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“Just 1411 left.You can make a difference.” I must admit, it’s an impressive campaign that is being run these days in the media by Aircel and WWF.And obviously, quite a few celebrities have joined the ‘roar’. Why not? Who would want to miss out on free media coverage in return for lip service? Now before you start feeling indignant and get pissed off reading this, think if the poor tiger is really going to get anything out of this mammoth exercise. It’s a good trick to highlight the numbers.It succeeds in creating a sense of urgency too.But didn’t we see this coming? Oh, come on now!! We all knew that tigers were being poached rather freely even in the so called protected wild reserves and money ending up in the lockers of the wildlife wardens and ministers? And we also knew, we couldn’t do anything about this.So why the hullabaloo??? And don’t all of us, deep in our hearts really know that, nothing is going to stop the tiger from being completely wiped out, like so many other species of animals and plants? It’s our national animal for chrissake, you would say!! So what, it is not more important than money for our wildlife wardens and environment ministers and the bureaucrats.For them, it’s just another link in the food chain.And for now, they are the ones pulling all the chains.

I find it funny how sometimes we the lesser beings, the common citizens are given the space on the stage(stage managed i would say) to express our indignation at such issues, by the media which obviously has its own ulterior motive(ever heard of TRP’s).And for some time, our silent protests, candlight rallies, peace marches and demonstrations are allowed to occupy centre stage in the popular media.And for this brief while, we the lesser beings are lulled in to the false belief that the power really lies with the public and that our protests have the power to change things.Our egos are inflated and we begin to feel like the heroes in our films who eventually manage to wrench justice from the perpetrators of injustice.But, doesn’t all this seem stage managed.I acknowledge that my some of my brethren really join such protests because they believe that they can make a difference and i respect their feelings.But I think that even before all of this starts, it seems that the perpetrators of such acts know the outcome. They know that slowly the momentum always fades out. Public memory is short.They know it. I can even imagine them sitting in their air-conditioned, luxurious houses, sipping vintage wine and smiling at our rallies and protest marches, knowing well that it is ok to let the ‘mob’ have its moment of glory even if it is for a ‘fleeting moment’. After all how long can the  ’cattle class’ pursue such lofty ideals.Not for long I would say.After all, we all have hungry stomachs to take care of. Like always, we would huddle, plan, debate, shout and then disperse.

Pessimistic, coward, traitor, loser, et cetera et cetera. Maybe you would like to call me such names. You can probably cite a few examples too where by the”force” of popular opinion, tables were turned and the mighty had fallen. Or you would say that we should not give up hope, that we should not give up with out a fight or that things would change eventually or that the change has to come from within us or that we should lead by example or that we atleast have to do something rather than be silent spectators.My answer is cut the crap.Take a look at the facts and think realistically, what can probably save our tigers?

From the year 2004 to 2009, 30619 lakh rupees have been spent on Project tiger that was set up to manage the tiger reserves set up across the country and yet over these very years the number of tigers has only witnessed a steady decline. Tons of money was stashed away by ministers and wardens who were entrusted with the task of putting it to good use - to save the tiger. But then there is no good better than self-good is what the tribe of the ministers and bureacrats swear by.Add to it the commissions these guys make from the poachers. It’s a multi-million dollar business and the pay backs are way beyond numbers, you and me ever learnt to count. When questioned, these guys are quick to come up with some of the most incredible answers. They cite constraints like lack of staff, proper monitoring equipment and the difficult terrain etc. I mean, what the hell were the planners thinking when they allocated the budgets? Didn’t they know what needed to be done and how much money would be needed? Bullshit!! Fact is, these projects are just like other populist schemes which are created for the poor common man who for some funny reason remains untouched by these schemes.And miraculously, the account balance of a numbered account in the swiss banks goes up by several millions.

So what do you suggest? You may want to ask me.Well, I am willing to give you suggestions.But don’t expect me to do anything.Because I am just a  common man with a family and I am too small to chase such ‘big’ objectives and I am only supposed to sit back and relent and curse and probably hurl a few verbal brickbats.That’s the max I can do.Like me or hate me.And my ‘roar’ is not good enough to be heard by those in power.For they live in glass bungalows, you see!! But yes, I have my ideas, you see like every common man.Mind you though that they are just ideas and are destined to remain so.Just as the tiger is destined to be wiped out.Sad, but true. But if you want ideas, here are some that you may also like to quote at parties, social gatherings and family dinners just so that you can emphasize the fact that you too care for the tiger and how deeply you think on the issue?It’s always good to have some talking points for issue that are in the social limelight, won’t you agree? There you go. Your are just like me. Anyways, here are the ideas - just make a mental note, will you?

1) Divide these tiger reserves in to small sectors of equal sizes and brainstorm to ascertain a realistic number of forest guards that would be needed to keep an effective control over the area.This cannot be too difficult

2) Hire trained guards for chrissakes!!. Don’t just find some poor villagers and mahouts.It’s time, a separate force like the paramilitary should be raised and trained for protection of these reserves. They should be full time professionals with benefits just like the para military forces and they should be paid well. Official penalties and penal action be taken against those found guilty of dereliction of duties. Every sector leader would be held directly responsible for loss of an animal in his territory to causes beyond clinically proven natural deaths. Penalties to include life time imprisonment for those found lacking in disposal of their duties. Shoot at sight orders for anyone in the core reserve area with intent of poaching or in possession of animal snares, guns etc

3) Instead of just patrolling the parks perimeter once in a month, these guards would stay inside these sectors. Jungle lodges and watch towers should be built in each of these sectors at strategic points and essential supplies air dropped if need be or else have a team of mahouts managing the logistics.Teams alternating between night and day to keep round the clock vigil.

