Simhastha: Muslim makes headgear offered to Lord Mahakal - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Simhastha: Muslim makes headgear offered to Lord Mahakal

Hindustan Times | ByDivya Raje Bhonsale, Indore
May 02, 2016 06:18 PM IST

Mohammad Rafiq Ahmed makes ‘pagdis’ (headgear) offered to Lord Mahakal at Ujjain by the Scindias, the royal family of Gwalior.

Mohammad Rafiq Ahmed makes ‘pagdis’ (headgear) offered to Lord Mahakal at Ujjain by the Scindias, the royal family of Gwalior.

Mohammad Rafiq Ahmed is the fifth generation of his family which is serving the royal clan by making headgears.
Mohammad Rafiq Ahmed is the fifth generation of his family which is serving the royal clan by making headgears.

The tradition of offering ‘pagdis’ to the deity on special occasions, started by Maharaj Mahadji Shinde (Scindia) more than 100 years ago, is still continuing.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Rafiq is the fifth generation of his family which is serving the royal clan by making headgears.

Keeping up with the tradition, the Scindias have recently offered a ‘pagdi’ to Lord Mahakal during the ongoing Simhastha.

The 70-year-old man called Rafiq Bhai, who is making headgears for the deity for more than 50 years, says, “Centuries ago, when Maharaj Mahadji Shinde (Scindia) began to offer prayers at Mahakal temple, his ‘pagdi’ fell before the idol. The Maharaj then decided to offer it to the lord, and the tradition is still continuing.”

He further says, “It takes me 10/12 days to make a ‘pagdi’. I’ve to be very particular about choosing the cloth used in it and maintain cleanliness, as it’s offered to God. It doesn’t matter which religion I belong to. I cannot afford to be careless.”

Rafiq makes at least two ‘pagdis’ every year, believing that by doing so he is serving God.

He says, “Sports and youth welfare minister of the state Yashodhara Raje Scindia is maintaining the tradition of offering Shindeshahi pagdi to the lord. She gives me the order for ‘pagdis’ in advance, and I keep them ready before time. I am serving God, and I know he will take care of me.”

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On