Pala, a very popular performance associated with the mixed cult of Satyapir, has wide distribution in Orissa. Its origin goes back to Muslim-mughal period when asimilation of Satya Narayan of Hindu pantheon with Pir of Muhammadanism, brought about a synthetic cult known as 'Satyapir'. This is an instance to show the inter-change of cultural traits between Hindusim and Islam resulting in subduing to a great extext the intolerance and anticism of Muslims. As a consequence of this fusion the Hindus became the disciples of the Muslim guru or Fakir and adopted worship pattern of some Hidnu deities and vice versa. |
Satyanarayan is an incarnation of Vishnu, and Pir is an oldman or precept of Muslims who established a religious sect at Persia. The Fakir considered to be the incarnation of Satyapir, exercised a tremendous influence on the common people of Muslim and Hindu sects. The propitiation of this deity is intended for well-being of the people. A story with regard to the origin of Satyapir is recorded in the Pala of Krishna Haridas. According to this interesting story, king Maidanb's virgin daughter Sandhyabati while taking a dip in the river, saw a flower floating and by smelling it she became pregnant. When her parents were aware of the fact, they took it a serious offence and drove her away. Under orders from Satyapir still in the womb, Hanila built a palace for Sandhyabati where she gave birth to a ball of bloody flesh. She threw it away into the river. A she-tortoise swallowed it up, gave birth to Satyapir and went to heaven after death. Kusaleswar, the Purohit of Maidanab brought him up with care. One day while taking a walk on the bank of the river Nur, Satyapir found a manuscript of Koran. The Brahmin asked him to keep that book in its former place as it should not be touched by a sacred Brahmin. The boy argued and concluded that there was no difference between a Purana and Koran. Hinduism and Islam are not hostile to each other. |