4) All team should be equipped with all terrain vehicles, good guns, digital cameras, long range walkie-talkies,GPS devices and aerial support. The sectors should be carefully mapped using GPS systems, every animal in the sectors tagged as a data point and sector wise data regularly be collected and fed in to computers to identify patterns.The computers should be connected to weather forecasting systems too.

5)The team should be formed of educated men who can be trained by wildlife enthusiasts and volunteers who have championed the cause of animal protection.They should be taught how to read and interpret animal signs and behavious and how to monitor them in their natural surroundings while following the rules of zero intrusion and interference.

6) The tribes and villagers residing in the reserve area should either be relocated or they should be incentivised to become informers  to share intelligence about the possible operations of poachers.More often than not, they collude with the poachers for small amounts of money and provide them with logistic support.The populations of these tribes should be monitored too, their data collected and build an informer network among these tribes to make up for valuable intelligence on what goes on inside the park?

7) Capital punishment for those caught in poaching activities anywhere in the country.Straight away life term.No concessions and no legal loop holes to help the sons-of-XXXXXXX.

And if a tiger dies, a report is sent directly to the prime minister explaining how it happened and why? And the prime minister is obliged to review and take appropriate action.

Yeah. Those are some straight forward ideas that can help save the poor tiger.And if you think, these are fanciful, unrealistic, or would-take-a-long time to implement,  then let me tell you, you are being as unrealistic in believing that sloganeering, blogging, rallies, or candlight marches or TV debates can save the tigers.And if I hear you asking that why am i blogging on this issue then? Let me tell you my friend that I told you that these are just ideas for you to use as talking points during those inevitable discussions that would be there during office lunches, by the water cooler, in the train, on the bus and elsewhere.I am just giving you some meat for the conversation man.So you can show off as being aware and concerned.Thats all.You and me both know that the furure is going to die down soon just like the poor tiger.Here’s our chance to pretend to be knowledgeable and sound like an intellectual dude!.And none of these ideas are ever going to be put in to practice.The ministers are going to launch some ‘intelligent’ schemes that will add some more money to their accounts over the years and one fine day, they will inform us with the deepest of apologies that our national tiger is extinct. That will be one more occassion for us common people to carry out marches,rallies, express our indignation and to enjoy our collective moment of glory in the media.Its good for both - the media loves the ‘roaring’ TRP’s and we love the show they manage to put up on such issues.Really.And to think of what a day it will be, when the last tiger is finally gone too. Can you imagine, the intelligent perspectives that we will get to hear from our ministers? In hindsight of course. Or the blame game that will be played out in the parliament? Would’t you just love to be given a chance to voice your indignation, anger, and fristration with the system, just the way i am doing it now through this blog? It would be a field day for the media, wouldn’t it!! and it will be so much fun to see which minister manages to gain the maximum mileage from the loss of the last tiger.I am sort of jealous of the glorified burial the last tiger is destined to recieive in our collective memories. No one in history would probably be a match.And all this for just a tiger.

No. This is not meant to be another jargon laced lecture on why the climate is changing and what should be done to mitigate this  and how it should be done and other such crap.It is just about how I felt today as I was passing by the Ganga ghat area and decided to take a halt and walk down to the ghats. The first thing that stood out was the relative solitude on the ghats today, given the sharp fall in temperatures over the last fewdays. Nevertheless, there were a few who were there braving the inclement weather and of course the hawkers- where could they go after all?

Good, I said to myself and turned back to return to where my vehicle was parked. It was only then that I noticed them. They were three children aged between 6 to 9 years and their parents huddled around a dying fire with nothing on their bodies except worn-out and almost thread bare clothes. Now this was no big deal you would say.Yeah, but here’s the best part coming through. I saw a dirty, little street dog shyly walk up towards the group and cautiously approach the smallest of the kid, waving its tail all the time. The kid had been laughing over something along with the others and they all were shivering slightly- you could see that. And yet, when the kid saw the miserable little dog approach him, he signalled the poor creature to come closer and be by his side. Now, I didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the dog was not their pet. But this was probably a kind of street-brotherly love that transcends the “barrier of species”- may be. And man, was the little old, son of a bitch happy!, he was overjoyed by the gesture and his tail was saying it all.Now, our kind, little friend didn’t stop at this. He actually covered the dog with a worn out, what- must- have been a shawl and all this while, I could see that the guy was shaking and shivering himself. His parents and brothers meanwhile were poking fun at him for snuggling up to a dirtly, smelly, flea-infested dog, but our guy didn’t seem to give it a damn and laughed back at them.As I left this strange scene and walked ahead, I realized strangely enough that I was smiling.I did not know what my other expressions were like as i witnessed the entire episode but as i left I could feel a smile and it seemed to have happened with out my knowing it. It didnt happen the way it happens when we see something funny and smile, it just happened. Probably, a sort of natural response to whatever my eyes saw and then the interpretations of the brain and then the reflex action- a smile. Simple.

Now this is not what I meant to talk about really. Actually, as I walked back, two strange questions popped in to my consciuosness out of nowhere?First - Would the same kid behave similarly if were born rich? Second, do such people really understand that its not nature thats doing this to them, it’s their own species that has brought this wrath upon them and strangely though the one’s who are responsible, those who make the big bucks by mindlessly exploiting the natural resources , in the process wreaking havoc on natural ecosystem, remain unscathed, enjoying a life of luxury in the comforts of their ill-gotten castles.Strange are the ways of God.Hmm

Chandauli, near Varanasi was the site for a army recruitment camp organised by the army to recruit soldiers from Varanasi and its adjoining districts on 20th July. Youth aged between 18 -21 had thronged the army camp set up at a local technical institutions sports grounds to participate in the gruelling physical and medical tests in the hope of landing a job in the army and serving the nation.

