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Uttar Pradesh shrine draws possessed
people of all faiths for cure
by Ashish Kumar Diwedi

     Hardoi (Uttar Pradesh): A Muslim shrine in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district has earned popularity for curing people believed to be possessed by evil spirits. A large number of people visit the shrine devoted to Jindbaba. It is located in Mohalla Bhatthapurva and is believed to have been in existence hundreds of years. The main priest here is a Hindu and he performs daily prayers as per Islamic rituals. Believers perform rituals and seek the blessings of Jindbaba. "This is a very old mausoleum. Those who are possessed with spirits or afflicted by any other problem, come here to get cured. They visit and pray at the shrine," said Santosh Kumar Singh, the priest of the shrine. As per rules at the shrine, individuals suspected of being possessed are asked to perform certain rituals for a duration of 40 days. If possessed by any evil spirit, the body of the affected person suddenly begins to convulse and contort, it is said. People from different religions visit the shrine and, they say, are cured. "My wife was very ill. We consulted various doctors and visited several shrines but nothing happened. Then we came here at Jindbaba's shrine. Now my wife is better and turning absolutely fine," said Mannu Singh.
-July 9, 2009