Ganga-Jamuni Tahzeeb in Action: The Spiritual Legacy of Hazrat Mangan Shah in Bihar

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 19 December 2024 The shrine of Hazrat Mangan Shah in Bihar, over 250 years old, symbolises communal harmony, where Hindus and Muslims unite in devotion. The annual Urs-e-Pak attracts millions, highlighting the region’s unique blend of faith, culture, and unity. Main Points: 1. The shrine of Hazrat Mangan Shah, over 250 years old, represents communal harmony in Bihar. 2. The annual Urs-e-Pak attracts millions of pilgrims from various communities. 3. Hindu-Muslim unity is demonstrated through the tradition of the first chadar offering. 4. The shrine's history is tied to Raja Jhappan Singh and miraculous events. 5. The fair during Urs highlights the cultural diversity and spiritual devotion of the region. ----- Introduction In Milki village, Bihpur block, Bhagalpur district, Bihar, stands the sacred shrine of Hazrat Syedna Data Mangan Shah. This shrine is more than 250 years old and has become a symbol of faith, peace, and unity. It draws over 500,000 pilgrims each year, especially during the Urs-e-Pak, a grand festival celebrating the life and teachings of the Sufi saint, Hazrat Mangan Shah. His tomb has become a powerful symbol of communal harmony, where people from different religions come together to celebrate their shared faith and reverence for the saint. The legacy of Hazrat Mangan Shah extends far beyond the spiritual significance of the shrine. The customs and traditions of his worship have created an indelible relationship between the Hindu and Muslim communities in this region, and it stands as a singular example of interfaith unity. This shrine is a testament to the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, a syncretic culture, blending Hindu and Muslim traditions which still lives in this part of India. The long history of the shrine has nurtured communal harmony that has shaped a culture of mutual respect and shared devotion, the essence of the annual Urs celebrations. Historical Importance of Hazrat Mangan Shah Hazrat Mangan Shah was one of the Sufi saints who resided during a period when kings and maharajas were reigning in India, a time marked by significant political unrest due to British colonisation. His life is inextricably linked with the history of local rulers, especially Raja Jhappan Singh, a Hindu king, who ruled a region surrounding Bhagalpur. According to the legends, Mangan Shah’s association began with Raja Jhappan Singh when the royal family was in a crisis period. The king’s son had been sentenced to death by the British, and the family was in mourning. Mangan Shah, known for his spiritual insight and revered as a saint by people from various communities, is said to have comforted the king, promising that his son would return safely. When the death sentence was unexpectedly overturned, the king believed that Mangan Shah’s divine intervention had saved his son. This event was a turning point not only for the royal family but also for the growing reputation of the saint as a miraculous figure. The belief in his powers spread far beyond the region, and Hazrat Mangan Shah's influence reached people from various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and others. Following the miracle, the local Hindu Kayastha family of Bihpur, which had been directly affected by Mangan Shah's intervention, started the tradition of offering the first chadar at the shrine during the Urs festival. This act of devotion, a mark of respect and gratitude, continues to this day, with descendants of the Kayastha family continuing this tradition over 250 years later. This act of offering the first chadar by a Hindu family to the shrine of a Muslim saint is itself an example of the deep bonds that have been created across faith lines in the region, providing a precedent that has survived through generations to foster communal harmony. Rituals and Practices of Urs The annual Urs-e-Pak of Hazrat Mangan Shah is a grand and spiritually significant event that attracts many pilgrims from all over India, particularly from adjoining states. This festival, which usually starts around 16th April and lasts the entire month, is one of the strongest blends of religious fervour, cultural celebrations, and a strong sense of unity among different walks of life. It turns into a place of devotion where devotees, to get the grace of the saint, observe various forms of religious functions such as praying and offering something in reverence to the deity. An important ritual on the occasion of the Urs is the chadar-e-shareef, meaning the offering of the first Chadar, which is an expression of respect towards the saint. This is also observed by the Kayastha family of Hindus from Bihpur. At precisely 12:05 midnight, the first chadar is placed on the tomb of Mangan Shah to initiate the annual celebrations. This act not only venerates the saint but also reflects the unique interfaith relationship between the local Hindu family and the Muslim saint, which has continued for over two centuries. Another important practice at the shrine is the vow ceremony. Many pilgrims visit Hazrat Mangan Shah's shrine with personal wishes and desires, and it is believed