Kashmir: Baba Chamliyal, affectionately known as the “Healing Touch Saint,” is a revered figure whose legacy continues to inspire devotion across religious and national borders. His shrine, located in the village of Chamliyal in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, attracts thousands of pilgrims from both India and Pakistan, thanks to his legendary healing powers, particularly in curing skin diseases. His story, which spans over 320 years, is interwoven with themes of compassion, service, and communal harmony, making his shrine not only a site of spiritual importance but also a symbol of unity in a region marked by its cultural and political complexity.
Ancient History and Spiritual Influence
The origins of Baba Chamliyal’s life are steeped in legend, with specific details of his early years remaining elusive. It is believed that Baba Chamliyal was born in the village of Chamliyal, where he devoted his life to healing and serving the community. His reputation as a healer, particularly for skin ailments, spread rapidly. His spiritual teachings emphasised compassion, humility, and service to all people, regardless of their caste, creed, or religious affiliation.
Baba Chamliyal’s healing powers have become legendary, with many attributing miraculous cures of various ailments to his blessings. His ability to cure skin diseases in particular earned him the affectionate title of the “Healing Touch Saint.” Over the years, people from far and wide—across India, Pakistan, and even beyond—have visited the shrine to seek his blessings, resulting in the growth of a vibrant community of devotees who share stories of his divine intervention.
The Shrine of Baba Chamliyal
The shrine of Baba Chamliyal, located at the international border between India and Pakistan, is unique in several ways. Situated in a region often fraught with political tension, the shrine has become a place of peace and spiritual solace. The site has become a unifying force, where pilgrims from both nations come together to honour the saint and seek healing. This cross-border appeal is a testament to Baba Chamliyal’s legacy, transcending national boundaries to foster peace and goodwill.
Architecturally, the shrine is modest but imbued with a sense of tranquility. Its simplicity mirrors Baba Chamliyal’s teachings of humility and devotion. The main shrine area is a focal point for prayer and offerings, and the surrounding grounds are lush and serene, adding to the peaceful atmosphere that pervades the site. The shrine continues to serve as a spiritual haven for those seeking relief from ailments and those in need of guidance and peace.
Annual Mela: A Celebration of Unity
One of the most significant events associated with Baba Chamliyal is the annual Baba Chamliyal Mela, held every June. This religious gathering draws thousands of devotees from both sides of the India-Pakistan border. While it is a deeply spiritual event, the mela also celebrates the region’s rich cultural diversity. The fair is marked by processions, devotional songs, and cultural performances, creating a festive atmosphere that reflects the shared heritage of the people of the region.
The Healing Shakkar and Sharbat
Central to the Baba Chamliyal Mela are the rituals surrounding Shakkar and Sharbat—sacred items believed to possess healing powers. The Shakkar is a special soil that devotees believe is infused with Baba Chamliyal’s healing blessings. The soil is often mixed with water to form a paste, which is then applied to the skin to treat ailments. Sharbat, a holy water drawn from the shrine, is believed to have similar healing properties. Both items are distributed to devotees during the mela, and many people claim to have experienced miraculous cures after using them.
An especially significant aspect of the mela is the cross-border exchange of Shakkar and Sharbat between the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers. This gesture of goodwill, carried out every year during the event, underscores the shrine’s role in promoting peace and fostering friendly relations between the two nations. In a region often marked by conflict, this exchange is a powerful symbol of harmony and mutual respect.
Healing Powers and Spiritual Legacy
Baba Chamliyal’s legacy as a healer is at the heart of his enduring spiritual influence. The saint’s ability to cure skin diseases—particularly eczema, boils, and other ailments—became the cornerstone of his reputation. Devotees claim that even animals suffering from similar conditions have been healed through the saint’s blessings. The healing of diseases, as well as Baba Chamliyal’s compassionate spirit, continues to attract pilgrims to his shrine, seeking both physical healing and spiritual comfort.
The shrine has become a lasting symbol of hope for countless individuals, with many recounting stories of miraculous recoveries attributed to their faith in Baba Chamliyal’s blessings. Over the centuries, the shrine has remained a site where the faithful gather to seek solace, healing, and divine intervention.
Cultural and Communal Harmony
One of the most remarkable aspects of Baba Chamliyal’s shrine is its ability to bring people together, despite the often-divisive political and religious landscapes of the region. The shrine is visited by people from different religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others. This shared reverence for Baba Chamliyal’s healing powers and teachings has fostered a sense of unity, transcending communal divisions.
Baba Chamliyal’s message of peace, love, and brotherhood is a unifying force. The shrine serves as a reminder that spirituality, rooted in compassion and service, can bridge divides and promote understanding across cultures and faiths. His legacy continues to be a beacon of communal harmony in a region that has faced many challenges.
Travel Guide: Visiting Baba Chamliyal’s Shrine
Location:
Baba Chamliyal’s shrine is situated in the village of Chamliyal, located in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The shrine is positioned close to the international border with Pakistan, making it a unique cross-border pilgrimage site.
How to Reach:
– By Air: The nearest airport to Chamliyal is Jammu Airport, which is approximately 40 kilometres away. From there, visitors can hire taxis or use public transport to reach the shrine.
– By Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, well-connected to major cities in India. From Jammu Tawi, one can travel by road to Chamliyal.
– By Road: Chamliyal is accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services operating from Jammu. The route to the shrine is scenic and offers a glimpse of the beautiful landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the shrine is during the Baba Chamliyal Mela, which takes place in June. This is when the shrine witnesses the largest gathering of pilgrims. However, visitors can also come year-round to seek blessings or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine.
Accommodation:
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Jammu, where pilgrims can stay before visiting the shrine. Basic accommodation options are also available near the shrine, particularly during the mela.
Cultural Etiquette:
Visitors are advised to maintain respectful behaviour during their visit. As the shrine is a place of worship, it is customary to dress modestly and show reverence while participating in the rituals.
