Bulleh Shah's Shrine Vandalised in Mussoorie: A Blow to Sufi Heritage
A shrine dedicated to the revered 17th-century Sufi poet Bulleh Shah was recently vandalised by unknown miscreants in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This act of desecration has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for the protection of India's rich Sufi heritage. The incident has also brought into sharp focus the timeless teachings of Bulleh Shah, whose philosophy of universal love continues to resonate across cultures and generations.
The Poet Who Transcended Religious Boundaries
Bulleh Shah, often compared to the legendary Rumi, remains one of Punjab's most celebrated Sufi poets. Born in 1680 in Kasur, present-day Pakistan, his real name was Abdullah Shah. He rejected all forms of division based on caste, creed, religion, and gender, preaching instead the primacy of ishq or universal love. As Punjabi poet Dr Gurbhajan Gill notes, Bulleh Shah's famous kafi perfectly encapsulates his worldview: "Masjid dha de, mandir dha de, dha de jo kujh dhainda. Par kisi da dil na dhavin, Rabb dilan vich rehnda." This translates to: "Break down the mosque, break down the temple, break down everything that can be broken, but do not break a human heart, for that is where God resides."
A Life of Rebellion Against Orthodoxy
Bulleh Shah's journey was marked by three significant acts of rebellion that challenged the social and religious norms of his time. Professor Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, formerly of Panjab University's Punjabi Department, describes him as a "seeker" who defied conventions at every turn.
First, he rebelled against caste hierarchy. Despite belonging to an upper-caste Syed family, Bulleh Shah chose Shah Inayat Qadri, who hailed from the Arain caste of vegetable growers, as his spiritual guide. This decision was opposed by his family, with only his sister supporting him.
Second, he challenged religious orthodoxy. During a period when Islam had taken a conservative turn under Mughal rule, Bulleh Shah openly scorned rituals like Hajj, fasting during Ramzan, Sharia laws, and daily namaz. One of his kafis boldly declares: "Tainu kafir kafir kehnde ne, Tu aaho aaho aakh" (They call you infidel, you retort: 'Yes, I am, I am!').
Third, he defied patriarchal norms. Bulleh Shah learned to sing and dance, adopting pink attire traditionally worn by Punjabi brides instead of the customary green Islamic clothing. His poetry often employs a feminine voice, urging women to reject oppression and claim their rightful place in society.
Syncretic Philosophy and Spiritual Influences
Bulleh Shah's spiritual journey was remarkably eclectic. He studied under the Qadriya Silsilah, a branch of the Sunni Sufi order, but also drew inspiration from Nath yogis who blended Tantric Shaivite rituals with Tantra-inspired Buddhism. Professor Sirsa notes that Bulleh Shah was particularly drawn to these yogis because he believed they transcended religion, connecting individuals directly to the Supreme Being through yogic practices.
Calcutta University professor Amit Dey, in his article "Locating Bulleh Shah in the Mystical Tradition of South Asia," argues that the poet's work exhibits deep Vedantic Monism. This philosophy asserts belief in Brahman, the universal, ultimate reality underlying all existence. Bulleh Shah saw God in everything: in friends and foes, Hindus and Muslims, men and women. As Dey writes, "He sees God in Krishna and Rama. Bulleh Shah adores Muhammad not as a messenger of God but as incarnation of God."
Enduring Cultural Legacy
Despite facing opposition during his lifetime—so much so that the clergy denied him burial space when he died in 1758—Bulleh Shah's legacy has only grown stronger with time. Today, his tomb in Pakistan attracts devotees from around the world, and local elites seek burial sites near his resting place.
His poetry continues to inspire artists across borders:
- Filmmakers like Mani Ratnam, Farah Khan, Imtiaz Ali, and Gulzar have featured songs based on his kafis in their films
- Popular songs like "Chhaiyya Chhaiyya," "Bulla Ki Jana Main Kaun," and "Dama Dum Mast Kalandar" draw directly from his work
- A biopic on Bulleh Shah is currently under production in Pakistan
- Several awards have been instituted in his name, including the Aalami Punjabi Ikatth's Bulleh Shah Award and Pakistan's Bulleh Shah Gold Medal
Contemporary Relevance and Reflection
The vandalism of Bulleh Shah's shrine in Mussoorie stands in stark contrast to the poet's message of love and tolerance. Dr HS Bhatia, former Dean (Languages) at Guru Nanak Dev University, emphasizes that Bulleh Shah's core messages of universal love, compassion, and concern for mankind remain as relevant today as they were in the 17th century.
Fluent in Persian and Arabic yet choosing to write in simple Punjabi, Bulleh Shah made his philosophy accessible to common people. His writing, laced with cultural nuances, earned him a lasting fandom that transcends religious and national boundaries.
Perhaps the poet himself would have responded to both the vandalism and the subsequent outrage with characteristic equanimity. As he wrote in one of his kafis: "Mitti da tu mitti hona, kaahdi balle balle" (from dust you will go to dust, why this hullabaloo). Yet, for those who cherish India's pluralistic heritage, the protection of sites honoring figures like Bulleh Shah represents something far more significant—the preservation of a tradition that celebrates our shared humanity above all artificial divisions.
