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Hazrat Baba Kambalposh Dargah of Arni and Its Living History

Hazrat Baba Kambalposh Dargah of Arni and Its Living History
Hazrat Baba Kambalposh Dargah of Arni and Its Living History

In the heart of Vidarbha, the small town of Arni in Yavatmal district is defined by a revered shrine that has drawn devotees for generations. The Hazrat Baba Kambalposh Dargah Sharif, situated on the banks of the Arunavati River, stands as a testament to the region’s syncretic heritage and spiritual history.


This shrine, dedicated to a respected Sufi saint, has long been a focal point of faith in eastern Maharashtra.


Every year, its annual Urs festival transforms Arni into a vibrant gathering place as thousands of people arrive to pay homage. The dargah’s rich history and continuing traditions shed light on how religion and communal harmony intertwine in this part of the country.



Origins of the Dargah and Its Saint


Hazrat Baba Kambalposh is venerated as a Sufi mystic whose influence took root in the Arni area over a century ago. His given name was Syed Abdul Rehman, though today he is best known by the affectionate title Baba Kambalposh.


The epithet Kambalposh literally means blanket-wearer, reflecting the ascetic lifestyle often attributed to the saint.

Local narratives describe him as a man of deep spiritual insight who renounced luxuries and was said to be perpetually draped in a simple woollen blanket, a symbol of humility and devotion. Baba Kambalposh lived during the era when this region was part of the princely state of Hyderabad, and he earned a reputation for piety and compassion that transcended religious boundaries. One of his foremost disciples and the dargah’s first caretaker was a local Hindu devotee lovingly known as Bacchu Baba, born Kishanrao.


This early example of a follower from another faith is often cited as a reflection of the saint’s message of inclusivity. After Baba Kambalposh’s death, his tomb was enshrined at the present site in Arni, and almost immediately it became a pilgrimage spot for people from near and far.


By the early decades of the twentieth century, official records were already noting an annual fair in Arni centred on the saint’s urs, drawing large crowds of devotees each year.


Over time, the modest gravesite evolved into a larger dargah complex as royal patrons and common people alike contributed to expanding the shrine.

Today, the Baba Kambalposh Dargah stands as a substantial structure at Arni’s edge, marked by its white dome and arched corridors, serving as a place where history and faith intersect along the riverbank.


A Shrine Revered Across Communities


From its early days, the Hazrat Baba Kambalposh Dargah has functioned as a beacon of communal harmony in the region.


Arni city itself is often described as an example of unity between Hindus and Muslims, largely shaped by the culture surrounding the dargah.

Devotees from different religious backgrounds visit regularly to seek blessings, underscoring the shrine’s wide appeal. The saint’s reputation as a healer and guide extends beyond any single faith. Local Hindu farmers, Muslim traders, and families from other communities recount stories of comfort and fulfilment associated with Baba Kambalposh. In everyday life, the dargah is regarded as a shared sacred space where social boundaries soften.


Temples and mosques stand close to each other in Arni, and it is common for visitors to include the dargah alongside other places of worship during important occasions. This interfaith reverence has remained a defining feature of the shrine.


The dargah’s administration has also reflected this shared ownership, with caretakers and volunteers drawn from multiple communities. The memory of Bacchu Baba, the Hindu disciple who served the saint, continues to be honoured annually through rituals and processions organised by the dargah trust.


Generations of residents have grown up with the shrine as a constant presence, referring to Baba Kambalposh as a spiritual guardian of the town rather than as a figure tied to a single religion.


His name is commonly invoked in blessings and everyday expressions of hope, indicating the depth of popular faith. Over time, the dargah has come to represent social harmony in Maharashtra, drawing attention from writers and observers who note its role in sustaining communal coexistence. The social life of Arni has developed around this shrine, giving it significance that goes beyond religious practice.


The Urs Festival and Living Traditions


Each year in early February, Arni becomes the centre of attention during the Urs Sharif of Baba Kambalposh, a multi-day observance that remains the most important event in the town’s calendar.


