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CREATION OF SADHBELLA TIRATH..
Sri Sadhu Bella Tirath is situated in heart of the holly “Sindhu Ganga“ (River Indus) Sukkur in sind province (Hindustan) . It is a Hindu Udasin Sadhu Ashrum .The pioneer (founder) of the above Hindu Udasin Sadhu Ashram is "Puj Padya Yogiraj 108 Taponidi (practicing austere devotion) Sri Swami Bhakhandi Sahib , Hindu Udasin Mahatama .
Sri Swami Bankhandi Sahib was born in the family of one Brahaman , named Pandit Ramchandra Sharma at Kurukheshetra on Chet Sudi Satmi (7th) in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1820 .
His birth name was Balchand Sharma . His memory when young was very keen and sharp and at the age of 9 years , he had acquired enough education .
Poojya Swami Bankhandi Sahib went to Shriman Swami Melaram Sahib , Hindu Udasin Mahatama ; The above Hindu Udasin Mahatama initiatd him in "Udasin Sampardaya" (community) on Beasakh Sudi Teej (3rd) in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1830.
Puj Swami Bankhandi Maharaj remained in the close company of Swami Melaram Sahib , Udasin upto the age of 16 years; during which period he became well-versed in "Yoga Vidya ." Thereafter this Swamiji visited several places of pilgrimage and on the way he had to face many troubles to protect Hindu Religion , and then came to Sind . He arrived at Sukkur on Beasakh Wadi Beej (2nd) in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1880 , and settled in the above named Ashram named Sri Sadhbella Tirath .
As Sri Sadhbella Tirath was situated in the middle of Indus River , Swamiji had to engage his own ferry boats . Before the arrival of Swamiji , there were two combined hills in the middle of Indus River , Sukkur side . Swamiji used to occupy both the combined hills .
The popularity of this Tirath went on increasing day by day , and reached such a height , that Sri Sadhbella Tirath is now well-known through out the whole of Hindustan (India) .
This popularity and prosperity of the Tirath is the result of self-denial and virtue of a real "Saint" living there, and it is therefore no wonder , if the place has become so well-known to that estent .
After establishing on both the combined hills , Swamiji for the purpose of saving "Hindu Dharam" religion constructed temples at different sites of mahadeva , Ganeshji , Annapurnadeviji , Hanumanji ,Satnarayanji and Udasin Achariya Guru Sri Chanderji , and located their idols in each temple and thus infused new life and spirit , among the Hindus of Sind province , whose faith was in danger owing to the oppression of the then Muslim Kings in the Sind province . That was the time when the Hindu in Sind were about to disappear under the high- handedness of the Mulim Rulers .
Swamiji commenced Tapasia of Udasin Guru "Sri Chandra" and by his blessings Swamiji got revelation (Darshan) of Annapurnadevi (Goddess of provision) and She was pleased to hand over one "Karmandal" made from myrobalam (Harir) .
The Goddess announced that so long as the Hindus kept firm faith in this Karmandal , there would be no shortage of grain (provision) and wealth , and that She hereself would remain in Sri Sadhbella in her original Swarup (countenance) form .
This Karmandal of Harir , 'Myrobalam' is still available in Sri Sadhbella Tirath and is worshipped daily .
After every six months viz twice a year , young Hindu girls are fed with great eclat during Nauratras . By great pennance and austerities Swamiji protected the religion of Hindus of Sind , and thus re-strengthened the foundation of the Hindu Dharma of Sind province .
We now narrate here--- under the natural constitution of the Swamiji .
