Urs of Zinda Shah Madar as Described by Jafar Sharif in Qanun-E- Islam

 

The article is being published on the eve of 604th Urs Anniversary of Shah Madar.

By Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

THE FESTIVAL OF THE SAINT ZINDA SHAH MADAR

 His Excellency Shah Badiu-d-din or Zinda Shah Madar, Ghazi Miyan,  born at Aleppo, A.D. 1050, who is said to have died at Makanpur, 40 miles from Cawnpore in that District of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. He is called Zinda, ' the living one because he is supposed to be still alive, the Prophet having given him the power of living without breath. He used to wear black clothes, and neither married nor had congress with women. His shrine is visited by crowds of pilgrims, both Hindus and Musalmans. Women are excluded from his shrine because it is believed that any woman entering is immediately seized with violent internal pains, as if her whole body were immersed in flames of fire. As in the case of Pir-i-Dastaglr, people make vows to him and in his name put belts (baddhi) of gold and silver round the necks of their children. He is supposed to have died on the seventeenth day of the fifth month, Jamadiu-1-awwal, and some people on that day, others on its eve, make dishes of wheaten flour, meat cakes {satrl), and other food, put seventeen lamps on it and then put the belt on the child .

Some perform the rite of fire-walking in the name of the Saint. This is known as Dhammal kudna, dhammal meaning ' the place of virtuous conduct ' (dharma), and kudna, ' to leap'. They kindle a large fire, send for the Tabaqati, or Faqirs of this Order, and give them a present. The Faqirs recite the Fatiha, sprinkle sandalwood in the fire, and then the chief of the band leads the way by jumping into it, calling out, ' Dam Madar ! Dam Madar ! ' ' the breath of Madar ', this,as among the Persians, being supposed to be a protective against the flames, the bite of a snake, or the sting of a scorpion.

 Then the rest follow him also shouting ' Dam Madar ! ', and tread out the fire. Their feet are washed with milk and water and they are found to have received no injury.

In some places a standard is set up at one of the lodges with a black flag fastened to it, and on the seventeenth day they perform the death rite (Urs) of the Saint, or on the proceeding day they do the Sandal rite, as in the case of Plr-i-Dastagir. On both nights they sit up singing the praises of the Saint. On the anniversary of his death they have illuminations and vigils. This standard is kept all the year round in its appointed place, and it is never removed, as is done with the Muharram standards.

Note : Being a native of Makanpur, the blogger would like to add that no fire walking takes place these days. The black flag is hoisted by ‘Malangs’( Wandering mendicants) at the place specified by the managing committee of Dargah. Responding to the call of Committee only locals are observing Urs ceremony and the village is devoid of hustle and bustle caused by devotees every year.Due to lockdown related restrictions devotees have been asked not to turn up at Makanpur and observe Urs ceremony on Zehra Youtube Channel.They have been directed to distribute food,blankets and lit bonefire for down trodden.

References Available on request.

Image Courtesy :www.Kutubul Madar.org