Sanghar (Hasnain Ashiq Saand) Oderolal, the revered shrine known for promoting peace, tolerance, and humanity, stands on the brink of decay due to administrative neglect. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this fort-like shrine, shared harmoniously by Hindu and Muslim communities, now struggles with deteriorating infrastructure and lack of essential facilities, creating hardships for devotees.
The shrine of Sheikh Tahir, known as Oderolal, uniquely embodies interfaith harmony, with a mosque and temple separated by a single wall. Here, Hindus and Muslims gather without distinction to find solace. The shrine exemplifies religious harmony, where the ringing of temple bells and the call to prayer (Azan) coexist peacefully. For Hindus, it’s known as Udherolal, while Muslims revere it as the resting place of Sheikh Tahir; both communities share an equal devotion.
However, the shrine’s white structure is rapidly losing its luster due to neglect. Neither the government nor local authorities have taken significant steps to restore its former beauty. Moreover, there is a noticeable absence of security measures, posing risks to visitors who come from across South Asia to celebrate annual festivals, including Cheti Chand and Aso Chand. These festivals draw thousands of devotees from both India and Pakistan who arrive to pay homage to Oderolal’s message of peace and unity.
This iconic site, a beacon of tolerance in a time of division, urgently requires restoration efforts and adequate security. It is imperative for authorities to act promptly, preserving this symbol of interfaith harmony and cultural heritage for future generations.
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