A 500-Year Legacy unfolds in a small village called Rangmahal, just 40 kilometres from Guwahati city in Assam, where a unique shrine tells a beautiful story of India’s religious harmony. This special place, marking a 500-Year Legacy, is not your typical temple – there are no grand buildings or appointed priests. Instead, it’s a simple Shiv Sthan (Lord Shiva’s shrine) that has been lovingly maintained by a Muslim family. This extraordinary tradition showcases the true spirit of India’s Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, where different faiths blend together like the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna. The shrine, though modest in appearance, has become famous throughout the region for its spiritual significance, embodying a remarkable 500-Year Legacy of interfaith caretaking.
The Current Guardian: Matibur Rahman’s Story
Meet 80-year-old Matibur Rahman, the seventh-generation caretaker of the Shiv Sthan. Every day, without fail, he follows a simple but meaningful routine. After offering his morning and evening Islamic prayers (namaz), he makes his way to the shrine to clean and maintain it. This has been his life’s work, a responsibility he inherited from his father, who passed away in 1977. Mati Rahman speaks with deep respect about his duty, saying, “Our family has been taking care of this place for 500-600 years. I am simply following what my father taught me. We are Baba’s maafi (blessed caretakers).”
The Legend of Bhangdi Baba
The story goes back centuries when a mysterious holy man, known as Bhangdi Baba, arrived in the village. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva who chose to make his home under a large banyan tree. Under this same tree, he installed a small Shivling (symbol of Lord Shiva) which remains there to this day. The local people gave him the name ‘Bhangdi Baba’ because he frequently consumed bhang (a traditional cannabis preparation). The relationship between Bhangdi Baba and Matibur Rahman’s great-great-grandfather forms the foundation of this unique tradition.
The Sacred Promise
One interesting tale that Matibur Rahman often shares is about a quarrel between Bhangdi Baba and his great-great-grandfather. Though they argued about who was older to whom, their deep friendship prevailed, and they soon reconciled with a warm embrace. It was after this reconciliation that Bhangdi Baba made a significant declaration: he wished to remain at this place forever and requested Rahman’s ancestor to look after the Shivling and the surrounding area. Shortly after making this request, Bhangdi Baba mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind a legacy that the Rahman family has honoured ever since.
A Place of Miracles
The Shiv Sthan has gained fame for its miracle-granting powers. Devotees believe that sincere prayers made here never go unanswered. Evidence of fulfilled wishes can be seen in the numerous tridents (trishuls) installed by grateful visitors. When someone’s wish is granted, they often contribute to the shrine’s development – some install larger Shivlings, while others build rest areas for visiting devotees. The shrine has become a symbol of hope for people of all faiths who come seeking divine intervention.
Unity in Diversity
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this shrine is how it brings together people from different religious backgrounds. Both Hindus and Muslims visit the shrine to offer prayers, and there’s no discrimination or division. The local residents speak proudly of this harmony, emphasising that their shared faith in the shrine’s spiritual power transcends religious boundaries. This unity is particularly evident in how the villagers, regardless of their faith, participate in maintaining and respecting the sacred space.
Daily Rituals and Offerings
The shrine has its own unique traditions. Local villagers, both Hindu and Muslim, have a custom of offering the first milk from their cattle to the Shivling. They believe this practice brings blessings to their livestock and families. The offering isn’t wasted – it’s later used to prepare kheer (sweet rice pudding) which is distributed among visitors. This practice exemplifies how local customs have evolved to blend different religious traditions into a harmonious whole.
The Future Guardians
The continuity of this tradition is assured through the Rahman family’s commitment. When Mati Rahman performed his Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in 2001, his sons temporarily took over the shrine’s maintenance. This seamless transition demonstrated the family’s dedication to preserving their unique heritage. Matibur Rahman is confident that future generations will continue this sacred duty, maintaining the shrine’s legacy of interfaith harmony.
A Living Symbol of Secularism
Today, Rangmahal village, home to about 40-50 Muslim families, stands as a shining example of India’s secular traditions. Every passerby, regardless of their faith, shows respect by cleaning the shrine area before moving on. This simple act of devotion, performed countless times daily by people like village resident Nasiruddin Khan, represents the enduring spirit of religious harmony that has defined India for centuries. The Shiv Sthan of Rangmahal remains a powerful reminder that faith can unite rather than divide, making it a true embodiment of India’s cherished Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.
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