Complete Gatha of Jhulelal Sai
Parts 1–4 — as written by Shewak Nandwani, Bangkok
It's Cheti Chand time and the Sindhi New Year. Sindhi Hindus have followed a calendar known as 'Vikram Sambat' since the days of Vikramaditya. The months are based on a lunar cycle; each month begins with New Moon. The first month of the year is Chaitra — in Sindhi called 'Chet' — hence Chet-i-Chand. This New Year day is also the birthday of our Ishtadeva Uderolal Jhulelal.
Part 1 — The Tyranny of Mirkshah
In Sindh, Mohamed Bin Qasim defeated Raja Dahar, the last Hindu King. Sindh was annexed to the Khalifa's kingdom. In the 10th century Sindh came under the Sumras — converts from Hinduism — who were tolerant. But the province of Thatta was usurped by Makrabkhan, who became known as Mirkshah: not only a tyrant but a fanatic.
His courtiers advised him: "Spread Islam and you will be granted Jannat." Mirkshah summoned the Hindu Panchs and ordered: "Either embrace Islam or prepare to die." The Hindus pleaded for forty days' grace. For forty days and nights they underwent penance on the banks of Sindhu — fasting, praying, singing praise of God Varuna.
On the fortieth day a voice came from heaven: "Don't despair. Have patience. I am coming. I will take birth at Nassarpur in the house of Ratanchand Lohano from the womb of Mata Devki."
Part 2 — The Birth & Childhood of Uderolal
On Cheti Chand, Mata Devki gave birth to a handsome child. Unseasonal clouds brought torrential rain. The newborn opened his mouth and his parents saw the Sindhu flowing within — and an old man on a Pallo fish. He was named Udaichand (moon-beams), also Uderolal (one who has sprung from water), and lovingly called Amarlal (immortal). His cradle swung on its own — thus he became Jhulelal, the swinging child.
After the partition of 1947, Professor Ram Panjwani — Dada Panjwani — relit the lamp of Jhulelal's memory for all displaced Sindhis, travelling from St. Thomas to Singapore, New York to New Zealand, giving the slogan: Jeko chawando Jhulelal tanhija theenda bera paar.
Part 3 — The Confrontation & Conversion of Mirkshah
Uderolal appeared before Mirkshah and said: "Whatever you see around yourself is the creation of one God — whom you call Allah and Hindus call Ishwar." When soldiers moved to arrest Udero, water flooded the court and fire engulfed the palace. Mirkshah cried for mercy. Uderolal spoke: "Fire is the first principle of the Universe and Water is the first principle of life. Let every human being worship the Almighty with whatever name he desires."
Mirkshah bowed and agreed to treat Muslims and Hindus alike. Uderolal told the Hindus: "Think of me as an embodiment of light and water. Light one candle in a temple; keep water available for Daat (holy sip)."
Part 4 — The Seven Symbols & Departure
Uderolal gave seven symbolic things to his cousin Pagad, the first Thakur: Verho (ring), Light (eternal flame), Khantha (protective cloth), Deg (the inexhaustible vessel), Tegh (sword of Vishnu), Dhokla (Shiva's damru), and Jhari (Brahma's Kalsh). Thus the Daryahi Panth carries the blessings of the Trimurti.
At thirteen years old, Uderolal gave up his earthly form near village Jhijhan. Both Hindus and Muslims wished to claim his shrine. A voice came from the heavens: "Let its one part be a temple and the other a Dargah. I belong to all of you."
Prem Sa Chavo: Ayyo Lal Sabhi Chovo — Jhulelal Bera hi Paar