The myth that lives on

Devotees gather at the shrine each year in the Bengali month of Phalgun. Photo: STAR

A few miles off Jhenidah, at Barobazar, lies the shrine of legendary Gazi, Kalu and Champaboti, who according to popular myth, lived in the region about 700 years ago.
Each year in the Bengali month of Phalgun, devotees gather at the shrine to pay homage to the legends and receive their blessings. The venue takes on a festive look on the occasion. This year the mela was held on March 8 and 9.
Thousand of devotees thronged here last Thursday night. Some brought 'batasha' (sweets) and candles, while some had cattle with them as offerings. As tradition has it, food was provided to all, dirt poor or rich. Throughout the night, in candlelight, devotees prayed, keeping the three legends in mind.
Devotees believe that Gazi and Kalu had miraculous powers. Gazi was the son of Sultan Shah Sikandar Ali and Azufa Shundari. Gazi's mother was the daughter of King Bali (a Hindu royalty). Kalu was Gazi's adopted brother.
Sultan Sikander Shah offered his throne to Gazi but the latter refused, claiming that he was committed to the life of an ascetic. The Sultan was enraged.
Gazi's convictions were tested. An elephant tried to trample him; he was attacked with a sword, thrown in fire and subjected to other trials. But Gazi survived. He left the country accompanied by his brother Kalu. He reached Sundarbans and stayed there for seven years.
Here fairies and tigers became his disciples. From this belief locals of Sundarbon still recall Gazi when in fear of tigers.
Gazi fell in love with the beautiful Champaboti, daughter of King Mukut Roy of Brahmannagar. On learning this, the king was furious and waged war against Gazi. Tigers and crocodiles fought on both sides and eventually Gazi won the fight. Mukut Roy surrendered and agreed to Champaboti and Gazi's marriage.
The charismatic Gazi revealed his powers at an astana (den) at the village of Badurgachha in Kaliganj. Gazi, Kalu and Champaboti's stories have been circulated from generation to generation.
Gazi remains a “Zinda Pir” (immortal spiritual leader) to his followers and thus the myth lives on.