Unemployment being rampant in this agricultural belt, youths of these areas work hard to prepare themselves for these gruelling tests in the hope of landing an army job, the only hope for many who do not have the means to afford higher education.

It was during the physical tests that some participants noted some of the recruiting officers adopting unfair means to give their favorite candidates undue advantage in the tests. The ensuing verbal confrontation took the ugly form of a riot in which thousands of the aspirants along with their supporters wreaked havoc in the area, burning government property and pelting stones at the army men at the camp. Even as the local administration remained a mute spectator to the rioting, the army started firing in the air to disperse the mob in the process of which a aspirant, Arvind Pal of nearby Basila village lost his life. One of the four sons of a humble school teacher, young Arvind had come to the camp in the hopes of getting in to the Army and serving the nation.  An unfortunate death due to the high handedness of the army is what he got in return. Such was the grief and sorrow of the family that no house in the village cooked their meal yeasterday. The plight of the grief stricken parents of Arvind left even the hardened TV and newspaper reporters in shock and even they could not muster enough courage to talk to them.

While complaints of bribery, favoritism and unfair practices have always been recieved by the army at such recruitment camps, nothing concrete had been done so far. The brewing resentment of the unemployed youth of this region is a dangerous omen. Already naxalite movement is slowly gaining ground in these areas. IF this state of things were to continue, such incidents are likely to be repeated.

While it remains to be seen what steps are taken by the government to prevent such incidents from happening in the future, nobody seems to have clue to what will be done to alleviate the suffering of the mother who lost her son whose only desire was to support his poor family by getting a job in the army?

As always, the furore is likely to die down in a few days time and the corrupt officials are likely to go back to their old ways. Nothing will happen again. After all, who cares about the death of an unknown youth from  small village in UP? Who gives a damn?

But someday, the entire nation will have to pay the price of remaining mute spectators to such incidents. The resentment that led to the burning of a few government offices will someday burn the whole corrupt state machinery. The day is not far.

In the month of Shravan which is the monsoon arrival months of July-August, the north of India resonates with the chant of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole”. Millions of Kanwariya’s - ardent worshippers of Lord Shiva dressed in saffron robes can be seen running/walking on the roads of North India carrying poles across their shoulders from which hangs water-pots in little cane baskets (kanwars).  These people are called Kanwariyas and their mission is to fetch Gangajal- the holy water from the Ganga in Haridwar, Gangotri or Gaumukh (the glacier from where the Ganga originates) in Uttaranchal or Prayag(Allahabad), return to their hometown to consecrate the  Shiva lingams as a gesture of thanks giving to God Shiva.

This relgious marathon is the toughest test of their faith in Lord Shiva. Kanwariyas take this journey for two reasons - to thank Lord Shiva for fulfilling their wishes and to pray for the things to remain as they are. In keeping with the tradition they offer a portion of the Gangajal collected to a nearby Shiva temple. They travel all or part on foot and take one meal a day.

The most gruelling type of Kanwar is the ‘dak bam’ in which the Kanwariya has to keep running like an athlete carrying the Olympic torch. They complete the yatra running all the way. These marathon runners cover the journey in a specified period. The distances are almost always more than 100 kms and in some parts the Kanwariyas cover almost 500 kms on foot on the sheer strength of their rock-solid faith in Lord Mahadev, another name for Shiva.

If someone gets sick or too tired on the way that person is free to break his journey and give his Kanwar to another one from his group. Kanwariyas are not supposed to even think of any wrong doings during the yatra.

It is a convention that water- pot (kanwar) must not touch the ground till the time of consecration. Chanting Har Har Mahadev, the Kanwariyas carry the vessels containing the holy water on their shoulders. All along the route voluntary organisations as well as the government put-up make-shift stands where the kanwars can be kept. They also put-up food and medical stalls for the benefit of the yatris.

Millions of Kanwariyas thronged the most sacred of all Shiva temples, the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi yesterday to complete the ritual bathing of Shiva Lingam at the temple. The people of Varanasi poured water on the long queue of Kanwariyas to cool them as they stood waiting in the sweltering heat for their turn to perform the “Jalabhishek” or bathing of the Lingam. Water was poured on the streets from where these processions passed to cool the roads burning like an oven in the scorching summer sun. These Kanwariyas had carried the holy water of the river Ganges from Allahabad, a distance of 150 kms from Varanasi. In the oven-like heat of the north Indian summer, it is virtually a miracle that almost all of them make it safely to the temple and perform the ritual.

Enroute, the support that the Kanwariyas recieve from the local population is a indication of how religion still fosters solidarity in India.

God bless the Kanwariyas!

On the fateful day of September 21st in 1771, baba Kinaram invited his many disciples, the Ved-readers of Kashi(Varanasi) and the brave Kshatriyas.  He told them that time had come for him to leave his mortal body and that his body after his Maha Prayan(death) should be placed near the “Yantra” of Goddess Hinglaj and while making his Samadhi, his body should be placed facing the east direction. He also told them that those who will pray while taking rounds of the “Yantra” of goddess Hinglaj Devi near his Samadhi shall have their desires fulfilled.

After his address, baba Kinaram enjoyed his ‘hookka’ or tobacco pipe and then suddenly with a terrible roaring sound an earthquake occurred at the site he was resting and at the same time there was a bright light that shone like a electric flame. The bright light appeared to have come out of the head and rocketed high in to the sky where it finally disappeared amidst strange but pleasant musical notes that pervaded the surroundings.

