- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:42 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Christmas 2024: Did Jesus ever come to India? Did he die and find his final resting place in India? These intriguing questions surround the enigmatic Roza Bal shrine in Kashmir. This fascinating structure has sparked intense debate, with many researchers claiming it houses the graves of saint Yuzasaf, a prince-turned-prophet, and Shia Muslim saint Mir Syed Naseer-ud-Din. The shrine's name, meaning "holy shrine" in Persian and Kashmiri, adds to its mystique. As visitors flock to explore its secrets, the Roza Bal shrine remains a topic of controversy and intrigue.
The Roza Bal shrine, located in Srinagar's Khanyar quarter, is a significant site in Kashmir, India. However, in 1899, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement, sparked controversy by claiming it was actually Jesus' tomb. According to Ahmad, Jesus survived the crucifixion and spent his later years in Kashmir. This theory has put the shrine firmly on India's tourist trail, attracting visitors eager to explore its history and significance. Despite its newfound fame, the shrine remains a place of reverence for locals and a topic of debate among historians and scholars.
Check the history and unknown facts about the Roza Bal Shrine in Kashmir below:
History Of Roza Bal Shrine In Kashmir - The Tomb Of Jesus
The Claim that Sparked Controversy
In 1899, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya movement, stunned the world by claiming that a tomb in Srinagar, Kashmir, belonged to Jesus Christ. He wrote extensively about this in his book, "Jesus in India", which was published in Urdu in 1908 and translated into English in 1944.
A Contrasting Narrative
Ahmad's claims contradict the Holy Bible and Quran, which state that Jesus was crucified at 33 and buried in a tomb outside Jerusalem. According to Ahmad, Jesus survived the crucifixion, travelled to India, and lived until 120. A rock carving in the shrine, possibly of Yuz Asaf, shows feet with wounds, which Ahmad believes is evidence of Jesus' crucifixion.
The Identity of Yuz Asaf
Ahmad identifies Yuz Asaf as Jesus, meaning "son of Joseph". However, in Kashmiri, Yuz Asaf means "the healer" or "the shepherd". This has sparked debate about the true identity of Yuz Asaf and the validity of Ahmad's claims.
Roza Bal Shrine in Kashmir sparks debate about Jesus' final resting place, fuelling controversy and intrigue among visitors. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Unknown Facts About Roza Bal Shrine In Kashmir - The Tomb Of Jesus
The Debate Surrounding Roza Bal
The Roza Bal shrine in Kashmir has been at the centre of a heated debate regarding the burial of Jesus Christ. While many Christians and Muslims consider this claim a myth, others believe that Jesus survived the crucifixion and travelled to Kashmir, where he lived until his death. The shrine's caretakers and many devotees dismiss this theory as blasphemy.
A Sacred Site Across Faiths
Despite the controversy, the Roza Bal shrine remains a sacred site for followers of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. The site was recorded as sacred in Buddhist and Hindu sources before the Islamic period, attracting pilgrims from various faiths. Interestingly, the name Yuzasuf appears in a local legend, where it is used to refer to Gautama Buddha. This highlights the interconnectedness of faiths and traditions in the region.
The Life of Saint Issa
Handwritten Buddhist manuscripts, entitled 'Life of Saint Issa', reveal the 'lost years of Jesus Christ' from the age of 13 to 28. According to these manuscripts, Jesus travelled eastwards along the Silk Route, visiting Punjab, Rajasthan, North India, Nepal, Tibet, and Ladakh. He studied the teachings of Gautama Buddha and returned home. This narrative adds another layer to the Jesus-in-Kashmir theory, suggesting that Jesus may have indeed visited the region.
Tomb of Mary and Other Biblical Figures
The debate surrounding Roza Bal is not isolated; it extends to the tombs of other Biblical and Quranic characters. In North Kashmir, a shrine complex is believed by some to be the final resting place of Prophet Moses. Similarly, a shrine in Murree, Pakistan, is revered as the burial site of Mother Mary. Legends surrounding the tombs of Aaron, King Solomon, and Jesus in Kashmir continue to fascinate visitors and scholars alike.
A Fascinating Legacy
The Roza Bal shrine and surrounding legends offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. While the debate surrounding Jesus' burial continues, the shrine remains a sacred site, attracting devotees from diverse faiths. As researchers and scholars delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding Roza Bal, the site is likely to remain a topic of intrigue and exploration.
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(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)
