Dynamic sacrifice of Sheikh Ladhasa Pir – Foundation of Kutch fort
Kutch has a mammoth history underneath its Mud that keeps on quaking. But, do you know the chronicle behindhand? It is all because of Sheikh Laddhasa Pir. Now, there would be an uncertainty? Who is Sheikh Laddhasa Pir? What has he to do with Kutch? India has an outstanding past. Kutch is no keister. Kutchis are famed for their perseverance and dedication of their sacrifice for their soil.
History of how the Fort was built
Ravshree Khengarji I made bhuj the capital on 1605 AD. And later on, obviously as per the rule, the elder son rules the kingdom whereas the younger one gets the land. Kingdom was always ruled by the elder son who was known as ‘Tilat’, whereas the younger one who got the land was known as ‘Fataya’. This was the rule in Kutch during the reign of ‘Jadejas’. Jadejas ruled Kutch for many centuries. There is one spellbinding episode that ensued which upturned the future of Kutch. The name of the brave human was Sheikh Ladhasa Pir.
He asked the king that the sacrifice of a being who has all the thirty-two Gunas (attributes) is mandatory to build the fort.
Story and the incident
Maharav Desalji, son of Ravshree Khengarji I wanted to build the fort of Bhuj to protect from the attacks from other kingdoms. For making this possible anyhow, his highness invited old and young, rich and poor, saints and asked for their proposal. Amongst all the invites was Pirshri Somnathji from Jinodhar Jagir. Kundali was always checked before initiating any auspicious work to complete it without any hassle. Pirshri Somnathji saw Kundali of Bhuj city and asked to start the work for building the Fort. However, the chakra for the column of the fort was not setting in and work was not getting started at any cost. King and the rest of the individuals were apprehensive. Mahant Guruji of Poshal Jagir was present there and he knew Jyotishi well. He asked the king that the sacrifice of a being who has all the thirty-two Gunas (attributes) is mandatory to build the fort. Later on, after learning this, the king of Kutch broadcasted the sacrificial prerequisite and asked a person despite any caste creed to come forward for this work. But days past and none arrived. King got worried.
he saw a man arriving sitting on a bull.
King had a ritual of worshipping Rudramata temple located 15 km away from Bhuj. He always visited Devi whenever he faced any adverse situation and he was not left unanswered anytime. He visited the temple with the expectation of receiving an answer. No sooner he visited, Devi appeared in his dream guiding him about the man who would arrive from the North direction in black attire. Maharav lost his sleep and the next day while he was waiting in the North direction, he saw a man arriving sitting on a bull. He readily showed his eagerness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of the kingdom. The name of this brave person was Sheikh Ladhhasa.
The gathering was held at Patvadi Naka in Bhuj. Ladhasa sheikh sacrificed his life with his own hands. He is worshipped as Sheikh Ladhasa Pir after his sacrifice. He had four other brothers in his family and he was the youngest. Sumrasar village was given to the lineage of Sheikh Ladhasa pir. To date, the village is known as Sheikhvari Sumrasar after him.
Kutch is an example of the unity of Hindu and Muslim. I have seen Muslims and Hindus rub shoulders in any situation. This is the brave story of a stone laid for the Fort of Bhuj. For, more such stories click the link below:
This blog is written as a part of the blogchattarAtoZ challenge.
26 Comments
Surbhi Prapanna
Wow you are also doing A2Z challenge. all the best dear. this post was so informative. you had shared great details about kutch fort and its history.
Cindy Dsilva
Wow I love the information on this fort. I’m currently ready a novel which is wet in such a place. Loving the intricate details of the architecture too.
Deepti
What a wonderful saga about Bhuj. I remember Bhuj and Kutch very fondly because it was the first place I went to after marrying my Army husband. I visited the Rudramatha Dam as well. Thank you for bringing back wonderful memories.
Sundeep
Thanks for sharing story behind this sacrifice of Sheikh Ladhasa Pir. I really don’t have idea about this.
Mrinal Kiran
I didn’t know about this story… It’s really nice! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Aishwarya Iyengar
Love a good piece that covers the history of the place. Very well written and love how it summarises the vast history of Kutch.
Seema Bardeskar
Kutch is a place that I’ve seen only through TV shows. I want to visit the place for its culture and heritage, the white sands and yummy food.
Docdivatraveller
I really want to explore this side of India. Kutch really fascinates me. Great travelogue.
Yogita Joshin
Wow this is soo new to me… you penned the article perfectly.. loved reading it
SWETA
Thanks Yogita
Firdaus Peerzada
Loved reading the history and facts about this fort. Kutch truly is an awesome place to visit. A worth sharing post truly.
Cindy Dsilva
This is some good information. But a picture would make it more mesmerising. I love forts and ancient architecture combined.
SWETA
Would keep that in mind and share posts with more pictures in them. Thanks Cindy.
Monidipa
I am in Gujarat since pretty long time but haven’t visited Kutch. The history intrigues me. Id love to visit there.
SWETA
You should. It is a fantastic place with a magical history to share.
Pamela Mukherjee
Very well descriptive post about the place and the story. I never heard about the narration and glad you shared it
SWETA
Glad you liked it Pamela
Sandy N Vyjay
Kutch is indeed a shining beacon of the harmony and oneness of different communities. Loved reading about the fascinating history associated with the Kutch Fort.
SWETA
thanks Sandy N vyjay
Hansa Kajaria
Being a Kutchi myself and having my roots in bhuj and Madai, I enjoy reading your blogs gives me a feel of my land and information about the history which is so rich.
SWETA
Glad Hansa. I could bring back the memories of your place.
Rahul Prabhakar
Loved the story of Sheikh Ladhasa who sacrificed his life with his own hands. I will be visiting Kutch after the pandemic is over.
Akanksha
Kutch has deep history and I was always fascinated to know more about it.. it was so good to know about him.
MeenalSonal
That is heart touching story to be aware of. Good to know more about the Kutch Fort and its legacy.
Docdivatraveller
Loved reading the history behind the Kutch fort. I am always intrigued by the story of a place!
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