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Sant Mekan Dada or Mekran Dada (1667–1730 AD) was a Hindu saint belonging to Kapdi sampradaya from Kutch, Gujarat, India.
Mekandada was born in Khomri village near Nakhatrana in Kutch district . At the age of seven he became a sanyasi . At Ashapura or temple of Hinglaj Mata in Nakhatrana he became a disciple of Gangaraja. Kantharnath and Dattatreya were his later . With their blessings he is said to have performed miracles and was revered by Hindus and Muslims both.
Mekand Dada is said to have visited Hinglaj Mata Temple in Balochistan and is considered one of the last saint from their community
He spent his whole life in Rann of Kutch, looking after survivors and people lost in desert and serving them food, water and shelter. His two partners were "Laliyo", the Donkey and "Motiyo", the dog. He would load "Laliyo"-donkey with water and food and the "Motiyo" was trained by him to direct the "Laliyo" to travelers lost in great desert of Kutch. Thus they would provide water, food and direction to the hungry, thirsty and lost travelers and passing through the Rann of Kutch. Born to Rann: Weaned on a harsh land, the Kutchi community firmly believes that self-help is the best help by Sagarika Ghose, Outlook (magazine), 19 February 2001. "Mekan Dada, saviour of the nomads, is worshipped by all wanderers" He was also a good poet and composed several hymns based on the Hindu philosophy. Today he is worshipped as the re-incarnation of Lakshman by the Ahir community. Dharang India9.com.
He also had five disciples with him, who religiously followed him and along with Sant Mekan Dada did the humanitarian services, as explained above. Rao Desalji was also a great follower of Mekan Dada. He used to preach villagers and his followers also. He preached against untouchability and superstitions.
The Sant Mekan Dada later took a Samadhi along with his eleven followers in Dhrang village. The are one of the most revered sites of Kutch and people of all communities go there to pay their respects and offer prayers. Name of one of his eleven disciples, who took samadhi with Mekan Dada are Mayagarji, Lirbai, Kandha Ahir, Vigha Ahir, Kanthad Suthar, Premji Ganpat, Surdasji, Thakor Mokaji, Jada Khiyaranji Loria, Kadia Kanji, Prema bai. His samadhi along with that of his faithful friend Motiya, the dog and Lalia, the donkey, at Dhrung, a village about 40 km from Bhuj. Other two disciples Hira Harijan at Lodai and Waghoji Rampotro at Vijayasar also took Samadhi when heard news. કાપડી
Samadhi memorial
The memorial houses his Samadhi Temple, a Temple of Shiva, Samadhis of his five disciples, samadhi of his animal friends "Laliyo"- the donkey and "Motiyo" - the dog, an old 'Stepwell'. Also on display are the robes he wore and things he used during his lifetime.
Makadbanth Kapdi
Makadbanth Kapdi are a sect, who are followers of Mekan Dada, and are the most recent sect of Kapdi community.Gujarat, Part 1 By Kumar Suresh Singh, Rajendra Behari Lal, Anthropological Survey of India. pp:603-606
Mekan Dada Fair
A fair is held in Dhrang village, in memory of Mekan Dada on Mahashivratri, named Mekan Dada Fair. This is an annual event and Gujarat Tourism Department also organises "Kutch Festival" during this fair. This fair is also famous for its rural tradition of old times -"Malla-Akhado" (wrestling) and "Renkda-Daud" (Cart Racing). This 'Mekand Dada Fair' is a major event and centre of tourist attraction in Kutch, Gujarat State of India. All roads leads in remembrance of Mekan Dada Tridiv Vaidya, TNN, The Times of India, 25 February 2006. Kutch Tourism Festival State Events: Guajarat: Dharang Fair Zee News
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