The body of Maharaj Sri Bankhandi Sahib was very clean and the complexion of a fair wheat colour , His face was grave . His nose was attractive , just like the bill of a parrot . There were not many hair on his head . Spending firstly the life of Nirban class, he passed his latter life as a great ascetic . In hot weather he used to put on long loose shirt of Syphron (Bhagwon) colour by his neck , and a long cotton cap on his head (a cap of Brahamchari) . In winter he wore a long cotton colet (garment) hanging up from the neck to the feet . He used to work at a Hindu rosary of thick pieces of wood , while sitting on his "Gadi" .He put on wooden sandals shoe in his feet . His talk was very modest , sweet and clear like a "Kokal bird" . Though his voice was low yet it was audible from a distance . His face was charming . His eyes were full of lure and impressive and indicated innocence . His hair above the eye-lids were small and circular shaped . When sadhoos and mahatamas enquired of the Maharaj , why he looked like a child , inspite of his age of 100 years , he replied (as a lesson) that it was due to regular habits of putting antimony in eyes and brushing the teeth and therefore teeth brushing should never be neglected , as by doing this , eye sight remains perfect and eyes never remain spoiled .
On this he qouted a popular maxim :-
Ankhon ko Anjan , Danton ko Manjan --- Nit kar , Nit kar , Nit kar
Nak men Anguli , Kan men Lakri --- Nut kar, Mut kar , Mut kar.
Antimony for the eyes , and brush for the teeth , do it , do it , do it
Finger in the nose , and scratching wood in the ear , do it not , do it not, do it not.
Guru Bankhandi Maharaj kept with himself a rug of coloured pieces of cloth , called as "Yog Godri" . In support of this statement , even now , this rug and the cap are kept in "Guru Bankhandi Darbar" . The face of Maharaj Sahib was reddish , smiling , bright and very impressive . He kept with himself always a "Fahori" and "Beragin" which were named by sadhoos as "Chaugan" . He had one receptacle , and one "Karmandal" also . He had delicate hands long and strong arms , sweet tongue , long neck , round head , broad forehead , white teeth and beautiful , little , red lips . All his teeth were strong and intact upto the last moment . He used to put on a "Tilak" of "Bhabhut" (mark upon forehead) on his forehead which was straight . He had level stomach and had three wrinkles in the middle of it . The thighs and shines of leg were thin . He had short but middle sized feet 13 fingers long (about 8 inches) . He had beautiful and red foot nails , and foot palms . The skin of the body was softer than silk . His ears and sholuders were of equal length and height and had no hair on them . He had a round and beautiful navel . He did not possess an unweildy body , but was quite healthy and was of good height . Maharaj Sahib used to walk fast . In the evening time after reading his sacred his sacred books and offering prayers to God , he put on wooden "Champal" and walked , here and there . Though he was short statured, he looked stout and beautiful . All portions (organs) of his body were such as ought to be . He had broad and large chest and had small hair over them . The height of his body was 5 feet 6 inches ; Swamiji used to exercise "Yog Sadhina" . He had small knotted hair "Jataun" (Beeran) and the features of his whole body were shining like gold , and he appeared just like a child of 12 years age . Speak and follow it , was his watchword .
To procure and obtain the impossible gives peace to the mind , and not to injure any one by thought , word or deed is a taken of happiness . Such instructions (updesh), Swamiji used to impart to pilgrims and others visiting Swamiji , which were really very touching .
Sat Guru Sri Swami Bankhandi Sahibji died on Akhar Wadi Beej (2nd) in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1920 , at 3 am on Wednesday , and has left behind himself a legacy of his excellent deeds for the perpetuation of "Hindu Sanatan Dharma" .
After their death six other mahants ascended the "Gadi Sahib" (throne) and the present "Gadidhar" (throne owner) is Sri Swami Harnamdas , Hindu Udasin , whose short history is as under:----
Swamiji Harnamdas was born at Sukkur , in Vikram Sambat at 1937 on Poh Wadi Dasmi (10th) , Sunday . His birth name is Naraindas . In Vikram Sambat 1944 Asw Sudi Puranmasi the parents of Naraindas of their free will dedicated their son (Naraindas) to Swami Jairamdas Maharaj, Udasin who was then Gadidhar (throne-owner) of Sri Sadhbella Tirath , and on the same date Swami Jairamdasji made him as his Chella (disciple) and took him in the fold of udasin Sampardaya (community) and named him "Harnamdas" .
