The story of Bhakta Salabega transcends cultural and religious boundaries, offering a powerful testament to the unifying force of devotion. Born into a Muslim family, Salabega’s life was defined by his unwavering love for Lord Jagannath, demonstrating that the divine knows no barriers. Let us explore the journey of this extraordinary devotee and the legacy he has left behind.
The Birth and Early Life of Salabega
Salabega was born in a poor Muslim family. His father, Lalbeg, was a Mughal officer who served under Jahangir in Bihar between 1605-1627. During a Mughal attack in Puri, Lalbeg married Salabega’s mother, Fatima Bibi, who was an Odia Brahmin woman abducted and forcibly married by Lalbeg. Salabega grew up with his mother’s stories about the Hindu scriptures, which filled him with a love for Lord Jagannath.
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Birth: A poor Muslim family.
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Father: Lalbeg, a Mughal officer.
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Mother: Fatima Bibi, an Odia Brahmin.
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Spiritual Inclination: A devotee of Jagannath.
Salabega’s Connection to Dandamukundapur
Salabega’s maternal home was in Dandamukundapur, a village near Pipili in Puri district. This place became his memorial site. It is said that, Salabega’s mother, in her heart, always felt connected to this village. Ramadas Das also notes in his work “Dadyata Bhakti”, that Fatima was kidnapped by Lalbeg while she was taking a bath. This highlights that although she was married to a Mughal, her devotion to her roots and Lord Jagannath remained intact.
The Mughal Attack and the Abduction
In 1607, Lalbeg, also known as Kuli Khan, was a Subedar in Bihar. As a loyal officer of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Lalbeg came to Puri with the intention to attack the Shri Jagannath Temple. However, upon seeing a Brahmin woman bathing in a pond in Dandamukundapur, he was captivated by her beauty and abducted her. She refused to submit to him, and so Lalbeg allowed her to continue practicing her faith. He married the woman and she was given the name Fatima Bibi. It is said that Lalbeg, a devout Muslim, even vowed never to attack Hindu temples, and never to make Fatima accept Islamic practices.
Salabega’s Journey to Devotion
Growing up, Salabega was exposed to the Hindu scriptures and puranas, and was greatly influenced by the teachings of his mother. In his younger days, he became severely injured in a battle, and on his deathbed, he asked his mother for help. It was then that his mother told him about the Puranas and stories of devotion. On her advice, he chanted the name of Krishna for three days and nights. It is said that he recovered from his illness as a result of his devotion, and he made the village Vrindabanabag. It is said that this place has come to be known as Baishnga.
Later, Salabega and his mother went to Puri but were not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple. Overwhelmed by this discrimination, Salabega wrote: “Pita mo Mogal beta, mata mo Brahmani, E kule janmili Hindu na chhuen mo pani.” Which translates to: “My father is a Mughal, my mother a Brahmin; born into this lineage, a Hindu will not touch my water”.
In another text, it is written that after his visit to Puri, he went to Balasore from 1608 to 1615. Later, he became a disciple of Yashobanta Das.
A Test of Devotion and the Lord’s Grace
It is believed that after Salabega’s passing, Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosha, stopped mid-procession, awaiting his arrival. Finally, the cart could proceed only after his soul came near it.
Salabega’s story highlights the power of pure and unwavering faith. Despite his societal limitations and the challenges he faced, he never wavered in his devotion to Lord Jagannath, and the Lord showed him his grace in unique ways.
The Eternal Memorial of Devotion
Today, a samadhi (memorial) has been built in Balagandi, Puri, in honor of Salabega. There is also a place called ‘Salabega Pitha’ in Dandamukundapur, where cultural programs in the name of Salabega are now being organized.
Bringing the Spirit of Universal Devotion Home
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Jai jagannath 😊🙏