Lost in the Fields: A Sikh-Era Samadhi Along Kasur-Raiwind Road

01-04-2025

Orara, a small village along the Kasur-Raiwind Road, lies just 7 kilometers from the well-known village of Daftu. Once part of a region rich in Sikh population and culture, Orara still holds echoes of that past. About one kilometer outside the village, in the middle of open fields, stands a weathered dome—a crumbling samadhi that quietly whispers stories of devotion, memory, and identity in rural Punjab.

Though its exact history remains shrouded in mystery, the structure’s architecture speaks of its spiritual roots. Likely built around 80 to 100 years ago, this modest domed memorial may have been dedicated to a local Sikh elder, saint, or landowner. The term "samadhi" refers to a shrine or tomb-like structure that enshrines the memory of the departed—a space for contemplation and reverence, rather than traditional burial.

Despite its ruinous state, the architectural language of the samadhi remains striking. The dome, though scarred by time and neglect, bears the hallmark of lotus-style curvature—a subtle nod to spiritual symbolism in both Sikh and Hindu traditions. It may once have featured a kalash (finial) at its peak, representing transcendence—now lost to time.

The structure’s most evocative features are its cusped (or scalloped) arches, also known as multi-foil arches. These are classic elements of late Mughal and Sikh architecture, prized for their rhythmic, floral elegance. More than mere decoration, such arches reflect a confluence of Persian and Central Asian influences woven into the architectural tapestry of Punjab.

Constructed from colonial-era brick bound with lime mortar, the samadhi showcases vernacular craftsmanship—simple, resilient, and deeply rooted in local tradition. Traces of faded lime plaster suggest the structure may once have gleamed in white, a color often associated with purity and sanctity in Sikh shrines.

Today, the samadhi stands in near-complete dilapidation. Nature has reclaimed the land around it; bricks have eroded, walls have partially collapsed. And yet, it endures—a solitary monument in a field, having survived the seismic shifts of Partition, political upheavals, and changing land use.

In 1947, when Punjab was divided along the bitter lines of Partition, many such rural shrines were abandoned as Sikh communities migrated eastward. The Samadhi of Orara remains a silent witness to that historical rupture—one of countless untold stories scattered across the landscape of Pakistani Punjab.

Today, no one visits it for prayer, and no plaque bears its name. Perhaps some village elders still remember whose memory it once honored, but that oral thread is fraying fast.

The Samadhi of Village Orara deserves a name, a sign, and a moment of remembrance. If nothing else, let this image and story serve as a record. Perhaps one day, this humble monument will be mapped, remembered, and honored once more.

The Golden Weights of Hazrat Hasutili (RA)

Silsla Suhrawardiyya 

16/03/2025

حضرت حسوتیلی

Long ago, a group of travelers waded through the shallow waters of the Ravi River. As they reached the middle, one of them felt something solid beneath his feet. Curious, he reached down and pulled out a weight made of pure gold. Surprised, the group searched further and discovered more—one weighing a full seer, another half a seer, and a smaller quarter-seer weight, all crafted from gold.

The discovery stirred conflicting emotions. While some were tempted by greed, one man remained steadfast in his integrity. He declared, “I know the rightful owner of these weights. They must be returned.” True to his word, he carried them to the grain market and handed them over to their original owner. The owner, however, was left bewildered by their return.

These weights belonged to Hazrat Sheikh Hasan Kanjadgar, better known as Hasutili. The man who retrieved them was an honest grain merchant. Hazrat Hasan was a devoted disciple of Hazrat Shah Jamal (RA) and operated a grain business in Chowk Jhanda, near Lahore’s Mori Gate.

Years earlier, he had sought the blessings of his spiritual guide. Hazrat Shah Jamal, with his keen insight, advised him, “Hasan, always weigh grain with honesty.” The words struck a chord. From that day forward, he not only stopped under-weighing but went a step further—he allowed customers to weigh their own grain. Some took an honest measure, while others, driven by greed, took more than their share. Yet, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred—those who weighed fairly found their grain increased, while those who took extra realized their grain had mysteriously diminished upon reaching home.

As a result of his unwavering honesty, Hazrat Hasan’s business flourished. Prosperity followed him to such an extent that he eventually had his weights made of gold.

One day, he presented these golden weights to his mentor, Hazrat Shah Jamal (RA), saying, “By following your guidance, my business has been blessed so abundantly that I have crafted my weights from gold.”

His mentor, observing his devotion, responded with a simple but profound command: “Take these and throw them into the Ravi River.”

Without hesitation, Hazrat Hasan obeyed. He cast the precious weights into the river, trusting the wisdom of his guide.

The following morning, an unusual event unfolded—the very same golden weights were found once again in the river, just as at the beginning of the story. When Hazrat Hasan retrieved them and presented them once more to Hazrat Shah Jamal (RA), he humbly said, “Hazrat, as per your instructions, I threw them into the river. Yet, they have returned to me.”

His mentor smiled and replied, “This was a test of your sincerity. Not only did you abandon deceit, but you also let go of what was rightfully yours for the sake of honesty. That is why your wealth was blessed. Because your earnings were pure, even when cast into the river, they could not be lost.”

These words profoundly moved Hazrat Hasan. His heart overflowed with spiritual enlightenment, and he chose to renounce worldly pursuits. He devoted himself entirely to the service of Hazrat Shah Jamal (RA) and immersed himself in worship and ascetic practices. Over time, he reached remarkable spiritual heights, performing miracles and gaining widespread reverence.

A contemporary of Hazrat Madho Lal Hussain (RA), Hazrat Hasan Kanjadgar,

passed away in 1023 Hijri (1616 AD), four years after the death of Aurangzeb. His final resting place is on the road from Qila Gujjar Singh to Mayo Hospital, Lahore. His shrine continues to draw visitors, and his annual Urs (spiritual commemoration) is held with great devotion.

Even today, lamps are lit in his memory at Chowk Jhanda, where his shop once stood. More than four centuries later, his legacy of honesty and righteousness continues to shine brightly, inspiring generations to come.