Kanifnath Shrine: A Unique Symbol of Syncretic Traditions in Maharashtra

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 8 January 2025 The Kanifnath Shrine in Madhi, Maharashtra, embodies syncretic traditions, attracting both Hindu and Muslim devotees. Known for its legends, festivals, and unique rituals, the site blends cultural harmony with spiritual significance. Managed by hereditary priests and Mujawirs, it highlights the coexistence of diverse faiths despite occasional communal tensions. Main Points: The Kanifnath Shrine in Madhi, Maharashtra, is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, attracting devotees from both communities. The shrine is famous for distinctive practices, including a narrow gate that only the faithful can pass through, symbolizing purity and devotion. Festivals and celebrations at the shrine reflect its rich history and its role as a center of spiritual harmony. The shrine is managed by both Hindu priests and Muslim mujawars, representing its inclusive nature. While celebrated for its unity, the shrine has faced occasional communal tensions, highlighting the need to preserve its harmonious legacy. ------ Beautiful Kanifnath temple at Pune ------ The temple shrine of Kanifnath is situated at Madhi village in Pathardi Taluka of Ahmadnagar district, Maharashtra. Madhi is approximately seven kilometers from Pathardi town. The village is multi-caste, with no Brahmin households, and about 15% of its population is Muslim. The hill where the shrine is located is locally called Gul Tekri. While Hindus currently refer to the saint as Kanifnath, he was previously known as Kanhoha among Hindus and as Shah Ramzan Mahi Sawar by Muslims. Nature of the Shrine The Kanifnath shrine, perched on a hilltop, resembles a fort from a distance. It features a large wooden gate, accessible via a flight of stairs. Upon entering, visitors see the samadhi (commemorative memorial) of Chaitanya, one of Kanifnath's disciples, to the right. Adjacent to this is the Samadhi of Gorakhnath. On the right-hand side of the entrance gate, under a pomegranate tree, lies the shrine of Mahishamardini. Nearby, there is a stone idol of a bull, with a trident erected next to it. Women devotees often worship at Mahishmardini’s shrine, tying strings or green bangles to the tree’s branches as part of their Mannat (vows). These practices bear similarities to rituals observed at Dargahs in Maharashtra. Inside the main temple room, Kanifnath’s Samadhi-Turbat resembles the graves seen in Dargahs. Both Hindus and Muslims visit the shrine. Many saffron-clad sadhus can also be seen in the temple complex. Arabic inscriptions adorn the walls outside the temple. The shrine is managed by a registered trust established in 1954. Kanifnath is regarded as one of the Nau Naths (nine saintly gurus) revered by Hindu Maharashtrians. He is believed to be the disciple of Jalindranath. Legends Associated with Kanifnath According to legend, Kanifnath was born in the Himalayas from a divine act by Brahma. He meditated for twelve years standing on his big toe. During his pilgrimage, Kanifnath defeated Hanuman in Saurashtra and later encountered Gorakhnath, engaging in a contest of supernatural powers. Gorakhnath eventually introduced him to Jalindranath, who accepted him as a disciple. The temple is said to have been constructed by Pilaji Gaekwad, a king, in 1780. The domed building on the southeast corner, known as Baradari, was built in 1731 by Sahu Raja, Shivaji’s grandson, to fulfil a vow after his release from the Mughal camp. The saint’s tomb was built by Deshmukh of Baramati to regain his eyesight. Festivals and Rituals The shrine sees heavy footfall daily, with larger crowds on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Devotees offer sweets, malida (a sweet dish), and occasionally goats. Two major annual Yatras (festivals) are celebrated at the shrine: Badi Yatra: Held 15 days after Gudi Pawda, the Marathi New Year. Chhoti Yatra: A Muslim-centric festival where a Chadar (sacred cloth) is brought in procession on horseback and taken around the village shrines. Sweets are distributed to devotees. Additionally, the Ekadashi before Gudi Pawda is marked by a ritual where a flag (Nishan) is taken from Madhi to Paithan. Water is fetched from the Godavari River in Paithan on Amavasya (the dark moon night) before Gudi Pawda, a practice linked to Sadullah Baba of Paithan. The Muslim Connection A hereditary Muslim Mujawir family is attached to the shrine. According to their accounts, Kanifnath is also known as Hazrat Shah Ramzan Mahi Sawar Chishti. One legend narrates how Kanifnath’s guru, Syed Baba, used divine powers to revive a cow for Kanifnath, teaching him a sacred mantra. Another story describes Syed Baba’s blessing that thousands of people would fetch water for Kanifnath, a ritual observed during the Yatra. Kanifnath is also credited with defeating three man-eating demons—Dalim Ayi, Dhondi Ayi, and Lene Ayi. Lene Ayi’s remains are symbolized by a rock at the shrine of Mahishamardini. Dhondi Ayi has a small temple nearby, while Dalim Ayi, less ferocious, was made Kanifnath’s sister and given the honour of offerings. Kanifnath reportedly took Zinda Samadhi (live burial) in 1360 CE. Since then, two hereditary caretakers have been assigned to the shrine—a Hindu and a Muslim. Today, four Muslim mujawar families alternate as caretakers annually. Communal Strife In recent years, communal tensions have emerged, attributed more to disputes over resources than religious issues. Hindu trustees have tried to limit the role of Muslim caretakers and stopped goat sacrifices at Mahishmardini’s shrine. However, Hindu nomadic tribes continue the practice outside the premises. Despite challenges, the shrine remains a unique symbol of communal harmony, with devotees from all faiths flocking to pay their respects to Kanifnath, revered as both a Hindu saint and a Muslim Wali (saint). References: Hindu-Muslim Syncretic Shrines and Communities - Page 37 antagonistic tolerance: competitive sharing of religious sites and spaces timothy dale walker Culture of Inequality: The Changing Hindu–Muslim Relations The Politics of Soft Hindutva ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/kanifnath-shrine-syncretic-traditions/d/134273 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism