Childhood

        In the Sukkur district of Sind, on the bank of the Sindhu river, stands a tiny town - Rohiri - which did not even have many houses made of bricks and mortar. Its houses were mostly made of mud. At one time, this town was a center of learning. It is well-known for its hills and hillocks and peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. 'Sat Ben', a memorial erected in the memory of the seven sisters, who sacrificed their lives to preserve their chastity, has made the town of Rohiri immortal. This little town has been blessed by the birth of countless Sufi saints and sages. Concerning this humble place, we are told that a hundred and twenty-five thousand pirs and fakirs have showered their benedictions upon it. The people of Rohiri have this firm faith that their town is always sanctified by the living presence of seven dervishes at one and the same time. It was in this blessed town of Rohiri, that Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj was born on August 13, 1875, to Bhai Issardas and Devi Chaina in a Bhatia family.

        Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj was born in the days when it was not unusual for parents to have a dozen children or even more. It is not known whether Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj had any brothers or sisters. No mention of this is found anywhere. If he was the only child of his parents, it is likely that he must have been doted upon by them and they must have showered their limitless love upon him. Surrounded as he was by the sunshine of the love of his relatives, one naturally concludes that he must have had a very happy childhood. At the age of five and a half, he was sent to a primary school, there being no nursery schools or kindergartens in those days.

        Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj, as a child, showed spiritual inclinations. He was six years of age when he came in contact with Sain Bekas, who was a Sufi saint of a very high order and who has sung enthralling lyrics, rich in feeling, rapturous in expression and permeated with mysticism. This singer and poet, during his sojourn on earth, communed with the Great Mystery. This Minstrel of God sang of the Gospel of the Love Divine. This renowned saint-poet blessed child Nebhraj abundantly. He had gazed lovingly at the six year old child when he was in the first primary standard and ignited a divine light in him which continued to glow in him till the very last.

        Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj, as a child, took a keen interest in his studies. Owing to his amiable and peaceful nature, he soon became a favourite of his teachers and neighbours. At his age, boys usually spend most of their time in fun and frolic, in playing games and making merry. Child Nebhraj, being spiritually inclined, visited from time to time the shrine of the saint-poet Beydil Shah, the father of Sain Bekas. It was also his good fortune to have come in contact, at an early age, with Sain Paru Shah and Sain Vasan Shah. Five miles away from Rohiri stands the temple of Kalka Devi. He visited this temple occasionally and sought the blessings of Goddess Kali.

        It is customary for weekly vigils to be observed in shrines and temples. Religious functions, too, are held on the days sacred to the memory of saints and on holy and festive occasions. Child Nebhraj was fond of participating in these vigils and religious functions. While listening to nam-kirtan, he would be simply lost in contemplation of the Divine. During religious functions, he would be filled with spiritual fervor. His spirit would then move out of this mundane world and soar into the Realm Divine. In the words of Swinburne: "He would be transported into that paradise where music, color and perfume are one, where we see the beauties and hear the harmonies of nature." His faith in the power of prayer kept on growing. The sacred word 'Om' was constantly on his lips.