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Moongnag,,,Abode of Moonglesher Bairav

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Devotees on both sides of border pay respects to a Hindu saint
Chamliyal (India) June25, 2009

Report and Images by Raman Raina

housands of devotees gathered Thursday in this Jammu and Kashmir village, barely 200 metres from the India-Pakistan border, for the annual festival in the memory of a Hindu saint who devoted his life to preach peace and love to the people.

A fair is organised every last Thursday of June at Chamliyal, the village named after the saint, whose real name was Daleep Singh Manhas. The saint, who lived more than three centuries ago, was very popular among the local people and according to legend, had magical powers to cure diseases. However, this made a few people envious and they murdered him.

A shrine has been built where he was murdered and the soil - called shakkar (sugar) - where his blood flowed is believed to cure skin diseases when mixed with water (sharbat) from a well in the area, to make a paste.

While Indian pilgrims danced and sang folk songs in praise of the saint, several hundred Pakistanis, dressed in their festive best, gathered across the border to pay their respects to Baba Chamliyal from a distance. Their offerings were brought to the shrine by a column of Pakistani Rangers, and received by Border Security Force (BSF)personnel.

BSF trolleys later delivered them their share of sharbat and shakkar.

Raman Raina is Shehjar's Chief Photo Journalist based in Jammi, India.

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Comments

This has reference to Moongnag by author Chander Bhat. Does the author know about a village Vahibug . There was a mongnaag near that village too. Last I heard was that Naag was desecrated by Muslims - they had urinated and defecated in it.

Added By Raj Pandita

we as a community and especially the coming generations shall always be indebted to people like Pt. Chander M Bhat for preserving our history. it is much more than preserving history. thank you sir. maa ragniya bhagwati bless us all.

Added By rudresh kaul

I am regularly reading the articles by Chander M. Bhat. The author is very much inclined to keep the younger generation informed about our rich heritage that was prevailing in Kashmir. This spirit of the author should be encouraged.

Added By Rakesh Bhat

Very informative article. First time came to know about this holy spring. Thanks Chander.

Added By Kuldeep Koul

Being a resident of Monghama village, first time came to know in detail about this sacred spring and Mangleshwer Bairav. Read and re-read the article. The words have been put together beautifully.I congratulate the author.

Added By Ashok K. Bhat

A very beautiful article.Articles like the instant one will enrich our youth with the historical background of our sacred places in Kahsmir. Keep it up Chander.

Added By Jawahar Bhat

Thank you Chander for writing such a beautiful and informative article.

Added By Tej Raina

Chander M. Bhat is doing a great service by providing a detailed history of our temples and saints in Kashmir. He is woking like a spring which provides fresh water to the thirsty souls, silently. I salute the author

Added By Surinder Koul

As usual, Chander M Bhat is focussed towards his homeland.Hope he will try to write on village RATANPUR also.

Added By adarsh ajit

Yet again the author has beautifully carved his vast knowledge of our rich culture and piece of history into a masterpiece. Keep writing sir!!!

Added By Susheel Bhat

Bhatt sahab, Namaskar. First of all thanks to u that today after migration I saw the moongnaag. I am also from the same sirnoo, but aaj aap nay sirnoo ki yaad delayee. Thanks to u and ur staff.

Added By Arun Raina

I am trying to locate all these places on Wiki-maps. Here is the link for Moonghama: http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.8792074&lon=74.8824048&z=18&l=0&m=b&show=/4805740/Monghama&search=Sirnoo

Added By Raj Pandita