Sant Mekan Dada

Sant Mekan Dada (1666-1729 AD) was the famous Kapdi Saint of Kutch. He spent his whole life in Rann of Kutch, looking after survivors and people lost in desert and serving them food, water and shelter. His two partners were "Laliyo", the Donkey and "Motiyo", the dog. He would load "Laliyo"-donkey with water and food and the "Motiyo" was trained by him to direct the "Laliyo" to travelers lost in great desert of Kutch. Thus they would provide water, food and direction to the hungry, thirsty and lost travelers and nomads passing through the Rann of Kutch ^[1]. He was also a good poet and composed several hymns based on the Hindu philosophy. Today he is worshipped as the re-incarnation of Lakshman by the Ahir community.^[2].

His samadhi along with that of his faithful friend Motiya, the dog and Lalia, the donkey, at Dhrung (Dharang) village about 40 km from Bhuj, Gujarat, is the venue of the annual Mekan Dada Fair, dedicated to him, which takes place on the eve of Mahashivratri (February - March) every year, attracting people from Gujarat and Rajasthan to participate in the religious rituals^[3][4].

Biography

Sant Mekan Dada it is said was born in Vikram Samvant - 1720. He spent almost whole his life criss-crossing the Rann of Kutch, doing this humanitarian services. In his late life he established himself in Dhrang, in V.S. 1786.

He also had five disciples with him, who religiously followed him and along with Sant Mekan Dada did the humaniterian services, as explained above. Rao Desalji was also a great follower of Sant Mekan Dada. He used to preach villagers and his followers also. He preached against untouchability and superstitions.

The Sant Mekan Dada later took a live Samadhi along with his five followers in Dhrang village. The Samadhis are one of the most revered sites of Kutch and people of all communities go there to pay their respects and offer prayers. Name of one of his five disciples, who took samadhi with 'Mekan Dada' was Mistri Kanji belonging to Mistri community of Kutch.

The Samadhi is at Dhrang Village of Bhuj Taluka. The village is located at a distance of about 40 km from Bhuj town. The premises were Sant Mekan Dada took Samadhi houses his Samadhi Temple, a Temple of Lord Shiva, Samadhis of his five disciples, samadhi of his animal friends "Laliyo"- the donkey and "Motiyo" - th dog, an old 'Vaav', etc. Also on display are the robes he wore and things he used during his lifetime.

Mekan Dada Fair

A fair is held in Dhrang village, in memory of Sant Mekan Dada on very holy festival of Lord Shiva, at the pious day of "Mahashivratri", named Mekan Dada Fair. This is an annual event and Gujarat Tourism Department also organises "Kutch Festival" during this fair. This fair is also famous for its rural tradition of old times -"Mall-Akhado" (wrestling) and "Renkda-Daud" (Cart Racing). This 'Mekand Dada Fair' is a major event and centre of tourist attraction in Kutch, Gujarat State of India.^{[4] [5][6][7]}

References

1. ^ Born to Rann: Weaned on a harsh land, the Kutchi community firmly believes that self-help is the best help by Sagarika Ghose, Outlook (magazine), Feb 19, 2001. "Mekan Dada, saviour of the nomads, is worshipped by all wanderers"
2. ^ Dharang India9.com.
3. ^ State Events: Guajarat: Dharang Fair Zee News
4. ^ ^{a b} All roads leads in remembrance of Mekan Dada Tridiv Vaidya, TNN, The Times of India, 25 February 2006.
5. ^ Kutch Tourism
6. ^ Festival
7. ^ [1]

External links

• Mekan Dada, Samadhi shrine at wikimapia

Persondata
Name	Mekan Dada, Sant
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	1720
Place of birth
Date of death	1729
Place of death