At the end of this miraculous spectacle, all the followers went in to deep sorrow over the passing away of baba Kinaram. Then suddenly, there came a voice from the sky that addressed them all and said, ” Don’t be in anguish. I shall always stay in one form near the eternal ‘dhuni’, the sacred fire place. Leave aside all your worldly attachments. And for a brief moment, everbody present felt that a long arm rose high touching their heads and then finally vanished in the sky.

The mortal body of the great baba Kinaram Ji was then drenched in the nectar of flowers and was put in Samadhi(burial site) within the ambit of the ‘Yantra’ of goddess Hinglaj Devi. While this was being done, there was a announcement that seemed to come from the sky - Dear Followers, whenever you will call upon my name while under duress of any kind, I shall come to your rescue.”

The Samadhi of baba Kinaram now lies in the Aghor Ashram in Varanasi beside the Kreen Kund. Millions of believers visit the sacred site every year to offer prayers and to bathe in the holy waters of the Kreen Kund.

Once Baba Kinaram had taken refuge in a shelter on the banks of the Shipra river and stayed there for some time. The Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb also happened to be camping nearby with his army. Aurangzeb was known for his cruel actions. However, when he learnt that baba Kinaram was staying in the same area, he visited the hut in which baba was staying.

The all-knowing baba Kinaram first advised Aurangzeb to put an end to his inhuman acts. But when Aurangzeb failed to offer his promise to him, baba Kinaram sternly reprimanded him.  He told him that the religion in whose name he was committing such inhuman crimes, the same religion would not be able to save him from the reprimands of history. He then warned him that his own sons would become his enemies and would bring him great sorrow and pain.

There is also an incident that highlights baba Kinaram’s  respect for women folk. At the time when he was in Surat in Gujarat, news reached the baba that the inhabitants of the city were about to kill a young widow along with her new born baby and then throw their bodies in to the sea.  On hearing this, baba Kinaram forbade the people to refrain from the act. The mob argued that the woman was of immoral character and had given birth to an illegitimate child. To this, baba replied that they should then also kill the person who had fathered the illegitimate child and throw him in to the sea as well. Baba Kinaram also offered to identify the person from amongst the crowd.

On hearing this, the mob dispersed. And baba Kinaram ordered the poor widow to take shelter at the Samadhi(a burial site of a holy man where usually a small temple is built) of Nar singh that was closeby.

Later a powerful tornado destroyed the city of Surat. Since then, people became wary of baba Kinaram’s wrath and revered him

This incident is from the time when baba Kinaram was residing near Kreen Kund in Varanasi. There was a brahmin woman who was an ardent follower of a Saint who lived nearby and she served him with devotion day after day.  Touched by her devotion, the Saint once asked the woman what was it that she desired?

The brahmin woman told him that she had not been blessed with a single child so far. On hearing this, the saint wetnt in to deep meditation and in that deep state of meditation he sought an explanation of her condition from his “Isht Devta” i.e the god in whom he had the greatest faith. Enlightened by his brief communication with his “Isht Devta”, he told the brahmin woman that she was destined by fate to remain childless.

On her way back, the dejected, broken down woman met anothe rlady from her neighbourhood who advised her to go to Baba Kinaram.

Baba Kinaram as was nature, scolded and hit the woman mildly with his stick four times. And in due course of time, she was blessed with four children. She took her children to the Saint she had once served and he too was surprised by this miracle. The saint again went in to deep meditation for communion with his “Isht Devta” and asked him how did the woman manage to have children? To this, his “Isht Devta” asked him to arrange some flesh of a living man for him if he wanted to know the story. The Saint showed his inability to do so. His “Isht Devta” then asked him to seek some flesh from baba Kinaram. When the saint approached baba, he opened up his right thigh and cut a piece of flesh and handed t over to him. The “Isht Devta” then took the piece of flesh and explained to the saint that while both baba Kinaram and he had the same flesh, yet when the time came baba Kinaram gladly gave away his own flesh while he could not. That was the reason why baba Kinaram had the power to bless the woman and cure her of her childlessness when the saint could not.

The divine powers of the water in Kreen Kund - One fateful day, an old widow brought her son who was on death bed and putting him at the feet of baba Kinaram, started weeping and begged him for help. Baba Kinaram threw some grains of rice in the waters of the kreen kund and recited some mantra’s. And then he said to all present that from now on, anyone who would bathe in the waters of the Kreen Kund for five tuesdays and sundays would be freed of all his sufferings. And the Kund will remain in Kashi(Varanasi) as long as the Ganga remianed in Kashi. Since those days, folllowers and believers from far off places come to bathe in the Kreen Kund to be free of their sufferings.

I know this is not a travel related matter, but the news of the death of pop legend, Michael Jackson is shocking. Inspite of all the conroversies around him, I grew up on many of his songs. Condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Here’s a brief history of the life of the iconic legend:

His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Katherine (Scruse). Together they prodded their growing family’s musical interests at home.

By the early 60s the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964 Michael and Marlon had joined in.

A musical prodigy, Michael’s singing and dancing talents were amazingly mature and he soon became the dominant voice and focus of “The Jackson 5.”

An opening act for such soul groups as the O-Jays and James Brown, it was Gladys Knight (not Diana Ross) who officially brought the group to Berry Gordy’s attention, and by 1969 the boys were producing back-to-back chartbusting hits as Motown artists.

As a product of the 70s, the boys had emerged as one of the most accomplished black pop/soul vocal groups in music history, successfully evolving from a Temptations-like group act to a disco phenomenon.

Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 80s he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group. Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, “Thriller.” A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978), but had better luck with elaborate music videos.

In the 90s the down side as an 80s pop phenomenon began to show. Michael grew terribly child-like and introverted by his celebrity.

A rather timorous, androgynous figure to begin with, his physical appearance began to change drastically and his behavior grew alarmingly bizarre, making him a consistent target for scandal-making, despite his numerous charitable acts.

Two brief marriages — one to Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie Presley — were forged and two children produced by his second wife during that time, but the purposes were obviously image oriented. Despite it all, Michael Jackson’s skills as a singer, dancer, writer and businessman are unparalleled, and it is these prodigious talents that will ultimately prevail over the extremely negative aspects of his seriously troubled life.

Spouse- Debbie Rowe (15 November 1996 - 8 October 1999) (divorced) 2 children

Lisa Marie Presley (26 May 1994 - 18 January 1996) (divorced)

Trade Mark- The Moonwalk./ Single sequined white glove./ He always wears white socks with black shoes./ Says “Hee Hee” in many of his songs/ High-pitched voice.

Through his “Heal the World” Foundation, Jackson spearheaded airlifts of food and medical supplies to war-torn Sarajevo, instituted mentoring, immunization and drug-abuse education programs and paid for a Hungarian child’s liver transplant.

Second child, daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, is born. [3 April 1998]

Wife, Rowe, gave birth to a son in Beverly Hills, named Prince Michael Jackson Jr. [13 February 1997]

Macaulay Culkin is godfather to his two eldest children.

Married Lisa Marie Presley in La Vega, Dominican Republic, by Judge Hugo Francisco Alvarez Perez. Witnesses present were Thomas Keough and Eve Darling (Lisa Marie’s ex-brother-in-law and his wife, ex-sister-in-law). [26 May 1994]

Shares with Carlos Santana and Norah Jones the record for most Grammys won in one year, with eight in 1984.

First solo artist to generate four top ten hits on the Billboard charts on one album with “Off the Wall.”

First artist to generate seven top ten hits (USA) on one album with “Thriller.”

Only artist in history to generate five #1 hits (USA) from one album with “Bad.”

With Lionel Richie, co-wrote the song “We Are the World,” and was one of its performers.

His 1982 album “Thriller” is the biggest selling album of all time, with confirmed sales of over 47 million copies worldwide.

His 1991 album “Dangerous” is second to “Thriller” as the biggest selling album of all time, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide.

His 1987 album “BAD” is third to “Thriller” as the biggest selling album of all time, with 20 million copies sold worldwide.

Brother of (in this order) Rebbie Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson and Janet Jackson.

Copied his moon walk after mime Marcel Marceau in “walk-against-the- wind” pantomime techniques.

Wrote and recorded a song called “On the Line”, produced by Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, for the film Get on the Bus (1996) that was not included on the soundtrack for the film.

The name of his 2700-acre ranch near Santa Ynez, California, is Neverland Valley Ranch. It contains Jackson’s house, an amusement park co-designed by Macaulay Culkin, a private theater and dance stage, and exotic animals.

Once dated Brooke Shields.

He is being sued by two former financial advisors for $25 million over alleged unpaid expenses. Jackson denies owing them anything. [9 September 2001]

Claims to have a skin disease called vitiligo.

Was a Jehovah’s Witness.

Uncle of Jermaine Jackson II, Valencia Jackson, Brittany Jackson, Marlon Jackson Jr., Stevanna Jackson.

His estate contains a child’s mini coaster, Zipper, Bumper cars, Merry go round, octopus, Giant slide and rocking dragon.. There is also a full size basketball court, water wars section (for water gun fights) 2 Trains, (one steam train) and a zoo where he has various exotic animals including elephants, giraffes, alligators, a tiger and even an Anaconda.

He does not own the right to the entire Beatles catalogue. For example, the family of the late George Harrison own songs he wrote, including “Something,” and Sony music owns 50% of the catalogue after Jackson sold it to them because he needed the money.

Son of Katherine Jackson, and Joe Jackson.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 (as a solo artist).

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 (as a member of the Jackson 5).

Jackson shocked his fans when he dangled his third child, infant Prince Michael II, over a balcony on the fourth floor of a Berlin, Germany hotel for all hovering fans to see. He later stated that he made “a terrible mistake.” [November 2002]

Starting with Black or White (1991) (V), Jackson and his record company refer to his music videos, before or since, as “short films,” never “videos”.

Has his look-alike puppet in the French show “Les guignols de l’info” (1988).

Father of Prince Michael Jackson I, Prince Michael Jackson II, and Paris Jackson.

Is the godfather of Michael Gibb, son of Bee Gees frontman Barry Gibb.

He and his lawyer, Mark Geragos, sued jet charter company XtraJet for invasion of privacy. The firm allegedly installed hidden cameras to tape the two’s confidential attorney-client conversations. A California judge has barred the firm from releasing or selling any footage it may have obtained. [25 November 2003]

In 2002 had planned to produce and star in the movie “The Nightmares of Edgar Allan Poe”, about the last years of writer Edgar Allan Poe. He was to star as the famed 19th century author (who was Caucasian), and had written music for the film as well.

For a charity event held at the Neverland Ranch in September 2003, for the first time ever, he invited an artist from the outside to perform there. It was Yannick Harrison, also known as Jay Kid, from Denmark that performed a number of his interpretations of Michael Jackson songs for the specially invited guests.

Has sold 170 million albums worldwide.

Was present at the private funeral service for Maurice Gibb.

