The long-standing tension between Bollywood star Salman Khan and the Bishnoi community, which dates back to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, might find a resolution. Reports suggest that the Bishnoi community has urged Salman to visit a temple and seek forgiveness. This temple, located in Nokha tehsil, Bikaner district, Rajasthan, is known as Muktidham and holds significant religious importance for the Bishnoi community. Could a visit to this temple help put an end to this 26-year-old dispute?
The Historical Significance of Muktidham Temple
Muktidham Temple, located around 1000 km from Mumbai, is the most important spiritual site for the Bishnoi community. It holds the Samadhi of Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj, the revered founder of the Bishnoi sect. Every year, thousands of devotees from all over India visit the temple to pay their respects to the spiritual leader. Twice a year, on Phalgun Amavasya and Asoj Amavasya, large fairs are organized where nearly 10 to 12 lakh people participate.
For the Bishnoi community, who consider wildlife protection an integral part of their faith, the blackbuck, which Salman Khan was convicted of poaching, is sacred. They believe that if Salman Khan wishes to end this dispute, a public apology at Muktidham Temple is necessary.
Bishnoi Community’s Stand on Salman Khan
The Bishnoi community has expressed their faith in the Indian judicial system, believing that justice will be served in due time. Hanumanram Bishnoi, office secretary of the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, reiterated that while they cannot comment on the Lawrence Bishnoi case, they expect Salman Khan to admit his wrongdoing.
“Salman Khan hunted blackbucks, which are dear to our community, and his case is in court. We trust that justice will be done, but unless the person sincerely repents for his crime, no apology is of any use,” Hanumanram mentioned.
The community emphasizes that this apology must come from within, driven by the actor’s true repentance for the crime. Legal processes aside, the Bishnoi people believe in spiritual justice and feel that a gesture at Muktidham Temple will help ease the tension.
Why Is Muktidham Temple Important to the Bishnoi Community?
Muktidham, located in the small village of Muqam in Bikaner, is where Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj attained Samadhi. He founded the Bishnoi sect in 1485, emphasizing environmental conservation, non-violence, and compassion for all living beings. It is believed that before Guru Jambheshwar entered Samadhi, he designated the Khejri and Jaal trees as symbols of his resting place. Even today, the trident found 24 feet underground during the excavation remains at Muktidham as a symbol of spiritual power.
The temple has become a pilgrimage site for the Bishnoi people, and their connection to this place is deep-rooted in their faith. The community’s desire for Salman Khan to visit Muktidham and apologize shows how serious they are about their traditions and values.
The 26-Year-Old Dispute: Will an Apology End It?
Salman Khan’s legal battle over the blackbuck poaching case has been ongoing for 26 years. While the courts continue to deal with the legal aspects, the Bishnoi community seeks a resolution that goes beyond the courtroom. To them, the blackbuck is sacred, and an apology at Muktidham Temple would symbolize genuine remorse on Salman’s part.
This temple visit might offer a way to bridge the gap between the actor and the community, and help restore some peace. While this might not change the court’s verdict, it would show that Salman is willing to acknowledge the cultural and religious values of the Bishnoi people.
Fairs at Muktidham: When the Bishnoi Community Comes Together
Every year, Muktidham Temple sees a huge influx of visitors during its two main fairs. The Phalgun Amavasya fair is ancient and holds historical importance, while the Asoj Amavasya fair was started in 1591 AD by Saint Vilhoji. The fairs are jointly organized by the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha and the All India Guru Jambheshwar Sevak Dal. These events attract devotees from Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, and they pay their respects at the temple in large numbers.
Guru Jambheshwar’s teachings, which laid the foundation of the Bishnoi faith, emphasize the protection of nature, making the community’s plea for Salman Khan’s apology not just about the blackbuck but a larger issue of environmental and spiritual respect.
Will Salman Make the Journey to Muktidham?
It remains to be seen whether Salman Khan will heed the Bishnoi community’s request and make a public apology at Muktidham Temple. While the legal aspects of his case continue, a gesture of goodwill might help soften the friction between the actor and the community that has long held him accountable for the blackbuck poaching incident.