Harnamdas immediately commenced learning Sanskrit literature under the supervision of his Guru Swami Jairamdasji.
Harmandas had not yet finished his full course of Sanskrit literature when his Guru departed from this world in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1950 on first Akhar Wadi Ashtami , Wednesday by 4 pm and on the same day Harmandas was enthroned to the Gadi of Sri Sadhbella Tirath.
Swami Harmandas had as his associate a very good Sadhoo named Haridas and in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1950 , Sawan Sudi Puranmasi , Bawa Karandas then Kothari (manager of feeding) of Sri Sadhbella Tirath , made Haridas as the disciple of Sri Swami Harnamdas .
Bawa Haridas had come in Sri Sadhbella Tirath in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1947 on Magh Sudi Panchmi (5th) . Bawa Haridas was born at Delhi in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1924 on Manghir Wadi Ashtami (8th) . Swami Harnamdas after succession to "Gadi" of Sri Sadhbella Tirath took further higher education in Sanskrit and other literatures.Bawa Karandas , Kothari left the world in Sri Sadhbella Tirath in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1952 on Phagan Wadi Chet (4th) Saturday and Swami Harnamdas appointed his eldest Chella Bawa Haridas as Kothari of Sri Sadhbella Tirath on the same date and he undertook the management of the affairs of Sri Sadhbella Tirath . These two Gurus (Swami Harnamdas) and Chella (Bawa Haridas) are of affable and amiable disposition .
Both Swami Harnamdas and Bawa Haridas have rendered service in the Sri Sadhbella Tirath to the best of their ability and have increased the fame of Sadhbella . They really have made the Asthan (the premises) exactly like a Heaven .
From Vikram Sambat (Era) 1948, Swami Harnamdas (before ascending Gadi) used to listen with great pleasure and keeness the miracles and other movements of Swami Bankhandi Sahib from aged Sadhoos and other Grahstis(wordly people) who personally had got the Darshan of Puj Padya Swami Bankhandi Sahib and who seeing the most wonderful doings of the Swamiji had their hearts and eyes purified . At that time it occured to Harnamdas that such miracles and movements ought to be published . With such eagerness he commenced writing and kept notes , by enquiring from aged persons and sadhoos . The old men of that time had a wonderful power of recollection for stories . Such old persons dictated to Swami Harnamdas , the miracles or other movements whatever they had seen themselves or what they had heared from their elders .
Swami Harnamdas while sitting on Gadi Sahib was hearing with great affection , wrote out word by word the miracles etc , displayed by Swami Bankhandi Sahib . It was very fortunate at that time when Swami Harnamdas ascended the throne of Sri Sadhbella Gadi , that about 80 percent old folks were alive .
Swami harnamdas did this job for full 40 continuous years and prepared these works in Hindi and brought them in the shape of a book . Later their elder disciple Bawa Haridas and other regular followers requested Puj Swamiji to publish the book in Sindhi so that the Hindus of Sind Province might read and know the deeds of Hindu Mahatamas (Yogi Rajs) and thus soothe their minds .
