Welfare Society plays an active role in organising efforts to ensure that the shrine remains a place of peace and reverence. In recent years, despite the sprawling mosque complex being suitable for social gatherings or personal functions, the villagers have chosen to keep it strictly for worship. They believe this is essential to safeguard the sanctity and spiritual essence of the site. Conclusion: A Testament to Harmony Kendui, with its 400-year-old mosque and the tomb of Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed, is a powerful symbol of communal harmony in a region known for pilgrimage sites such as Bodh Gaya and Vishnupad Temple. Small villages like Kendui remind us of the enduring power of respect and shared heritage. For the people of Kendui, the tomb is not just a historical monument but a testament to the values of unity and inclusiveness. As time passes, they continue to honour Hazrat Anwar Shah Shaheed and inspire others with their principles of harmony and coexistence. In Kendui, religion does not divide, it unites. ——— Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/social-cohesion-bihar-gaya-hindus-sufi-dargah/d/134089 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism