Dhrang
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Dhrang is about 40Km from Bhuj and it is known for the Samadhi of the famous Saint Makad Dada.
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Dhrang is about 40Km from Bhuj and it is known for the Samadhi of the famous Saint Makad Dada, who died here. Dada Makad was born in village called Nani Khombhadi. Dada Makad in his younger days specialized in rescuing people who where dying of thirst in the terrible wastes of the Rann. Makad Dada's dog Motia would scent out the sufferers, his donkey Lalia would follow afterwards and would carry the sufferers to the shelter where the saint would care for them. Makad Dada is the St. Christopher of Kutch, the patron saint whose blessings assure a safe journey. When he became the Guru of Maharao Deshal, every one in Kutch knew that their ruler fully deserved the blessing which had come to him.
The popular Stories which describe the relationship between Maharao Deshal and Makad Dada show the Maharao exhibiting a healthy skepticism towards Makad Dada. For example when Makad Dada had taken up his duties as the Maharao's spiritual advisor, the Maharao heard that a lady was residing with Saint. Anxious to inform himself about a situation which was causing gossip, the Maharao once presented himself before the saint's lodging at midnight. He was admitted and he found the saint in the shape of a tiny infant, with the lady as his mother. The saint rebuked the Maharao. "We are ascetics and you are king: please never come and test us like this in our Ashram. You disturb our meditation. "The Maharao asked if he could now receive advice on his difficulties of he observed this instruction. Makad Dada told him to set up an idol, with appropriate ceremonies at a particular place in Bhuj. This idol under the guidance of the saint, would answer any questions which were addressed to it before eight o'clock in the morning and would convey to the Maharao the advice of Mekad Dada on any difficult matter. The Place where idol use to reside near Nagar Chakla is still remembered but the story goes that some mistake in procedure was made which after a short time prevented the method from working well so that the Maharao had to resort directly to Makad Dada again.
There are the samadhis of Madad Dada and his disciples including the dog Motia and donkey Lalia at Dhrang Makad Dada served the people of Kutch and won their devotion. He is believed to be a God. The followers of Makad Dada are spread over the district of Kutch, Banaskanth, Saurashtra and some parts of Rajasthan. A large fair is held on Magh Vad - 14 Mahshivratri. Dhrang has a population of 548 citizens.
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