Gursakhi (ANECDOTE) No. 1
In Vikram Sambat (Era) 1759 Sidheshar Maharaj Bankhandi Sahib used to live in Neepal and after passing from Darbhanga and crossing the Kosi River had to halt for the night on the embankment of above river . There was a hut of one "Gwal" (Cattle grazer) where he (Swamiji) passed the night . On the next day the "Gwal" (Cattle grazer) asked Swamiji , as to where he would go thereafter . Swamiji replied that he would be going then to Neepal to enjoy "Shivratri" holiday there . The Gwal's (Cattle grazer's) son requested Puj Padya Swamiji that his father was seriously ill and prayed Mahatama (Swamiji) to kindly examine his sick father and announce whether he would servive or die . Swamiji on the request of (Gwal's) cattle grazer'son accompanied him , to see the sick Gwal (Cattle grazer) who was lying in the adjacent hut . On seeing the sick Gwal (Cattle grazer) Swamiji stated that he would not live longer , but would die in few days . On hearing from Swamiji the Gwal's (Cattle grazer's) son requested Swamiji that he was Yogi Raja and foreteller of present , past and future and knew everything , hence enquired about the period for which he viz his father would live . Swamiji replied to Gwal's (Cattle grazer's)son that his father would live for 15 days more from that day and would breathe his last on Shivratri day . The Gwal's (Cattle grazer's) son again requested Swamiji that until his father breathed his last , he might kindly stay there and pass those few days with him . Swamiji at this humble request of Gwal's (Cattle grazer's) son agreed to live along with him . The sick Gwal (Cattle grazer) died exactly after 15 days on "Shivratri" day as already predicted by Sri Swamiji . On the next day Swamiji became ready to leave the Gwal's (Cattle grazer's) premises , when poor Gwal's (Cattle grazer's) son prayed to Swamiji that the fair of Shivratri was by then over and that he could pass his future time there in this jungle . Looking to the entreaties of the Gwal's son and finding the jungle to be a solitary place and fit for meditation "Tapasia" he stayed there . After 17 days from the death of old Gwal (Cattle grazer) his son made over a big plot of land , out of his father's property as Bhet (present) to Swamiji as a pious offering in the name of his father .
After this Swamiji fixed his Dhuno (fire place) there which is famous up to date in Neepal State and is called by name as "Bankhandi Maharaj's Dhuni" and is situated in Moran Jhari .
Hearing the glory of Tapasia of Swamiji Bankhandi Sahib , the Maharaj (Prince) of Neepal came in person at the above locality to obtain Darshan of Swamiji , and made over possession of six villages to Swamiji as Bhet (Gratis) and also made a promise that if by the blessings of Swamiji, the Maharaja of Neepal was blessed with a son , he would hand over possession of six more villages to Swamiji as Bhet (gratis) . After Darshan of Swamiji the Maharaja of Neepal was blessed with a son in due course . After birth of his son the Maharaja of Neepal accompanied by his family came to "Moran Jhari" to obtain Darshan of Swamiji and to fulfil his promise and made over possession of six additional villages , to Swamiji Sahib . All the above 12 villages are "Jagir"of "Bankhandi Maharaj's Dhuni" and the proprietor of the same is Hindu Mahant Udasin . While Puj Bankhandi Maharaj lived at the above place viz: Moran Jhari a lion of jungle used to sweep daily with his tail at the Swamiji's Tapasia Hut , and the elephant of the jungle used to break fire wood from the jungle with his trunk and bring them to "Bankhandi Maharaj's Dhuni" . This is a proof positive of Maharaj Bankhandi Sahib's previous incarnation in the Neepal State. In the above "Moran Jhari" Sal trees produce a fruit of mangoes upto this period and this is due to the blessings and miracles of Maharaj Bankhandi Sahib . After the death of Bankhandi Maharaj in Neepal State , Nirban Bawa Pritamdas practised severe austerities and prayed Bankhandi Maharaj for an open revelation . In response to the penance and prayer of Nirban Bawa Pritamdas , Swamiji gave actual revelation and enjoined upon him to establish an Udasin Sadhu Akhara . Swamiji then handed over to him "Gola Parshadi" and directed that should be worshipped by him and others .
Swamiji further stated that their next incarnation would be in the generation of Meehan Sahib , Udasin and that their residence would be in the middle of Sindhu Gunga (River Indus) in Sind Province , their name would be same viz: Bankhandi . In Neepal State, it is essential and customary that the Hindu Prince who is a crown prince should send his messenger annually to "Dhuni Sahib" and send for Bhabhutti (sacred ashes) for worship . At the time of succession to the crown throne , the prince personally goes to the "Dhuni Sahib" for offering prayers and bows down .
This was authenticated by Bawa Chetan Perkash of Alipore Ghalian walla in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1950 and also Langra Bawa Haridas in Era 1950 . Also the Mahant Sahib of "Dhuni Sahib", Neepal State dictated this fact to us personally in Vikram Sambat (Era) in 1962 .
