Pilgrimage
Often pilgrims are not
aware of the details about the Dargah, the places nearby
connected with it, or customs followed here. Attendants
are too busy to explain all the details. The following
paragraphs will act as a guide to all the pilgrims
visiting Baba Budan Hills.
The journey in the ghat
section by narrow roads, steep gradients and hairpin
curves with enchanting scenery on both sides is a
thrilling one. About a mile from the point you come to
the northern side of the range where the beautiful
Honamma Falls are situated. You can rest here for a
while. About a mile from this spot is the principal
village nearest to the Dargah, Athigundi (Budan Nagar).
There are small hotels here and coffee, tea and snacks
are available. The Dargah is about 4 miles from here. It
is just about 1 1/2 miles by foot track. Vehicles
normally stop near the office of the Dargah on the hills.
Attendants are present all the time to receive the
pilgrims. There is a register in the office to record
details about the pilgrims. Intimation should be given in
the office if lodging facilities are required.
The Dargah
Many people are
accustomed to take something for the "Fateha" whenever
they visit a Dargah. Sugar, Agarbattis and coconuts are
always available here. Sweets and flowers are available
only in the season. Since time immemorial it is the
custom here, to offer coconuts. Pilgrims carry two, four,
six or more according to their might or vow and leave
behind half the number in the Dargah and bring back the
other half after the Fateha. There is a stone-slab
outside the Dargah where the coconuts are broken and
distributed among the poor. Some people prefer to carry a
few coconuts back to their homes.
The Dargah has two
portions. The right one as you step in, contains Dada's
seat (Chilla) and the left one Mama Jigni's seat. As you
enter Dada's portion, you see four graves on a platform.
The four saints buried here are Hazrat Jan-e-Pak Shaheed,
Hazrat Malik Tujjar Farooqui, Hazrat Malik Wazeer
Ispahani and Hazrat Abu Turab Sheerazi. These four saints
used to live with Dada engaged in prayers and meditation.
They were "Hafiz-e-Koran' and rapt during the recitation.
Right in front of the door, in the interior portion, is
Dada's seat. In front of the seat there is a small spring
which supplied water to Dada for "Wazu". Water from this
spring is offered to pilgrims as benediction. Many take
this water home in bottles as they have found healing
powers in it. To the right and left of Dada's seat in the
wall, you see openings. It is said that Dada left through
one of these. Muslim devotees believe that he left for
Mecca and Medina, and Hindu devotees declare that Sri
Dattatreya Swamy left for Kashi. In the right wall there
is a niche (Mehrab) which contains a pair of wooden
sandals, coated with silver, which Dada is said to have
used. To the right of Dada's seat there are four other
seats. These are the seats of the four saints buried in
the cave, mentioned earlier. After the Fateha, the sacred
water from the spring is offered to the pilgrims. Those
who like to make vows are guided by the attendants. In
the right wall, in the outer portion, there is an opening
resembling an underground passage. It appears to be an
outlet for water. People say, tigers enter the cave
through this opening. Many have heard the roaring of
tigers during the night and often the attendants have
seen a tiger, in front of Dada's seat. When the
attendants open the Dargah, they tap the door and wait
for a few seconds. After the Fateha, pilgrims pay their
respects to Dada, collect their offerings, leaving behind
whatever they desire for the Dargah and enter the other
portion. There are sealed boxes in which pilgrims can
drop their cash offerings.
Stay
Pilgrims stay for a day
or two more after their visit to the Dargah (Ziarat). On
intimation at the office, the attendants will make all
arrangements. There are a few simple but comfortable
rooms. "Ganji" from Dada's Langar (Bhandar Khana,
Kitchen) is offered to all, in the morning and evening.
Hotel facilities are available throughout the year.
People who like to cook their own food can conveniently
do so. There are shops which supply all necessary things,
at reasonable prices. Utensils can be obtained from the
office. The rooms have electric lights and water has to
be pumped up and supplied through taps. People have to
pay electric energy charges. Barring this, nothing is
charged for all the facilities, provided by the
institution.
Before departure pilgrims
pay their respects to Sajjada Nishin Sahib and seek his
blessings. Remember that the Sajjada Nishin is Dada's
representative and deputy. Very often Dada speaks to his
pilgrims through him and his word is Dada's word.
Contributions for the maintenance of the Dargah, for
providing amenities to the pilgrims or for any other
purpose can be made to him.
For those who do not have
their own vehicle, there are buses towards both
Chikkamagalur and Shimoga. There are many spots here of
great interest to tourists and a visit to these can be
conveniently coupled with the pilgrimage.
Towards Shimoga, one can
visit Krishna Rajendra Hill Station at Kemmangundi, the
Iron and Steel works, the Cement Plant and Paper Mills at
Bhadravati, the world famous Jog falls and Sharavati
Hydroelectric station, visit Agumbe and watch the famous
sunset there and proceed to Hassan and see the temples at
Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola, which are world
famous for their intricate and beautiful
sculptures.
May Dada pray to God to
bless us with all the good things we aspire for in this
world, and the other - Amen [BACK
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