He was voted the 35th Greatest Artist of all time in Rock ‘n’ Roll by Rolling Stone.

His favourite “Beatles’ song is “Come Together” - his version of the song is on “History - Past, Present and Future.”

Was found not guilty on ten counts of child molestation on 13 June 2005 due to lack of evidence.

Ranked #11 in VH1’s list of the “100 Greatest Kid Stars” with his brothers as the Jackson Five

He was (along with Tito Jackson) co-best man at Liza Minnelli’s and David Gest’s wedding.

Tatum O’Neal, was Jackson’s first girlfriend and allegedly his first real love.

His hit song “Bad” from 1987 was initially supposed to be a duet with fellow 80’s superstar Prince. Prince said in an interview that he did not wish to sing the line “Your butt is mine”.

Ex-brother-in-law of James DeBarge.

President Ronald Reagan wanted to award a special White House medal to Jackson, Bob Hope and the late John Wayne in 1984. However, future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts advised against the proposal, saying the award was too much for a pop singer.

Received a Presidential Humanitarian Award from President Reagan at the White House in May 1984, in recognition of Jackson’s contribution to the government’s campaign against drunk driving. “Beat It” was used in television advertisements.

Jackson joined Chris Tucker, Tony Bennett, former president Bill Clinton and members of the Democratic National Committee at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre in New York for a concert fundraiser. Tucker co-hosted the event with actress Cicely Tyson, while Rubén Blades, k.d. lang and Bennett performed. Jackson sang a medley of songs that included “Black or White” and “Smooth Criminal,” and was joined by Jane’s Addiction guitarist and former Red Hot Chili Pepper Dave Navarro for a portion of his set. (24 April 2002)

Attended a memorial service for the late actor Marlon Brando in August 2004, along with Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson and Sean Penn.

Addressed the Oxford Union on the subject of child welfare and his new initiative “Heal the Kids”. (6 March 2001)

Was asked to write and perform the songs for Batman (1989), but had to turn it down due to his concert commitments.

In January 2000 Jackson announced he was considering retiring from the music industry, citing his weariness at publicity as a reason.

In 1997, Jackson released an album of new material coupled with remixes of hit singles from the “HIStory” album titled “Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix”. He dedicated the album to his friend Sir Elton John, who had helped him through his addiction to prescribed painkillers. It went on to sell 6 million copies worldwide, making it the biggest selling remix album of all time.

His album “HIStory: Past, Present and Future - Book I” has sold 16 million copies worldwide since its release in 1995, making it the biggest selling multiple-disc album of all time.

His 2001 album “Invincible” sold 8 million copies worldwide.

In January 1993 Jackson performed during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII. It drew the largest viewing audience in the history of American television.

In a move named by Jackson’s advisers as “refinancing,” it was announced in April 2006 that Jackson had struck a deal with Sony and Fortress investments. In the deal Sony may be allowed to take control of half of Jackson’s 50% stake in Sony/ ATV Music Publishing (worth an estimated $1 billion) which Jackson co-owns.

Winner of the Brit Award for International Male in 1989.

Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for International Solo Artist in 1988.

Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for International Solo Artist in 1984.

Was a frequent guest at the infamous “Studio 54″

On 27 May 2006, Jackson accepted a Legend Award at MTV Japan’s VMA Awards in Tokyo. It was his first public appearance since being found not guilty in his child molestation trial almost a year earlier. The award was honoring his influence and impact in music videos over the past 25 years.

Despite a number of surgeons’ claims that Jackson has undergone multiple nasal surgeries as well as a forehead lift, thinned lips and cheekbone surgery, Jackson wrote in his 1988 autobiography “Moon Walk” that he only had two rhinoplastic surgeries and the surgical creation of a cleft in his chin, while attributing puberty and diet to the noticeable change in the structure of his face.

Jackson hired film director Martin Scorsese to direct the video for the “Bad” album’s title track. When the 18-minute music video debuted on television, it sparked a great deal of controversy as it was apparent that Jackson’s appearance had changed dramatically. Although Jackson’s skin color had been a medium- brown color for the entire duration of his youth, his skin had gradually become paler since 1982, and had now become a light brown color. This was now so noticeable that the entire press took out widespread coverage on it and claimed that Jackson had bleached his own skin. In 1993 Jackson claimed that his changing skin color is due to a skin disorder vitiligo whilst on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” (1986).

Performed at the ball for President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration on 20 January 1993.

“Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection”, his third greatest hits package in less than ten years, sold 250,000 copies worldwide following its release in October 2004.

“The Essential Michael Jackson”, another greatest hits package, debuted at a surprisingly high Number 2 on the UK charts and sold 200,000 copies within five months. In the United States it only reached Number 96 and soon disappeared.

Recorded an anti-war song about the US invasion of Iraq, “We’ve Had Enough”, which was included on his greatest hits package “Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection”.

His greatest hits compilation “Michael Jackson: Number Ones” sold 6 million copies worldwide following its release in November 2003, peaking at Number 1 in most countries except the United States. It had been planned at the last minute after “Resurrection”, a follow-up to his 2001 album “Invincible”, was canceled.

Fortress Investment Group foreclosed and took possession of Jackson’s half- interest in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing company, estimated to be worth $1 billion, as well as the entire MiJac Music Publishing company. (December 2005)

Promotional videos of his songs directed by, among others, John Landis and John Singleton have cost more than some motion pictures.

Paid $1.5 million in 1999 for the Best Picture Oscar awarded to David O. Selznick for Gone with the Wind (1939).

