Story of Jhulelal Sai

Faith has established Jhulelal as the Asht Dev (community God) of Sindhis. His birthday "Cheti Chand" — second tithi of Chaitra — is auspicious for Sindhis and is celebrated the world over with traditional pomp and gaiety. But how, when and where in history was the lord of Sind born?

The Hindu legend of Jhulelal or the River Deity has its historical or semi-historical beginnings in Sind, an erstwhile province of united India and now a state of Pakistan. During the days of Sapt-Sindhu (land of seven rivers), the mainstream Sindhu and its tributaries were considered life-givers to the people who lived on its banks and drew sustenance from its waters.

It was precisely the lure of plentiful water that brought invading hordes of Muslim rulers from the neighbouring Arabian Kingdoms to Sind and India. Having conquered Sind and its adjoining territories, they spread Islam at the point of the sword. In the 10th century A.D. Sind came under the rule of Samras. The Samras being converts from Hinduism to Islam were neither bigots nor fanatics.

However, there was no exception in the Sumra region. Being far away from its capital, Thatta maintained its separate identity and influence. Its ruler Mirkshah was not only a tyrant but also a religious fanatic. These friends advised him one day: "Spread Islam and you will be granted 'Janat' or eternal bliss after death."

Swayed by the promise, Mirkshah summoned the 'panchs' (representatives) of the Hindus and ordered them: "Embrace Islam or prepare to die." The terrified Hindus begged Mirkshah for time to consider the 'shahi firman' or royal edict. The pompous Mirkshah relented and agreed to give the desperate Hindus forty days to plead with their God.

The Forty Days of Chaliho

Faced with imminent death, the Hindus turned to God Varuna, the God of the River, to come to their aid. For forty days, they underwent penance. They neither shaved nor wore new clothes, praying and fasting and singing songs in the praise of God Varuna. They beseeched him to deliver them from the hands of their persecutor.

On the fortieth day, a voice was heard from Heaven: "Fear not, I shall save you from the wicked Mirkshah. I shall come down as a mortal and take birth in the womb of Mata Devki in the house of Ratanchand Lohano of Nasarpur." After forty days of chaliho, the followers of Jhulelal even today celebrate the occasion with festivity as Thanksgiving Day.

The Birth of Uderolal

On Cheti Chand, two tithis from the new moon of Chaitra, Mata Devki gave birth to a bonny boy. A miracle hailed the child's birth. The babe opened his mouth and behold! There flowed the Sindhu with an old man sitting cross-legged on a pala fish. The pala fish, as everyone knows, is a tasty fish which always swims against the current.

To welcome the newborn 'avatar', unseasonal clouds gathered and brought down torrential rains. The child was named 'Udaichand' (Uday in Sanskrit means moon-beams). Udaichand was to be the light in the darkness. An astrologer who saw the child predicted that he would grow up to be a great warrior. Udaichand was also called 'Uderolal' (Udero in Sanskrit means 'one who has sprung from water'). Inhabitants of Nasarpur lovingly called the child 'Amarlal' — the immortal child. The cradle where little Udero rested began to sway to and fro on its own. It is because of this that 'Uderolal' became popularly known as Jhulelal — the swinging child.

Miracles & Confrontation

News of the birth of the mysterious child reached Mirkshah who once again summoned the Panchs and repeated his royal threat. Hindus, now quite confident that their saviour had arrived, implored him for some more time informing him that their saviours was none other than the Water God himself. Mirkshah scoffed: "Neither am I going to die nor are you, people going to leave this land alive."

At the very first glimpse of the child, Ahirio (Mirkshah's emissary) was astonished. He had never seen a child so dazzling or more charming. He hesitated, then proferred the rose to the child — a rose dipped in deadly poison. The child gave a meaningful smile while accepting the rose, then blew away the flower with a single breath. Ahirio watched stupefied as the babe changed into an old man with a long beard, then into a lad of sixteen, then into Uderolal on horseback with a blazing sword in his hand. A cold shiver ran down Ahirio's spine and he bowed his head in reverence: "Have mercy on me Sindhu Lord, I am convinced."

The Turning of Mirkshah

Meanwhile, the child Uderolal grew in stature and spirit performing miracles and comforting the sick. Udero appeared before Mirkshah and explained to the stubborn ruler: "Whatever you see around you is the creation of only one God, whom you call 'Allah' and the Hindus call 'Ishwar.'"

As the officials of the court moved towards Udero, great waves of water leaped forth inundating the courtyard. Fire too broke out and the palace was consumed by the flames. Mirkshah was terrified and begged Udero: "My Lord, I realise my foolhardiness. Please save me and my courtiers." All at once the water receded and the fire died away. Mirkshah bowed respectfully and agreed to treat Hindus and Muslims alike.

Before they dispersed, Uderolal told the Hindus to think of him as the embodiment of light and water. He also told them to build a temple in memory of the transformation of Mirkshah. "Day in and out," he said, "light a candle in the temple and always keep available water for daat (holy sip)."

The Sacred Shrine

Selecting a place near village Thijahar, Uderolal gave up his earthly form. Both Hindus and Muslims were present in large numbers to witness this mysterious happening. No sooner did Uderolal's soul leave his body than debate arose over whether to build a 'Turbat' (Islamic shrine) or a 'Samadhi' (Hindu shrine). While the debate raged, heavy rains came down and a voice said:

"Behold! You shall make my shrine acceptable both to Hindus and Muslims. Let its one face be a temple and the other a Dargah. I belong to all of you."

Jhulelal continues to be the unifying force and the centre of all cultural activities of the Sindhi community. Sindhis all over the world greet each other with "Jhulelal Bera-Hee-Paar."

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JAI JHULELAL!