Milestone of India - Milestone in Muslim, Hindu and Sikh Unity. (Bidar - Karnataka)

Bidar: Sri Manik Prabhu Samsthan in Manik Nagar in Humnabad, Bidar district, is a place frequented by Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. Founded by the saint/ philosopher Manik Prabhu in 1845, the temple and the ashram around it organises both Hindu and Muslim festivals all through the year.

The samsthan is considered sacred by the three religions. Muslim devotees believe Manik Prabhu was the incarnation of Sufi saint Mehboob Subhani.

There is also the belief that the Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Mehboob Ali Khan was a reincarnation of Sri Manik Prabhu.

Nearly two lakh devotees from across the country visit the small temple town of Manik Nagar to attend the Datta Jayanti in December every year.

The temple also witnesses celebrations of Maha Shivaratri, Krishna Janmashtami and Holi.

Outlook

What sets it apart from other places of worship is that the samsthan organises Moharram, Fatahyazdaham Gyarahanvi Shareef & Ziarat of Mahaboob Subhani and Qatl Ki Raat. People of all faiths participate in these events with enthusiasm.

Sri Manik Prabhu developed an ecclesiastical philosophy, drawing inspiration from the sacred texts of all faiths. He is referred to as ‘Sakalamata Acharya', a scholar of all faiths.

Followers

He was well read in Sanskrit and Urdu and his preachings and poetry are replete with references to sayings from texts of all faiths and anecdotes. The Nizams of Hyderabad were his followers.

“Sri Manik Prabhu truly lived the saying: let the noble thought come to me from everywhere,” said samsthan secretary Anandraj Manik Prabhu.

He focused on the spiritual unity of the human race, a meaningful connection between men in a spirit of fellowship and brotherhood, disregarding affiliations of religion, caste or creed. Even today, Manik Nagar remains a centre for harmony and brotherhood,” he added. Recently, Sri Gyanraj Manik Prabhu, head of the samsthan was invited to inaugurate a masjid in Humnabad.
The ashram has evolved into an institution of social change in the last six decades. It now runs 19 educational-cultural institutions, including schools for the visually challenged in Humnabad and Raichur, and an orphanage.

A charity hospital is also coming up in Manik Nagar.