GURSAKHI (ANECDOTE NO. 2)
The birth name of our Swamiji Bankhandi Sahib was "Balchandra" , when they used to live with their father Pandit Ramchandra Gaur , Brahman in the sacred villages of Kurukheshtra (Punjab Province) .
While young , Swamiji used to play daily with village childern . One day while playing with them , they saw one sadhoo sitting on the branchof a tree , when the childern looked upon the sadhoo they were frightened and ran away . When the sadhoo noticed this he called back all childern and said that they should not fear but the childern ran away into their residences in the village excepting our Balchandra .
Balchandra went slowly towards that Mahatama who shouted 3 times that they should come at once hence our Balchandra came quickly and undoubtedly before the Mahatama Sadhoo and stood before him . The Sadhoo Mahatama told our Balchandra in that age "thou art Pooran Braham Roop" and that thou art incarnation of "Guru Srichand Sahib" .
Thou hast come on this soil to redress the grievances of the Hindus and give happiness to the generation of Hindustan (India) .
And that thou be blessed . You will be great "Tapsavi" (meditator) . Whatever you will utter from your tongue will happen . Now please attend to what I say . Ascetism is written in your forehead and that you will be a great world wide figure , a great manifestor of miracles . After listening to the Sadhoo Mahatama , our Balchandra (Swamiji) came directly to his residence in the village . Next day when he was only 9 years , 4 months and 3 days old he left his residence quietly and went away on Vikram Sambat (Era) 1829 , dated Sawn Sudi (10th) . His parents searched for him in jungles and found him there and pressed him to go back to the village , but Balchandra did not agree to it . He went on moving till he reached "Phuleli" village at a distance of about 4 miles near Patiala State . There Balchandra was pleased to have the "Darshan" of Udasin Mahatama Melaram Sahib .
On Besakh Sudi Teej (3rd) in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1830 , he became the disciple of Swami Melaram,Udasin Mahatama and got "Gurumantar" and became Udasin Sadhoo and was named by his Guru as "Bankhandi" . The name "Bankhandi" was given to Balchandra because he met his Guru all alone in the jungle in his childhood and also because he was expected to conquer the five (vices) Lust , Anger , Greed , Love and Pride .
This was authenticated personally by Pujya Swamiji Bankhandi sahib himself , to Bawa KarandasSahib , Kothari , Udasin , Sri Sadhbella Tirath on Asu Wadi Panchmi (5th) in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1916 at the evening of "Katha of Yog Vasasht" . Bawa Haridas Langra and Bawa Chetan Perkash were also present at that time . The above three sadhoos dictated the same to the author in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1951 .
GURSAKHI (ANECDOTE) no. 3
On Besakh Sudi Puranmasi (full moon day) of Vikram Sambat (Era) 1831 , the grand father of raja Karamsingh of Patiala State while out for shooting (shikar) arrived in the thick forest of Phuleli village , in his state , where Swami Melaram Sahib Udasin along with Mahant Shamdas Sahib Udasin and other sadhoos had encamped . He had with himself Swami Bankhandi , who was yet a child . The Raja was very happy to have the "Darshan" of Swami Melaram Sahib Udasin and consideredhimself very lucky . The Hindu Raja had firm faith in Mahant Swami Melaram Sahib . The Raja being enchanted with the attractive figure and brilliant appearance of bankhandi Sahib , prayed to Swami Melaram to allow Bankhandi Sahib to go with him , to his palace to show him to his queens , (the most lovely and bright face of the young Bankhandi Sahib) and promised to bring the young Bankhandi Sahib back by the evening of the same day .
Swami Bankhandi Sahib was personally unwilling to go with the Raja but he could not disobey the orders of his Guru Swami Melaram Sahib and according to his instructions Swami Bankhandi Sahib accompanied the Hindu Raja and went to Patiala .
On entering , all the queens and other house hold members were so facinated by the charming face of the child that they entirely forgot to take him back to his Guru Pujya-Swami Melaram at the appointed time .
