As these wandering saints traversed diverse regions, they gathered lessons and shared them with wider audiences
Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo
In my homeland, I am a frequent explorer of both rural and urban vistas, transcending religious boundaries. During my wanderings, I’ve been privileged to encounter ancient monuments, sacred shrines, and venerable tombs. As a student, my insatiable curiosity drove me to delve into history in all its forms, eagerly collecting narratives from local inhabitants. I often wondered why no new shrines were being erected, whether there was a shortage of those committed to benevolence in our society. Through these chronicles, a profound realization dawned upon me, many of the hallowed shrines and the individuals celebrated in annual festivals were once itinerant sages and erudite scholars. While I concede that some shrines are constructed purely for emotional manipulation and profit, the majority pay homage to individuals who led lives marked by constant travel, eschewing permanent settlement to prioritize dignified service to humanity.
Our ancestors conveyed their wisdom and heritage to posterity by etching them onto cave walls, carving them into stones, and inscribing them onto wood, leather, and other materials
This nomadic way of life, I believe, contributed to the limited accessibility of education and knowledge, which was often reserved for the privileged few. These saints essentially were living libraries of their time, and rarely had the opportunity to read in the traditional sense. They stood as the exclusive fountains of wisdom and information regarding the world’s transitions, challenges, and visionary possibilities. As these wandering saints traversed diverse regions, they gathered lessons and shared them with wider audiences. Perhaps it was the Mughals who paid tribute to them by erecting shrines in their memory, serving as lessons for future generations.
Read more:
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai…. Poet of Nature and Human Behavior
In the annals of history, our ancestors conveyed their wisdom and heritage to posterity by etching them onto cave walls, carving them into stones, and inscribing them onto wood, leather, and other materials. However, with the advent of the printing press, initially met with resistance by major religions of the era, the dissemination of stories and historical accounts expanded, gradually reaching those who were previously underserved. Consequently, the prominence of these saints began to fade.
In our contemporary era, where information is readily accessible with a simple click, the genuine worth of those who seek and acquire wisdom often goes unnoticed. My plea is not for the construction of new shrines in their honor but rather for their recognition. Regrettably, we tend to remember such extraordinary individuals for only a fleeting moment after their passing.
Also read:
Saints and Folklore: Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
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Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo, based in Hyderabad, is a specialist in Institutional Development, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), and Fundraising.
