Tazia in Hindu Temple of Hasanpur

Muharram in Siwan

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Hanuman Temple, also called as Nanakshahi Math, in Hasanganj village in Siwan district in Bihar, is probably the only place where Tazia is kept by Hindus of the village as an example of continuing religious tolerance. The history of the unique tradition goes back to the period of Mughal Emperor Humayun. It is said when Humayun was on the run after suffering defeat at the hands of Afghan Sher Shah Suri, Mughal King happened to pass through Hasanpur. The village had a prominent Sufi Syed Makhdoom Hasan Shah. Upon coming to known about Sufi, Humayun decided to meet him and paid a courtesy call. He also prayed for his victory over Afghans and urged Syed Makhdoom to make prediction. The mystic listened patiently and then assured him that he would recapture throne of Delhi once again. The declaration made Humayun happy. He left Bihar and reached Iran after crossing many hurdles. Iranian King Shah Tasmap greeted the fleeing Humayun with courtesy. He also offered him military assistance and sent Bairam Khan with him to reestablish Mughal rule in India. Shah just made a precondition that once in the seat, Humayun would encourage Taziadari in his dominions and ehibit love towards the family of the Holy Prophet.

With Iranian help, Humayun once again became the emperor of India. He fulfilled his promise to Shah and granted land for erection of Imam Chowks. He also did not forget Syed Makhdoom and made generous donations to him. The mystic shared the donations with Hanuman temple and introduced Taziadari in a big way. Under the influence of Syed Makhdoom, both Muslims and Hindus started observing Muharram ceremonies together. Hindus considered Hazrat Ali, father of Imam Hasan and Hussain, as an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. The then, Mahant invited Muslims to keep Tazia at the temple on way to Karbala on Yaume-Ashura. He also addressed the gathering and recalled the troubles faced by Imam Hussain at Karbala.Soon the tradition earned tremendous popularity  and for over four centuries,the village has kept the tradition alive.

Every year Tazia comes to the temple, makes a halt and Mahant addresses a ‘Majlis’ like a Shia scholar. He keeps open the temple on the 9^th night and awaits the arrival of Tazia and extend a welcome to the accompanying devotees. All Muharram ceremonies in and around the village remain suspended during the presence of Tazia inside the temple. Each and every villager ensures his participation in the Majlis addressed by Mahant who prefers to call it as ‘Sangat’. He sits next to 15-feet tall Tazia and burn candles and incense sticks before the replica. Women too do so and even light candles on the walls of the temple.

On the 9^th night, the entire village assembles outside the temple. Both Hindus and Muslims beat drums in a frenzy while Shias beat their chests and recite Nauhas. Muslims profusely decorate the temple and dozens of generators are installed to keep the entire village lighted. On Yaume Ashura, the tallest among the Tazias arrive at the temple where floral tributes are offered by the devotees.

The villagers consider Syed Makhdoom as their deity who keeps them away from worldly troubles. They take vows as well and pray for their well-being. The next year they fulfill their vows if their wish is granted. The history favors the tradition. Hasanpur, named after Syed Makhdoom, has remained free from any sort of trouble and it is a shining example of communal harmony and coexistence.

Temple priest is proud of the tradition and pledges to continue it forever. He refuses that anyone ever asked him to disassociate from the practice.”even if someone says ,I won’t stop the practice. How can I forget that Syed Makhdoom who was a descendant of Hazrat Imam Hussain had given land for construction of Nanakshahi math. Moreover, Imam had laid down hs lfe for not only Muslims but for the entire humanity. I will not be disgraced if I continue neither the tradition nor Lord Hanuman will be displeased. Hanuman Ji had uprooted the tyrannical rule of Demon King Ravana. Likewise, sons of Hazrat Ali had sacrificed their lives against caliph Muawiya and his son Yazid who was trying to promote a fake Islam under the garb of Muslim caliph.”

Hindu youths like Avinash and Rakesh also expressed similar views. They said” we have inherited the tradition from our forefathers and no power earth can dissuade us from keeping the practice alive. We await Muharram throughout the year.” Hindus also venerate Syed Makhdoom and visit his shrine regularly. They have no idea about Syed Makhdoom and know that he was a saint of high repute with miraculous power. Villagers feel safe in the presence of his shrine and say” so long as peer Baba’s blessings are with them, Hasanpur will remain a place of peace and tranquility”.  

Source: TOI/Photo Courtesy Google Images)