Shadani Darbar
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Shadani Darbar
Where the leap of faith makes all things possible... Built in the memory of Sant Shada Ram Sahib, the Shadani Darbar in Raipur, Mana, is the most important Sindhu Tirth for all Sindhi's. Not only is it considered to be the most sacrosanct Tirth in Chhattisgarh, but it is the holiest Sindhu Tirth in the whole of India. A great saint of the 17th century, Sant Shada Ram Ji Maharaj was commonly known as the reincarnation of Bhagwan Shiva. In his childhood, he used to devote most of his time to meditation and had shown many miraculous performances. The Shadani Darbar is therefore a prime pilgrimage destination for the Sindhi community. Lacs of devotees throng here to seek the blessings of Sant Shada Ram Sahib and transform their lives.
Location
Located 8km from Raipur, Shadani Darbar is on the Raipur-Jagdalpur national highway near Mana. Sprawling over 12 acres, the Shadani Darbar Temple is crafted with sheer brilliance and grace. This temple was built under the supervision of the 8th Sindhu saint Govindraj Ji Maharaj. You can easily travel to Shadani Darbar by local taxis from Raipur.
Historic Importance
Sant Shada Ram Sahib took birth in a Lohana Khatri family ascending to the dynasty of Raja Lav in Lahore in October 1708. Since his childhood, the great saint was devoted to God. With his faith firm in Lord Rama, he spread the message of brotherhood, and did a lot for humanity. It is believed that after spreading his teachings in Lahore, Multan, Sant Shada Ram Sahib travelled all through Pashupati Nath Temple, Haridwar, Delhi, Kurukshetra, Panipat Pushkar Raja Tirth and Rajasthan, finally reaching Mathelo (Sindh) in 1768. In 1700 A.D Ghulam Shah Kalhoro was the Ruler of Sindh. He was an orthodox Muslim and a cruel ruler. He used to punish innocent people without any reason. The Hindus of that area worshipped in the Temple of "Lord Shiva" at Mathelo and prayed for him to save them from the cruelty of Ghulam Shah Kalhoro. Sant Shada Ram Sahib taught the people to lose themselves in meditation and Rama-chants. With his guidance and their deep devotion to Lord Shiva they found a new direction to freedom. Soon, the unity between the Muslims and Hindus grew so much that they overthrew cruel Ghulam Shah Kalhoro's rule.
After this miracle, the Hindu-Muslims came together and a bond of love, unity and brotherhood began to blossom between them. They started to believe that Sant Shada Ram Ji Maharaj was a reincarnation of Bhagwan Shiva. Empowered by his desire to bring a positive change in society with his altruistic ways, Sant Shada Ram Ji Maharaj came to a place called Hayat Pitafi in 1786. After that, the saint left Mathelo along with his followers and settled in Hayat Pitafi, and laid the foundation of Shadani Darbar. He also got a well called "Dhuni Sahib" (Holy fire) dug. He blessed the unfortunate and dying, giving them a new hope. Before attaining a new life in heaven he blessed his beloved disciple Shri Tulsi Das Ji (The second saint) that Hayat Pitafi would remain forever on the earth. He said that those who come to this place with utter devotion, and apply the “Dhuni” on their forehead, or drink it with water, would free themselves of all problems and illnesses. People believe that these blessings of the great saint remain true even today.
The Sindhu saints are in the following order
1. Sant Shadaram Sahib (1708-1793) 2. Sant Tulsi Dass Sahib (1730-1799) 3. Sant Takhat Lal Sahib, Hajuri Sahib 4. Sant Tansukh Ram Sahib (1804-1852) 5. Pooj Mata Hassi Devi 6. Sant Mangla Ram Sahib (1885-1932) 7.Sant Raja Ram Sahib (1882-1960) 8. Sant Gobind Ram Sahib 9. Sant Yudhishtar Lal Sahib the current presiding saint.
The eighth saint Sant Gobind Ram Sahib came back to Shadani Darbar (created in 1960 under his and his disciples' Sant Ram Das and Har Das Ram's supervision) in 1969. A Look Inside the Temple: In the Garbha Griha of the Shadani Darbar, effigies of the eight Sindhu Saints are crafted in rich white marble. They are such splendid works of art that it feels as if the great people have actually come alive once again. A 240 year old seraphic Kalash, discovered in the Ved Temple of Mathelo, can also be found installed in this temple. In the right corner, 5th saint Pooj Mata Hassi Devi's “Khat Sahib” can be seen. This Khat is capable of curing different ailments of various devotees. The presence of small temples dedicated to various other Vedic Saints in Shadani Darbar enhances its appeal even more. Inside the main temple, huge idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Durga are installed. Second saint Tulsi Das' blessings still come alive with the beautiful 'Tulsi Sarovar'.
Magnificent glass art breathes life into the inner walls of the main temple. The right side of the temple depicts contributions of all the saints while 24 incarnations of different Gods and Goddesses can be seen on the left. Shadani Darbar is extremely famous for the "Dhuni Sahib" (Holy fire) that washes away the worries of all its devotees. The "Dhuni Sahib" is said to set every spirit free of all problems and ailments. Devotees from far-off lands, Pakistan (Sindh), and foreign countries throng the temple during July Magh for Pooj Mata Hassi Devi's birth anniversary. Another holy occasion, when devotees come here in plenty, is the birth anniversary celebration of Sant Gobind Ram Sahib on 25th Oct every year.
On the Magh Shukla Paksha Chaudasa, a colourful fair is held in Shadani Darbar. Millions of followers participate in the “Satsang” and take the “Bhandara”. Shadani Darbar is also honoured with the title of Shadani Nagar. One of the highly revered pilgrimage destinations, Shadani Darbar presents a glimpse of Chhattisgarh's rich religious treasures.
