Jhulelal

Dear Children,

Today I shall tell you, the name of the Patron Saint that Sindhis pray to. Sindhis worship 'Jhulelal'.

His story is based on some historical events. A lot has come down to us by word of mouth. What is important to remember, is that He taught that all religions give out the same message of love and unity. 

One astrologer called the child 'Amarlal' (Amar means 'deathless') and claimed that his memory would be immortal as his name suggested. Once while the child lay on his cradle, it started to swing of its own accord, hence the child was also called 'Julelal' which means one who swings to and fro. The Divine child was born on 'Cheti Chand' to Devaki and Rattanchand of Nasarpur. Upon opening the baby's mouth, the parents 'saw' the River Sindhu flowing, and an old man with a white beard sitting on a 'pala' fish, whose peculiarity is, that it swims against the tide. 

Jhulelal was born during difficult times. During the 10th century Sindh was ruled by the Sumras, who were tolerant to all other religions. But there was one exception. 'Mirkshah', who was a tyrant, was threatening the Hindus to either embrace Islam or die. The frightened and helpless Sindhi Hindus prayed. It is believed that on the 40th day, the River God spoke to them. He promised that a Divine Child would take birth in Nasarpur to save them.Mirkshah tried various means to do away with Jhulelal but the latter was always saved by miraculous interventions. When Mirkshah finally confronted Jhulelal, he 'heard' a sermon which proclaimed that the whole of Creation was created by only One God, who Muslims called 'Allah' and Hindus 'Ishwar'.

As the Muslim priests continued to persecute 'Jhulelal' ferocious waves encircled Mirkshah and his companions. Defeated, they cried out for forgiveness. The persecution of the Hindus stopped. Jhulelal promised to come to the aid of his devotees whenever he would be called upon.

The world is passing through a stormy time, once again. Shall we remember to call upon Jhulelal, specially, this 'Cheti-chand'. (Sindhi New Year)?