Part 5.1 - Shri Amar Katha–Shri Jhulelalji

The book ‘Shri Amar Katha-Shri Jhulelal Ji’ gives many more details of Jhulelal and the traditions followed by Sindhi community. The opening of the book says that this book is narrated by Pugar Saheb who happens to be a cousin brother and first disciple of Lord Jhulelal. It describes the total life history of the deity. It is written in the style of Purana and it is known that Puranas are open-ended books.

Therefore, it is quite possible that some additions might have been made from time to time to this book before it has been printed in the present form.

The book is in Devanagari script and the language is Hindi, therefore easy to understand for people who possess the knowledge to read and follow Hindi. For people living in the province which is the area of influence and spatial geographical spread (See plate 7) of Lord Jhulelal and understand Hindi, this book can be termed as an important source of information on Lord Jhulelal.

It is also noted that because the format of the book is that of a story or Purana, repetition occurs in this book quite often and one finds the information of similar nature repeated therein. The Purana style of narration makes the book very interesting for the reader. This book has other characteristics of Purana in it. One finds stories, sub-stories, miracles and knowledge. It is a mixture of stories and teachings embedded in prose and poetry with a lot of interesting events happening continuously in the book. It is in a story form which keeps flowing from chapter to chapter. Many new characters keep coming, whereas some keep going and the flow of the story is uninterrupted making it very interesting. (Thakkar and Bhalerao 2017:2).

It describes the Amarlal Sahasranam in praise of Lord Jhulelal or Amarlal stating his various names. This is similar to the popular Vishnu Sahasranam^[1] which mentions the various names of Lord Vishnu and is composed to praise him. A detailed description of Panchopachar Pooja is also found in this book i.e. worship by offering five things is also found in this book. (Thakur 2015:358). Some more rituals are found in this book such as Varundev Stotram, Ashtak of Shri Uderolal Sahib, Amar Vandana, Aarti, Pallo, Palav and Amar Chalisa. (Thakur 2015:374). The meter is similar to that of Hanuman Chalisa.

The book ‘Shri Amar Katha -Shri Jhulelalji’ is the book by Pugar Saheb himself and it gives a detailed information about all the rituals connected with Sindhi community. As such one finds details about ‘Cheti Chand’, Baharana, Chaliho, Pallav, Panjado and evening prayer ‘Akho’ etc. which are the valuable traditions of Sindhi society that are being followed in the current times as well. In spite of such great contribution by Pugar Saheb people have not been able to understand his greatness.

The author touches the concept of ‘Guru Parampara’(uninterrupted succession of Masters) and ‘Guru Mantra’ (sacred chanting given by Master) and explains its importance. In introduction he says that the rift in the society due to religious intolerance, lack of peaceful atmosphere and materialism are dominating factors today. If his literary effort could contribute even in a small way in awakening spiritualism in society he would feel grateful.

The book narrates complete life story of Thakkar Guru Pagar Rai (Pugar Saheb) in details which are not found in other literary sources. The other literary sources do not have details of the life story of Pugar Rai, they only mention that he was the first disciple and descendent of Lord Jhulelal. Whereas this book has many more details. There is a story about the birth of a son to Thakur Pugar Rai and his wife Nirmali Bai. The birth of son took place at the somewhat older age of Pugar Rai. The son was named as Budha Thakur. As the story goes ahead, Budha Thakur received Vidya (knowledge) from a teacher and Guru Mantra from his father.

The Budha Thakur inherited the Gaddi (seat) after Pugar Rai discarded his body. In due course of time, Budha Thakur was married and he had three sons, who also continued to serve the ‘Gaddi’ and propagate the teachings of Pugar Rai in areas like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Multan, Dera Gazikhan and Kathiawad.

The relationship between Aroras of Sindhi community and Pugar Rai has been explained in the book as Thakkar Pugar Rai was born in Arora Rajput caste and Tinna sub-caste. Some people believe that the surname Tanna in Lohana community has been derived from Tinna.

While concluding the book the author touches the concept that since the time of Ṛgveda, the Mul Tatva (origin) is one, though people might worship them with different names like Indra, Mitra, Varuṇa or Agnidev. At the end, the importance of Jal (water) and Jyot (fire) is described stating that they both are symbols of Lord Jhulelal and those who worship them will live a fruitful life. The message at the end of the book says that the believers and followers of Iṣhṭadev Lal Sahib (Lord Jhulelal) and Sadguru Thakkur Sai (Thakkar Pugar Rai) can get their wishes fulfilled by worshipping them. The book makes an interesting reading for the devotees as it has many details and exciting narrations. There are many quotes in the form of poetry embedded in the prose matter. The poetry is similar to Chowpayee of Saint Tulsidasji and sounds sweet to the ears.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Literally means one thousand names of Lord Vishnu