Announced his intention to record a charity single dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina entitled, “I Have This Dream”. Ciara, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Keyshia Cole, James Ingram, Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine Jackson, Shanice, the Shirley Caesar and The O’Jays all supposedly lent their voices to the charity song. At the time, Jackson’s spokesperson, Raymone K. Bain, said the list of performers included Mary J. Blige, ‘Missy ‘Misdemeanor’ Elliott’, Jay-Z, James Brown and Lenny Kravitz. All of these artists later appeared to be no longer participating. More than a year later, the Katrina Charity Single remains unreleased. (13 September 2005)

He is a close friend of the former child star Mark Lester, and is godfather to his children.

Former son-in-law of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley.

Is spoofed in Eminem’s music video “Just lose it”

Jackson was fired from Two Seas Records, with whom he had signed a recording contract in April 2006 for one album. The album had been set for a fall 2007 release. (September 2006)

California state authorities ordered Jackson to close the Neverland Ranch and fined him more than $100,000 for failing to pay the staff there or maintain proper insurance. (March 2006).

When Jackson and his brothers performed in England in the early 1970s, he asked to meet actor Mark Lester. “He wanted to meet someone who had a similar background, a child star,” Lester said. The result has been a lifelong friendship.

Presented with an “Artist of the decade” award by Elizabeth Taylor in 1989, proclaiming him “the true king of pop, rock and soul”.

Ordered to pay Debbie Rowe $60,000 for legal fees in their battle for custody over of their two children. Los Angeles Judge Robert Schnider gave Jackson until 28 September to obey the order. Rowe had asked for $195,000, but the judge noted that she had received eight million dollars in the divorce. (6 September 2006).

Was reported to have attempted suicide in December 2005.

His 2001 album “Invincible” had incredibly low sales figures. Instead of blaming this on what was, by most fans and critics, considered mediocre music, he blamed his record label and industry executives, most notably the legendary producer Tommy Mottola, whom Jackson likened to Satan and accused of racism.

In October 2002 it was revealed by various international banks that Jackson was in financial debt into the tens of millions of dollars due to various unpaid loans.

Some of his favorite pastimes were water balloon fights and climbing trees. He wrote several songs sitting in his favorite tree at Neverland, which he called Giving Tree, because it was so inspiring.

Is portrayed by Alex Burrall and Jason Weaver in The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992) (TV).

Godmother of his daughter Paris Jackson is Elizabeth Taylor.

Godmother of his son Prince Michael Jackson I is Elizabeth Taylor.

Godfather of Nicole Richie.

Besides being godfather to Michael’s first child Prince Michael Jackson I, Macaulay Culkin is also godfather to Jackson’s daughter Paris Jackson.

Did not tour America after the BAD tour in 1987.

Received a Special Award for a Generation at the Brit Awards in 1996.

Received the World Music Award for world’s best-selling album of all time, “Thriller”, at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club, on 8 May 1996.

Received the Diamond Award for selling more than 100 million albums at the World Music Awards in London on 15 November 2006.

Ended more than a year of speculation by buying the British music publishing company ATV Music for a reported £34 million ($50 million) in August 1985. The company owned 40,000 songs, including the Northern Songs catalog which contained all The Beatles songs up to their Apple Days. Jackson outbid Coca-Cola, EMI, CBS (who thereafter looked after the catalog for Jackson) and a very disappointed Paul McCartney, who had originally tried to buy Northern Songs for £21 million ($35 million) in 1981 and then later - again unsuccessfully - in conjunction with Yoko Ono.

1st May 2001: His video for “Thriller” was voted at #1 by VH1 on their countdown of the Top 100 Greatest Videos Of All Time. At #2 was “Like A Prayer” by Madonna.

Won a poll of superstars to have his image on a stamp issued by the Virgin Islands in July 1985. He asked that the Virgin Islands donated all revenue (the stamps were priced between 60 cents and $1.50) to welfare and education.

Disappointed his fans by singing a few lines from “We Are the World”, accompanied by a children’s choir, after he had been rumored to perform his 1982 hit “Thriller” as a triumphant comeback at the World Music Awards at Earls Court, London. Jackson left the stage to audible boos from the audience - some of his fans had paid up to £500 a ticket to see him perform. (15 November 2006).

Filed complaints against the Independent Television Commission and the Broadcasting Standards Commission of the UK following the documentary Living with Michael Jackson: A Tonight Special (2003) (TV).

Held his first live concert in four years at Madison Square Garden, New York, in early September 2001. He was paid £10 million for two concerts.

Originally intended to begin his solo career when he turned eighteen in 1976, but financial problems forced him to remain with the Jackson Five, renaming themselves The Jacksons for legals reasons, until 1979.

While Jackson has claimed 104 million sales for his 1982 album “Thriller”, the Guinness Book of World Records has put the figure at 51 million copies sold as of 2006.

A $10 million lawsuit filed by Jackson was dismissed by a US judge. The lawsuit was filed against a man from New Jersey who was allegedly in possession of items and memorabilia that Jackson claims were stolen. (14 January 2006).

In 1997 a survey declared Jackson the most famous person in the world, ahead of Pope John Paul II and then US President Bill Clinton.

It is clear in the opinion of a number of plastic surgeons that Jackson has undergone extensive plastic surgery and it may be said that he is hardly recognizable as the same person he was as an adolescent, but the effectiveness of his cosmetic surgery has been hotly debated.

He was the highest earning singer of 1988-1989, with $125 million from his worldwide “BAD” album tour.

He was thwarted in his bid to buy the remains of the Victorian “Elephant Man, John Meyrick, in June 1987. The London Medical College told Jackson he would not be allowed to buy it, no matter how much money he offered.