The Urs is observed from the fifth to the tenth of February and has gained recognition as one of the well-known religious fairs in Maharashtra.

During this period, large numbers of devotees arrive from across the state and from neighbouring regions. The dargah and its surroundings take on a festive appearance as temporary stalls, food vendors, and gathering spaces appear across the town.


For much of the twentieth century, a traditional bullock racing event known as Shankar Pat formed a major attraction during the Urs. Villagers from surrounding areas brought pairs of bulls to compete, and the event drew significant crowds. The race was regarded as a prestigious competition and contributed to the fair-like atmosphere of the festival. In recent years, this activity has been discontinued due to regulatory and safety considerations, though the Urs remains vibrant without it.


The Urs begins with a ceremonial sandal procession on the afternoon of the opening day. A decorated chariot carrying a sandalwood chadar and incense moves through the streets of Arni, accompanied by music and devotional singing, before returning to the dargah where the chadar is placed on the saint’s tomb. Over the following days, a range of cultural and spiritual programmes are organised within the dargah premises.


Qawwali performances form a central feature, with artists from different parts of India presenting devotional compositions late into the night. These performances attract diverse audiences and are known for drawing listeners beyond the immediate religious community. Poetry gatherings are also held, bringing together poets who recite verses focused on spirituality and social themes.


Alongside these, Hindu devotional programmes are organised, including bhajan performances by local groups. These events are treated as offerings made in the spirit of shared faith and participation.


The Urs also includes folk performances, community plays, and children’s attractions that make the festival accessible to families. Throughout the event, the dargah’s community kitchen serves free meals to visitors as an act of charity. Health camps and social welfare activities are also organised during this period, offering medical check-ups and essential support to visitors and residents.


Each evening concludes with special prayers inside the dargah, while one day is dedicated to collective Quran recitation followed by the distribution of sacred food.

The final day of the Urs marks the saint’s death anniversary, observed with a concluding prayer ceremony and the placement of a fresh chadar on the tomb. As the festival ends, devotees disperse with the expectation of returning the following year, sustaining the continuity of tradition.



Contemporary Significance and Preservation


In present times, the Hazrat Baba Kambalposh Dargah continues to shape the identity of Arni and holds a prominent place in the religious landscape of Vidarbha.


The town is often associated with the shrine, which functions as both a spiritual centre and a social gathering space.

The annual Urs brings economic activity to the area, supporting transport services, small traders, and local businesses. Over the years, facilities within the dargah complex have been improved to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors. These include prayer halls, sanitation facilities, water points, and open spaces for gatherings. An attached mosque within the premises allows for daily worship, while the wider compound is used for community events beyond the Urs period.


The spirit of interfaith participation that marked the dargah’s early years remains visible today. Visitors from different religious backgrounds continue to attend prayers and festivals, maintaining the shrine’s reputation as an inclusive place of worship. The dargah trust emphasises accessibility and openness, reinforcing the belief that the shrine belongs to the wider community.


Cultural programmes held at the dargah frequently combine Islamic devotional practices with regional artistic traditions, reflecting the layered social fabric of the area. Efforts to preserve the historic features of the shrine are ongoing, with attention given to maintaining older architectural elements while accommodating modern needs.


Oral histories associated with Baba Kambalposh continue to circulate among residents, passed down through family narratives and community gatherings. These stories reinforce the shrine’s moral and spiritual importance without being confined to formal religious instruction. Volunteers, particularly local youth, play an active role during major events by assisting visitors and supporting logistical arrangements.


This participation is viewed as a form of service linked to the saint’s teachings. Despite broader social and cultural changes, the dargah remains a stable presence in Arni, providing continuity across generations.

Its ongoing relevance lies in its ability to bring people together through shared rituals, cultural exchange, and collective faith, ensuring that Hazrat Baba Kambalposh Dargah remains central to the town’s life.


References




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