This piece of
information taken from web site of Maheshwari Meghwars is
stunning. (This site is presently being updated). It is clear from the following paragraphs that Meghvansh, since
centuries existed in Bihar and Megh brothers and sisters in various parts of
India are struggling against the same social hardships though they have been given
different names and religions. It is pleasant to note that Maheshwari
Meghwars have a religion of their own. It goes like this:
General History
“Maheshpanthi” is a term used for collective
identification of lakhs of followers of a unique religion called
“Baarmati-Panth” founded by the venerable Matang Dev. The followers of
“Baarmati Panth” are spread all over India but its presence is most visible in
the districts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar in Gujarat (India)
and Sindh (now in Pakistan) apart from the other Indian States like Maharashtra,
Bihar, M.P., etc.
It is believed that the revered Matang Dev founded his
religion sometime around 900-1000 years ago in the parts of Kutch and Sindh. He
was born to Jasde-Devi and Matra-Rakh at village Mandna in Bihar (India) on the
banks of holy Gangas. He migrated from Bihar to Kutch/Saurashtra/Sindh region
at his youth and united the people amongst the various untouchable & tribal
castes, who until then had been debarred from professing Hindu Religion due to
religious ban coerced by the high-caste Brahmins. In local terminology, these
untouchables and tribals were called “Jhankhriyas” and “Simbhriyas” respectively.
These neglected people staying across the Kutch-Sindh region embraced the the religion founded by Matang Dev, based on liberty, equality and fraternity. The
first 12 sub-castes who embraced “Baarmati Panth” comprise of
(i) Kannar, Nangsipotra, Roshiya
(ii) Chande, Aediya, Sondhra
(iii) Fofal, Danicha, Bhoiya and
(iv) Dhua, Jod, Loiya and collectively being called
Maheshwari. Teachings of Lord Matang Dev were so revered that even the warrior
class of Kutch i.e ‘Jadejas’ accepted him as their sole Master (Priest).
History reveals that Matang Dev acquired martyrdom
alongwith “Abda-Adbhang” (Princely King of Kutch) while fighting with
“Haiderkhan Pastan” (a Pathan warrior from Western India) in the Great Rann of
Kutch, for protecting the motherland from violent massacre and ransacking.
Eventually, his Son “Lunang Dev” fought a very brave battle and killed
Haiderkhan. Body of Lord Matang Dev was buried at the outskirts of ‘Seni’ near
Badin-Sindh (now in Pakistan), which is the foremost pilgrimage place for all
Maheshwaris.
Subsequently, “Lunag Dev” continued the legacy of his
father Lord Matang Dev with absolute integrity and devotion. Lunag Dev is being
worshipped as the highest spiritual deity of all Maheshwaris. His body is buried
at “Tharai” (Sindh-Pakistan).
Similarly, his son “Maatai Dev” carried on the
established legacy of “Baarmati-Panth”. He played a very prominent role in the
formation of Princely dynasty of Jadeja clan (a warrior class of Indian
Kshatriyas) in the Kutch-Sindh region. His orders were obeyed by all Jadejas as
a call of God. The supreme religious power of ordaining someone as King was
conferred upon to Lord Maatai Dev. This indeed was a historical phenomenon in
India, as this prestigious penultimate power had been reserved only for the high
caste Brahmins. This supreme exclusive power of coronation is still in
existence from one generation to other particularly in the Kutch region. After
his heavenly abode, he was buried at Bhadra-Sindh (now in Pakistan).
Now, the duty of preaching the tenets of Baarmati-Panth
hierarchically came onto the shoulders of Lord Maamai Dev, son of Lord Maatai
Dev. Being the 4th generation of Lord Matang Dev, he acquired ample knowledge
gathered over the years by his ancestors. Maamai Dev was admired by all. He got
the special ability to preach the tenets of religion in a more lucid manner
understandable to all. Many Princely Kings of Kutch, Junagadh, Jamnagar used to
venerate him and give the highest regard. He narrated the tenets and precepts of
Baarmati-Panth in a more innovative way. He created unique ragas (a classical
form of singing) conducive to routine time table and occasion i.e. Noda, Vagat,
Umaro, etc. in the form of stanzas. He possessed divinity and uttered more than
9,99,000 words and forecasted the future of the world in a more authentic manner
called ‘Agamwani’ in local parlance. Most of his prophecies, which rendered due
maturity, have been proven true without any slightest of doubt. Many of his
prophecies are awaiting the events to happen as their time is still not ripe.
He has forecasted the things in a more scientific manner. All Maheshwaris lays
supreme belief in the teachings of Lord Maamai Dev with complete wisdom and
faith. His prophecies are undoubtedly more natural and authentic from others.
It is a pity that the scholars from the rest of the world are still unaware of
this great Master, as his work and religion were kept secret due to historical
reasons. He was such a visionary Religious Master as he realized that after his
death, nobody would be able to restrain the sanctity of the post of Religious
Master. As such, he terminated the hierarchical practice of becoming Religious
Master by birth. Instead, he advocated that after his death, only the
‘Baarmati-Panth’ would be regarded as the supreme state of religious affairs.
Thus, he was a man of sheer wisdom and valor. After he left for heavenly abode,
he was buried at Makli-Sindh (now in Pakistan). Thereafter, his six sons namely,
(i) Matiya, (ii) Lalan, (iii) Bhagwant, (iv) Meghanand,
(v) Maade and (vi) Merchant and their descendants, collectively called
“Matangs”, are performing all rites and rituals of the religion but the highest
obeisance is being given to ‘Baarmati-Panth’.
Pilgrimage Places:
1. Char-Dham:
(i) ‘Seni’- Dhanimatang Dev, near Badin (now in
Sindh-Pakistan).
(ii) ‘Tharai’- Lunang Dev, near Tharai (now in
Sindh-Pakistan).
(iii) ‘Bhadra’- Maatai Dev, near Haji savan (now in
Sindh-Pakistan).
(iii) ‘Makli’- Mamai Dev, at Makli (now in
Sindh-Pakistan).
2. Chandrua Dham: Situated on the hill/mountain at
Lakhond Village (Bhuj-Kutch).
3. Bagthada Dham: Anjar (Kutch) near Jaisal-Toral Temple.
4. Matang Rai : Varsamedi village in Taluka Anjar (Kutch).
5. Trei-Jaar: Situated at the Bank of Pur River,
Raydhanpar village, Bhuj (Kutch)
6. Karumbha Hills: Situated on the hills (Kadamgiri) of
Palitana (Gujarat-India).
7. Luni Dham: Situated in village Luni at Mundra (Kutch).
8. Gudthar Matiya: Situated in village Gudthar at Abdasa
(Kutch).
9. Bhojara Matiya: Situated at Mundra (Kutch).
10. Valsara Matiya: Situated at Mandvi (Kutch).
11. Ghebi Matiya: Situated near Vinjaan Village, Naliya
(Kutch).
12. Gadh-Ghomli: Situated at Bhanwad in Jamnagar District
(Gujarat-India)
Efforts are on hand to transcribe the history of
Baarmati-Panth and prophecy of Maamai Dev in a comprehensive manner.