Swami Bankhandi Sahib disappeared stealthily from the palace of Hindu Raja in the afternoon and went into jungle where he sat under some tree in meditation .
The Hindu Raja Karamsingh's grand father remembered to take back Swamiji to his Sat Guru Swami Melaram Sahib before evening . He went to his palace but he did not find Swami Bankhandi Sahib and lost whole night in his search in the jungle . On the next day he saw Swamiji in meditation sitting under a tree . The Raja requested Swamiji to accompany him to his Sat Guru Swami Melaram Sahib and to him he narrated all that had happened during the preceding night and apologized for not fulfilling his promise . Swami Melaram Sahib consoled the Raja and told him that the boy (Bankhandi) was always inclined to pass his life in jungles and therefore he did not stay in the palace at night . His name is Bankhandi on that account . Swami Bankhandi Sahib according to the custom , used to study the literature of "Yog" under his Guru . This was authenticated by Swami Melaram Sahib to his disciple Gurmukhdas who narrated the same to Bawa Vishindas and Harnaraindas in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1902 ; and narrated to Swami Harpershad , Bawa Karandas , Bawa Chetan Perkash and to other sadhoos and wordly people in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1917 . The same was dictated to us by Bawa Karandas , Kothari , Bawa Chetan Perkash , Bawa Haridas Langra in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1950 .
GURSAKHI (ANECDOTE) no. 4
When Pujya Swami Bankhandi Sahib had to cross a lofty mountain , or a snow hill or to pass through any river or ocean , he used to sit on a sheet of cloth and with will power ("Yog Sidhi") used to run through atmosphere with great ease and comfort .
On Sawan Sudi 15th of Vikram Sambat (Era) 1843 , after completing the pilgrimage of Kashmir , Amatnath , Swamiji took two other sadhoos pilgrims with himself and made them sit on a sheet of cloth and Swamiji with his will power took them directly to "Sidh Ashram" . There all the sadhoos welcomed Swamiji and received him with great honour and detained him for full 8 years there and learnt there "Yog Vidya" .
In Vikram Sambat (Era) 1852 Swami Bankhandi Sahib along with sadhoos arrived at Hardwar to enjoy Besakhi fair .
This authentication was personally heard by Bawa Chetan Perkash of Alipore , while Swamiji was giving exposition of the life of Vasashit and by Bhai Bhawandas Chabria the food supplier in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1916 and the same was narrated to the author in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1953 and 1954 .
GURSAKHI (ANECDOTE) no. 5
Pujya Swami Bankhandi Sahib went to Retha Asthan (Residence of Sri Guru Nanik Dev , Bekh Udasin) on Chet Wadi Satmi (7th) of Vikram Sambat (Era) 1857 . On the way when he arrived at a tank in the mountains , he saw four lions who were drinking water from the tank . Swamiji kindled fire , took bath and commenced reciting the word "Om" . All the four lions , sat on four sides of Swamiji and listened to him . When the lions saw that Swamiji was busy in his prayers , they quietly bowed down and went away and left that jungle , as if they had come to pay their humble homage to Swamiji . After this Swamiji performed the pilgrimage of other mountains and went to Hardwar in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1860 . This was narrated by Bawa Vishindas disciple of Swamiji Bankhandi Maharaj in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1882 on the occassion of Godawari Kumbh fair and in the presence of Swami Bankhandi Sahib . He further stated that he himself personally was with Swami Bankhandi Sahib in the above pilgrimage when four lions had come to the tank to drink water . Bawa Gurumukhdas the younger "Gurbhai" (religious brother of Swami Bankhandi Sahib who was also with Swamiji and who personally saw this miracle , dictated the same to Bawa Harnamdas and Bawa Vishindas in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1902 . Bawa Vishindas dictated the same to Bawa Karandas , Kothari and Bawa Chetan Perkash in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1915 . Bawa Karandas , Kothari related the same to us in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1950 and Bawa Chetan Perkash narrated the same to us in Vikram Sambat (Era) 1960 .
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