Opinion | The Relationship of Lal Ded and Sheikh ul Alam: One Connected Spiritual Life

The history of Kashmir is closely connected with the names of two great mystics, Lal Ded and Sheikh ul Alam (Nund Rishi). These saints were prominent figures in their time, and the influence of their teachings and ideas can still be seen today. Although they were contemporaries they followed different spiritual paths. However despite the differences in their doctrines, they are in many ways intertwined and together form a single spiritual tradition. The legacy of these mystics lives on in the memories of the Kashmiri people and in the poetry passed down from generation to generation. Although there is no definite answer to the question of the nature of the relationship between Lal Ded and Sheikh ul Alam, most researchers agree that it was close and that the ideas of the former greatly influenced the latter.

A great number of traditional Kashmiri songs and folk tales are dedicated to the relationship between Lal Ded and Sheikh ul Alam. The most famous and beloved among them is the verse about the great Lal Ded of Padmanpura (modern Pampore)

‘Tas Padmanporachi Lale, Tami gale amryeth chav. Swa sanin avatar lwale,tithyui mye var ditam Diva’.

This verse is considered to be an embodiment of the idea of the spiritual connection between these two mystics. It is known that Sheikh ul Alam (Nund Rishi) was greatly inspired by the words of Lal Ded, and many of his Shruks are believed to have been written under the influence of her Vakhs.

Lal Ded, also known as Lalleshwari, was one of the most revered mystic poets of medieval Kashmir. She actively opposed blind faith and popular empty rituals, calling people to return to the true faith and find God in themselves. Her Vakhs, which were written in a simple and understandable language, were addressed to all people, rich and poor , high and low. Years later, another great mystic, Sheikhu lAlam appeared in Kashmir. He spread the idea of integrity, simplicity, compassion, and devotion to nature through his Shruks calling people to honest work and respect for others. The ideas of these two great mystics were intertwined and formed the basis of the true faith.

The relationship between Lal Ded and Sheikh ul Alam was most likely spiritual. While Lal Ded is believed to have been the first to show the path of faith in God in Kashmir, Sheikh-ul-Alam followed this path and developed it further, spreading the ideas of true faith. The spiritual teachings of these mystics were close to each other, and many scholars believe that they complemented each other, creating a complete system of ideas.

It is interesting that according to local legends, Lal Ded blessed the young Sheikh-ul-Alam, which indicates the closeness of their spiritual traditions. This episode is considered by some to be symbolic, but it seems that it is entirely consistent with the history of the two mystics. Thus, it is possible that Lal Ded and Sheikhul Alam were contemporaries, but there is no doubt that they were united by a common goal. The great ideas of these mystics inspired people for centuries, and their legacy is being preserved and passed down to the present day.

One of the most important aspects of the ideas of Lal Ded and Sheikhul Alam is that they were both directed to all people. They preached charity and compassion, love and respect, honesty and integrity. They fought against ego, arrogance, and unjust social norms. These mystics called people to look for faith in themselves rather than in others, to recognize the divine in themselves and others. In many ways, thanks to the efforts of these saints a tradition of mutual respect and tolerance of different beliefs was established in Kashmir. Even today, in the modern world, their words are relevant and inspire people to respect each other and live in harmony. The verses of these mystics are chanted not only in the homes of the local inhabitants but also in the mosques and temples, universities and schools, in the streets and squares of Srinagar.

Another similarity between the teachings of Lal Ded and Sheikhul Alam is that they were both directed to ordinary people. The saints wrote in simple language that could be understood by anyone, rich or poor, educated or not. This accessibility is one of the reasons why their words have remained relevant to this day. In addition both mystics emphasized the importance of nature, asking people to take care of it and live in harmony with it. They also taught that God can be found only in the path of humility and devotion to others, not in outward manifestations of faith.

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the lives and teachings of these great mystics. Even today, in the modern world, their ideas are being studied and spread, inspiring people to love and respect each other. The legacy of Lal Ded and Sheikhul Alam is not only reflected in the words of their Shruks and Vakhs but also lives on in the traditions and culture of the local people. Thus the great ideas of these mystics will live on in the hearts and minds of people for as long as the world exists.

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