MP mausoleum: an embodiment of communal harmony

08 January, 2013

Madhya Pradesh is often referred to as the heart of India because of its central location. Not only is the state known for its architecture and scenic beauty, it also exhibits diversity of cultures, especially the bond that exists between people of different faiths.

ONE SUCH example comes from the mausoleum of Sultan- e- Malva, situated in Raisen district about 55 kilometers from Bhopal. It attracts devotees belonging to different faiths, not only from the state but also from different parts of the country and from across the world. Sultan-e-Malwa was the maternal nephew of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.

Adibulah Shareef, a devotee says, “If you want to see a perfect example of communal harmony between people of different religions, you find it at the shrine of Shah Shehensha-e-malwa Shah Pir Fatuleh Shah Baba.”

The 800-year-old shrine is respected by one and all, as it is believed that all the prayers and wishes are answered here. Anup Pathak, another devotee says, “I come to this Dargah because all my wishes come true here. I have come from Guna, and I come here every year to offer a 'chaddar'. There is something special about this place; it has some force that attracts people from different parts of the country.”

A large number of devotees come to the Dargah on Thursdays and Sundays to offer holy cloth, flowers and sweets. It is also believed that whoever brings his new vehicle to the Dargah, he never meets an accident.

Muhammad Zakir, a shop owner near the Darhah told ANI, “People of different religions, be it Hindus or Muslims come here. All the devotees are guests of baba and thus they are our guests too. We serve them. They buy flowers, holy chadars and prasad from us.”

Promoting a message of love and peace to mankind, the shrine is more than just a place of worship. It is a symbol of harmony between different communities, which is a hallmark of the Indian society.