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These days, there is a lot of discussion on social media about a tomb built in Karachi, Pakistan. More than two hundred crocodiles live in the lake present in this shrine associated with Baba Farid. What is its whole story, let us know.
Hundred year old crocodiles are also found in this lake (Image- Social Media)
These days, pictures and videos of Mangopir Mazar located in Karachi, Pakistan are going viral on social media. There is a lake in this tomb, in which more than 200 crocodiles live.
These crocodiles are so calm that devotees feed them by hand. These crocodiles eat sweets, meat, eggs and rice. Many crocodiles are said to be more than 100 years old. People associate them with ‘Baba Farid’s yoke’. What is the whole story of this unique place?
The story is related to the saint
Mangopir Mazar is the shrine of the 13th century Sufi saint Pir Mango (also known as Saki Sultan). It is located in Gadap Town of Karachi, which is one of the oldest areas of the city. Pir Mango was a disciple of Baba Farid Ganj Shakar (1173-1266). Baba Farid was a great saint of the Chishti order. According to the story, Pir Mango was the first Hindu dacoit Mango Vasa, who used to plunder caravans. Once he tried to rob Baba Farid, but influenced by Baba’s divinity, he accepted Islam and became a Sufi. Baba Farid sent him here and asked him to spread Sufism in the area.
Where did crocodiles come from?
The story of crocodiles is even more interesting. According to a popular belief, these crocodiles are made from the lice of Baba Farid. When Baba Farid blessed Pir Mango, his yoke was thrown into the lake and miraculously it became a crocodile. These crocodiles are considered to be the disciples of Pir Mango and protect the Dargah. In another story it is said that Lal Shahbaz Qalandar provided hot water springs here and the yoke became a crocodile. Some historians say that these crocodiles came here from ancient floods and have been there for centuries. The lake is home to marsh crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris), which are on the verge of extinction outside Pakistan, but are safe here. Devotees consider him ‘happy’. People come from far and wide, read Fateha and offer food to the crocodiles. It is believed that if the crocodile accepts the food, then the wish is fulfilled.
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