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Sadhu Belo

SADHU BELO MANDIR

Sadh Belo, also known as Sadh Bela or Sat, is a sacred island located in the Indus River near Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan. It is renowned for its magnificent Hindu mandirs (temples) that hold deep religious significance. These temples are associated with the syncretic Udasi movement of Sikhism, adding to their cultural and historical importance. The centerpiece of the island is Teerath Asthan, which stands as the largest Hindu mandir in Pakistan. Alongside this grand temple, the complex comprises eight other temples, a library, dining areas, and a vast garden. It also provides accommodations for monks and individuals seeking a spiritual retreat on the island. Sadh Belo serves as a spiritual haven, drawing devotees and seekers of spiritual enlightenment. The serene environment and the presence of these sacred mandirs make it a cherished destination for Hindu pilgrims and those seeking solace and introspection.

Temple in the Sadh Belo Island, Sukkur, Pakistan.

RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE

Depiction of Bankhandi Maharaj, an Udasi saint who founded Sadh Belo in 1823

Baba Bankhandi Maharaj, originally known as Balchand Sharma, was a spiritual seeker who arrived in Sindh in 1823 at the age of 15. Whether hailing from Kero Khetar near Delhi or Nepal, he settled in the forested island of Menak Parbat, now known as Sadhu Bela, located in Sukkur, which served as a bustling trading hub during that time. Embracing a life of solitude, he became renowned as the sage of the woods. When Baba Bankhandi arrived on the island, it was merely a cluster of trees. However, he was captivated by its charm and chose it as the ideal location to establish his sacred fire, known as dhuni. According to legends, Baba Bankhandi had a dream where he encountered Annapurna, the goddess of grain.

The shrine features intricate marble work.

In the dream, she presented him with an oblong metal object called Kamandal and assured him that as long as it remained within the complex, there would be an abundance of food for the community kitchen. Driven by his devotion, Baba Bankhandi went on to establish various places of worship, including mandirs dedicated to deities such as Annapurna, Hanuman, Ganesh, and Shiv Shankar. He also set up spaces for the Granth Sahib and Bhagavad Gita, symbolizing the harmonious convergence of different faiths. Baba Bankhandi lived until the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy that would be carried forward by his disciples. Throughout the years, several successors, such as Swami Achal Prasad, Swami Mohan Das, and Swami Harnarain Das Udasin, served as the custodians (mahants) of the sacred site, preserving its sanctity and carrying on the spiritual traditions established by Baba Bankhandi Maharaj.

MANDIRS

Devotees reach the Sadh Belo temple, which is situated in the middle of the Indus River

The mandir, initially built in 1899 by Sant Harnam Das, the eighth gaddi nashin (spiritual successor), holds great significance for Hindus in Sindh and even in India, drawing occasional pilgrims from across the border. Every year, a three-day festival known as the Baba Bankhandi Maharaj Mela commemorates the death anniversary of Baba Bankhandi Maharaj. Thousands of devotees participate in this event, receiving free accommodation, food, and water as part of the celebration.

Sadh Belo is notable for its unique characteristic of housing numerous prayers and texts written in Sindhi, the language of the Sindh province in Pakistan. Access to the mandir is strictly regulated, and permission must be obtained from the Pakistan Hindu Panchayat. Due to the stringent security measures in place, it can be challenging for non-Hindus to visit Sadh Belo, as it is the largest mandir in Pakistan.

Following the partition of India in 1947, the gaddi nasheen family, responsible for managing the temple complex for generations, moved to India. However, they continue to travel to Pakistan once a year to officiate and attend the fair, symbolizing their role as custodians of the mandir. Presently, Sadh Belo is under the custody of the Evacuee Trust Property Board and is well-maintained. However, the absence of the former administration of Udasi mahants is deeply felt by the community.