In the Jehanabad district of Bihar, a unique and miraculous ber tree stands as a testament to profound public faith and local folklore. Located right in front of the Sadar Hospital near a shrine at the district headquarters, the tree is associated with a distinctive belief regarding missing family members. According to local tradition, if someone gets separated from their household or suddenly goes missing, their worn clothes are brought and thrown onto this ber tree. People believe that if the tossed clothing gets caught and hangs on the branches, the missing person will surely find their way back home. Conversely, if the cloth falls down from the tree, it dampens the hopes of the waiting relatives. Even today, anyone visiting this site and observing the ber tree will find numerous garments hanging from its branches.
Unwavering Faith and Shrine History
The human garments hanging from this ber tree serve as clear evidence of the deep-seated faith people hold in this sacred spot. This is the exact reason why distressed individuals visit this location to seek blessings and make wishes. The ber tree is situated directly inside the campus of the shrine. When asked about the precise age or history of the tree, the custodian does not specify how old the ber tree itself is. However, the history of another tree located within the same shrine complex is documented to be 116 years old. People seeking fulfillment of their vows do not belong to just one specific community; individuals from all religions harbor deep faith in this place and visit regularly to offer prayers.
Ancient Traditions Linked to the Dargah
Mo. Iqbal Ahmed Ayubi, the custodian of the Dargah Hazrat Haidar Shah Shailani, explained that when someone leaves home and goes away, gets lost somewhere, or fails to return for a long time, anxious family members bring the worn clothing of that person and toss it onto the ber tree. If the cloth gets stuck on the tree, the missing individual is believed to return home safely. The custodian noted that many families have indeed reunited with their relatives after visiting this place. People of all faiths visit this location, and the tradition itself is extremely ancient. While he could not specify the exact age of the ber tree, an tamarind tree inside the same campus is recorded in the 1916 survey record book.
Rich Heritage and Visits from Prominent Figures
This historic dargah is situated near the Hospital Mor at the district headquarters. The dargah holds a very special significance, which is why several prominent personalities visit the site to offer chadar. An Urs is celebrated here every year, and special preparations are underway for the upcoming observance. Custodian Iqbal Ahmed Ayubi stated that the dargah is 815 years old and belongs to Hazrat Haidar Shah Shailani, who came from Sri Lanka. The immense antiquity of this shrine in the district has drawn numerous renowned figures to this sacred location over the centuries.
