A Ray of Hope
Visiting any location seems incomplete unless one takes a detour to a religious site in the vicinity. It brings you one step closer to the religious beliefs and traditions of the locals. It gives you a closer look at their point of view and the stories they believe in.
The Dargah of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba is well-known among the locals and a must-see attraction. This Darga is a legend with its own history that is difficult to overlook. Among the locals, it is also known as Pirsthan or Dargah. Since ancient times, it has served as a symbol or reflection of communal harmony.
The Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba Dargah is located on the Indo-Bangladesh border. It is located in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, along the Dalu-Mahendraganj-Mankachar border road. It is approximately 80 kilometers from Tura, which also serves as the district headquarters.
Tourists can also travel from Shillong, the state capital of Meghalaya. However, it is approximately 390 kilometers away. Therefore, either they can hire a cab or rent a car as per their convenience.
This Darga dates from the 16th century. The Darga of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba was constructed in the 16th century. It was during the reign of Raja Mahenranarayn. One fascinating fact about this Darga is that it is said to have been built in a single night. It's quite interesting to build such a place in a matter of hours. This alone piques people's interest in visiting this location.
Pirsthan is another name for the shrine that is located there. As a result, the locals refer to this Darga as Pirsthan.
The Pirsthan is also famous for the presence of a stone thought to be that of Devi Kamakhya of Mankachar, Assam. In Mankachar, Assam, there is a large Kamakhya temple. It is approximately 25 kilometers from Pirsthan and must be visited.
Legend of Dargah of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba
There is a legend that the people in the area believe in. The location is said to have been captured by a demon during the Raja's reign. They used to threaten to kill all mortals. Shah Kamal Baba happened to visit the area at the time and drove the demon away.
The Dargah is well-known for its annual prayer-fair, known as the 'Urs.' It has been a tradition since before the pre-partition of West Bengal. Devotees come from all over to immerse themselves in the divinity of Peer Baba and seek his blessings. The Pirsthan has a fascinating history of never letting its devotees leave empty-handed. The prayers are prayed with complete faith and devotion; they always receive a favorable response. This only strengthens their faith in the Pristhan and instills newfound hope in them. Every human being yearns for a silver lining in their lives. This Darga gives the devotees just that.
The Dargah is located in a peaceful area. This only adds to the devotee's experience. It provides you with peace and tranquillity while visiting this divine destination. The structure and design of the Darga are typical of Mogul architecture. However, the shrine did not have a roof at the time. That being said, locals later built a roof to protect the area from rain.
The Mogul structure has its own beauty that transports you back to the country's ancient history. It has a distinct yet magnificent personality that was created with an incredible and intellectual technique that is not commonly found today. The structure, however, was renovated in 2008-2009 at the recommendation of the Waqf Board of Meghalaya. You should be aware that if you are looking for some peace and divine experience, Pirsthan is the place to be.
Controversy of Dargah of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba
This Darga of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba was involved in a conflict between India and Bangladesh. It was due to the fact that Bangladeshis also wanted to visit here without difficulty. That was due to the partition of India and Bangladesh, where it wasn't that easy to see this Darga. However, much to everyone's delight, the situation has been resolved, and visitors can now visit the site with ease. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Mahendraganj.
It would be bold to claim that no amount of natural beauty can compare to the tranquility provided by a religious site. However, nature does play an essential role because the land proudly adorns it. Some may not believe in magic and dismiss it as a myth, but they cannot rule out the possibility of a power beyond the scope of science. An outside force, a belief, faith, or hope. It is what keeps people alive. It is nothing less than a catalyst that allows one to live the life they desire.
The same is true of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba's Daga. It gives a person a glimmer of hope. This hope is no less power of determination to keep living and working with sincerity toward one's goals. This divine Darga has proven its power time and again by favoring positively everyone who has visited this place with hope and faith. It is the devotee's purity and truthfulness that has kept this divine alive among all. It is often stated that God is one and that their principles are the same. We are the only ones who discriminate against others based on our own preferences. However, in the end, it is the good deed that brings us closer to a serene life.