Indian Antiquary Vol 47

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarkar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 217

AUGUST, 1918)
RELIGION IN SIND
201
Hindus, whereby they too would be respected as Thakurs and obtain wealth, reputation, and believers. 8
After the establishment of the new religion Uderolal Sahib came riding on horseback, spear in hand, to Jhai-jo-Goth, some eight miles from Nasarpur, and halted in a large open space. A Mahomedan, who was there, on being asked who the owner was, replied that he himself was. Uderolâl informed him that he wished to purchase the land, but the Mahomedan before selling wished to consult his wife. He went off to do 80 and on his return found Uderolul, whom he had left in the full blaze of the sun, standing beneath a large tree that had suddenly grown up on the land. The Mahumedan was astonished particularly by the miracle, and offered the land gratis to Him, provided he might receive the income accruing to the temple, which would be built on the spot. Uderolâl granted the request. Further, he struck his spear in the ground and, bringing to light many diamonds and rubies, told him that all was his for the gathering. The Mahomedan declined everything except the income of the temple. Uderolâl confirmed the grant and was immediately swallowed up by the ground, himself, his horse and his spear and was never seen again.
When the news of this event spread abroad, the king, Marakh, sent his vazir to enquire into the matter; if the information was true he should build a fine mausoleum over the spot in commemoration of Uderolal. The Thakur Pugar also arrived at the place and as they could not agree among themselves about the construction of the mausoleum they decided to watch during one whole night and to carry out whatever orders a voice from underground should give. While keeping their vigil they heard a voice declare that the king, wealthy as he was, should build the mausoleum in fitting style and that the Hindus should build another place adjoining it in which should be maintained the lamps. In fact, it is said Uderolâl considers Hindus and Mahomedans alike and would rejoice if both would worship at his tomb, adding that He is not dead ; His name of Uderolâl or Amarlâl indeed signifies the everlasting one.
The order was obeyed and the two places, still in existence, were built side by side. Mahomedans do not go to the jol building, but Hindus go to both. Five lamps are maintained up to the present time and lit at night-fall in the tomb, where a Mahomedan sits to collect the offerings. These lamps are lit by the Hindus and all service is done by them, such as sweeping the floor, cleaning the tomb and offering flowers. The Mahomedans only collect the money offerings. In the jot building lights are kept burning day and night.
The holy tree, which grew up while the original owner went to cunsult his wife, still survives. It is worshipped and no common person is allowed to touch it. The seeds of this tree, if swallowed like pills, are a certain specific for sonlessness. Pugar Sahib had also constructed a well and a rest-house (bhanddro) for travellers, which still exist. The well is considered sacred as the Ganga or Jumna.
A fair is held annually on the first day of Chaitr (Cheti chand) at Jhai-jo-goth (Uderolål) and all Uderolal's followers from Sind, the Punjab, Cutch and elsewhere come.
& The Thakurg of Nagarpur are in consequence known as Somais. The followers of Pugar are Bhudai Thakurs. These latter are so called from Budho, the son of Pugar in his old age. The Thakurs of Sehwan and of the Punjab are Budhais. There are Budhais also in other parts of Sind.