Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, June 6: The Budha Amarnath Temple in the Mandi region of the border district of Poonch is a holy site for Hindus.
Millions of devotees make the journey to this shrine each year as part of the Amarnath Yatra. Hindus believe that visiting Budha Amarnath in Poonch is necessary to fully complete the Amarnath Yatra of Kashmir. Budha Amarnath welcomes all pilgrims, regardless of their faith or social status.
Abdul Ghani, a native of Palira in Tehsil Mandi, has been a fixture on the Budha Amarnath temple grounds as a drummer for the last three decades. Ghani pays his bills with the money he earns by entertaining pilgrims that come to the shrine.
Ghani may be seen beating on drums on the temple grounds from dawn ’til dusk, and sometimes even later.
Abdul Ghani told Milap News Network that he was assaulted by two bears a few km from the shrine about 25 years ago.
The BSF battalion, the temple’s priest, and several members of the management committee were all there. A government worker helped me. The Deputy Commissioner at the time was quite helpful, and I was able to get medical attention. The bear assault left me with serious wounds on my arms, head, and mouth. After a long period of time, I was able to get better, but I was still unable to work. He said, “Back then, I much preferred to sit in this temple.”
The people of the temple have a lot of faith in me, and I have a lot of faith in them. Allah is one, but he has many names. I feel that Baba Budha Amarnath rescued me. They’ve been so kind as to let me remain at the temple and even feed me.
Even at the height of the terrorist threat, Ghani claimed he was able to provide for his family by playing the drums in the Mandi shrine. He also said that he plays drums out of his own free choice to make money and cover his family’s costs, and that he feels no pressure from anybody in his village or community to do so.
He also claimed to have a second ministry in the Dargah in Aala Peer.
He anticipates that the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, during which pilgrims from all across India will come to hear him play the drums and give him donations, will once again allow him to make a living.
There has a long tradition of religious freedom, fraternity, and communal peace in Jammu & Kashmir. Poonch is known as the Crown of India since it is home to Indians of every faith, caste, and colour. There are numerous examples like Ghani throughout the area.
There are several instances of churches, mosques, and temples coexisting together. The ‘Azaan’ calls the faithful to prayer, while bhajans and’shabadkirtans’ fill the air with uplifting music.