that if they make a vow to the saint, it will be granted. A particularly touching tradition involves childless couples who visit the shrine to seek blessings for a child. It is believed that if the woman wears new clothes, ties a piece of her ankle cloth to the grave of Hazrat Mangan Shah, and prays, her wish for a child will soon be fulfilled. Similarly, pilgrims often tie a stone to the shrine when making a vow, and once their wish is granted, they return to remove the stone as a token of their gratitude. These rituals, drenched in faith and devotion, represent the people's deep trust in Hazrat Mangan Shah's blessings. It is believed that no one has ever returned from the shrine empty-handed, and this is one of the main reasons why millions visit every year. The shrine is a beacon of hope for people seeking solace, healing, and divine intervention in their lives. One of the most unique features about the shrine of Hazrat Mangan Shah is its epitome of communal harmony. The term Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb refers to the perfect blend of both Hindu and Muslim cultures and is symbolised in the rituals and traditions observed at the shrine. This is just one example of how the shrine has become a symbol of unity, and how a tradition such as that of offering the first Chadar by the Hindu Kayastha family is seen through generations. This, as an act, depicts how the region has enjoyed long-standing mutual respect between Hindus and Muslims. Mohammad Irfan Alam is a member of the administrative committee of the shrine who explains that the first Chadar was a tradition in the family of Raja Jhappan Singh, who declared Mangan Shah a saint. Now, this tradition has remained for over two centuries: the same Hindu family keeps offering the first Chadar during the Urs celebrations. It is visible because it shows how the worship and respect for a venerated saint can reconcile diverse religious groups, therefore having people from different walks unite and live in peace. The shrine has now become a place where both Hindus and Muslims come together to pray for each other’s well-being. Mohammad Azmat Ali, chairman of the shrine’s administrative committee, comments, "The shrine is the best example of how people from different faiths can exist peacefully and help each other." During the Urs, Muslims and Hindus stand hand in hand, praying and offering their vows. That is a powerful statement by the people of this region about the living spirit of Ganga-Jamuni Tahzeeb. Pilgrimage and Fair The Urs celebrations are not just spiritual rituals but also a cultural and social event that attracts visitors from all over India. The fair during the Urs is a colourful representation of the region's rich cultural diversity. The streets near the shrine are lined with stalls selling handicrafts, toys, and religious items, and the area is filled with the sounds of devotional music and chants. It is a time of festivity, where people from all walks of life come together, sharing food, laughter, and prayers. Beyond the local sphere, the shrine also comes alive with pilgrims who travel from the most inaccessible areas of India to gain blessings and fulfil their vows. The region of Bhagalpur, along with populations from neighbouring states, throngs during the Urs at Mangan Shah shrine, bringing people together by cementing a sense of belonging and unity in addition to mutual respect. Bihpur, situated some 40 kilometres north of Bhagalpur, assumes the form of a place of worship during the Urs, and devotees trek across the mighty River Ganga to reach the shrine. The journey is almost a spiritual experience because they start their pilgrimage with hope and devotion. Most of them believe that the blessings of Hazrat Mangan Shah have the power to heal their physical as well as emotional wounds. Conclusion The shrine of Hazrat Data Mangan Shah Rahmatullah Alaih in Milki village symbolises communal harmony, interfaith cooperation, and cultural unity. Even after the saint's death for over 250 years, the tradition of the first Chadar being offered by a Hindu family and the shared devotion of Hindus and Muslims during the Urs celebrations continues to remain a powerful example of unity in diversity. The rituals, practices, and beliefs are all a reflection of the intense spiritual bond that exists between the saint and the people across religious barriers. Continuing to draw millions of devotees from all corners of India during the annual Urs-e-Pak, the shrine lives on as a symbol of hope and a reminder of how powerful faith, love, and unity are. In a world often marked by division and strife, Hazrat Mangan Shah’s shrine in Milki village serves as an example of how communities can come together with respect for the sacred and embrace differences. Its legacy of interfaith devotion makes it a lasting symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and commitment to communal harmony. Hazrat Mangan Shah's shrine, with its blend of history, culture, and spirituality, will always remain a centre of devotion and unity for generations to come. ---- 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/ganga-jamuni-tahzeeb-spiritual-mangan-bihar/d/134069 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