Honored by CBS as the “top selling act of the Eighties” in March 1990.

Jackson was seen by a record 500,000 people during his seven day stand at Wembley Stadium in July 1988.

Moonwalker (1988) was certified as the all-time top selling music video in March 1989.

Attended James Brown’s funeral in Augusta, Georgia. (30 December 2006).

Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to British music and integral part of British music culture. [11 November 2004]

He returned to live in the United States on 24 December 2006, setting up residence in Las Vegas.

Has sold over 300 million records worldwide.

On 13 June 2003, the day after his neighbor and friend of 25 years Gregory Peck died, Jackson went to Peck’s house to help his widow plan the memorial service. Peck had once publicly praised the singer as a model parent.

The music video for his song “Thriller” was with 13 minutes the longest music video ever, until this record was broken by The Streets with the video for the song “When You Wasn’t Famous”.

Jackson greeted thousands of US troops in a US army base south of Tokyo on 10 March 2007. About 3,000 troops and their family members gathered in a fitness center at Camp Zama. Jackson, after shaking hands with and thanking the troops personally for their service, spoke to the crowd gathered, saying, “Those of you in here today are some of the most special people in the world. It is because of you in here today, and others who so valiantly have given their lives to protect us, that we enjoy our freedom.” Jackson also attended a ceremony at the camp for an army member being promoted and put a pin on his uniform.

At his peak, Jackson was reportedly worth around $700 million.

Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

His 1979 debut solo album “Off the Wall” has sold around 20 million copies worldwide.

His 2001 album “Invincible” was his first full album of new material for ten years, since 1991’s “Dangerous”.

Fell out with Quincy Jones after the producer cut half the songs from his 1987 album “BAD”. In a 2006 interview with “The Daily Telegraph” newspaper, Jones admitted he had not spoken to Jackson for years.

Diagnosed with lupus in 1984.

Claims to have given $300 million to charity, more than any other celebrity apart from Oprah Winfrey.

Former son-in-law of Priscilla Presley.

Childhood school friend of David Gest.

Attended the funeral of his close friend Ryan White in April 1990.

Longtime supporter of AIDS research.

In the early 1970s while still very young and a member of “The Jackson 5″, appeared on “The Dating Game” (1965). Roles were reversed; Michael asked questions and picked a date from three eligible “bachelorettes”.

Is a fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A special 25th anniversary edition of his 1982 album “Thriller”, entitled “Thriller 25″, sold an estimated 3 million copies worldwide.

He was awarded 2 Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 1541 Vine Street and for Recording at 6927 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

The Jacksons were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1500 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.

Continuing ahead on his mystical journey, baba Kinaram reached the Girnar mountain in Gujarat, a state in the western part of India. On the slope of the mountain, he met the great Adi Guru  Siddheshwar Dattatreya, sitting on “Kund Aghori Shila” with his kamandal (a round vessel for holding water used by mystics and saints). Guru  Dattatreya had a big piece of flesh out of which he cut out a piece with his teeth and gave it to baba Kinaram to eat. As soon as he finished eating the piece of flesh, baba Kinaram experienced some mystical changes and realized that he had been blessed with far-sight. As a sort of confirmation of his newly gained power of far-sight, when guru Dattatreya said, “the emperor of Delhi”, baba Kinarama completed it by saying: “is going on a blck horse with twhite shawl that is slipping down his shoulders”. Satisfied, the great Adi guru Dattatreya then blessed baba Kinaram and commended him to go and preach the society and guide them to salvation.

Thus instructed by Guru Dattatreya and inspired by the divine mother, Mata Hinglaj, baba Kinaram reached Harish Chandra Ghat in Kashi(Varanasi) from Girnar, on the way covering Kashmir and Delhi. On reaching the Harish Chandra Ghat, baba saw Guru Dattatreya feeding gram to the skulls of the dead in the disguise of Shri Kalu Ram.

Baba Kinaram immediately recognised Guru Dattatreya and he stopped the skulls from eating gram. When baba Kalu Ram expressed his desire for food, baba Kinaram prayed to the holy river Ganges for food. And suddenly three fishes jumped out of the river ganges and got baked in the fire of funeral pyre burning nearby on the ghat. Thus, he satiated the hunger of baba Kalu Ram.

Once when the river Ganga was in flood, baba Kalu Ram saw a body floating in the water and said it was a dead body. To this baba Kinaram retorted that the body was not dead and to prove his point he commanded the floating body and it came down to the river bank. On unwrapping the shroud from the body, it was surprisingly found to be living. The man thus saved later became famous as Ram Jiyavan Ram.

Later, baba Kinaram along with baba Kalu Ram went to the sacred Kreen Kund in Kashi. The place happened to be the property of Jamindar(Landlord) Raghvendra Singh. On baba’s request, the noble Raghvendra Singh immediately bequethed the piece of sacred land to Baba Kinaram in writing. Later a hut was built here and baba Kinaram established the sacred “dhuni” too.

While living in Kreen Kund, once, on the sacred occasion of “Chhath Mela”, Bija Ram was playing the musical instrument “sitar” All of a sudden, he rose up in the sky. When he reached a great height, his body began to burn and then it disappeared. After some time, when he reappeared, big bats were seen covering his entire body. Baba Kinaram commanded the bats to rest on a tamarind tree nearby where one can still find a large number of bats which are believed to be their progeny.

Once Baba Kinaram sitting on a donkey along with a cat reached Darbhanga, a region in Bihar state, which was the stronghold of Maithili Brahmins who were in majority here. Baba Kinaram advised the Brahmins that they should give up their aversion for non-vegetarian food like fish and meat. According to baba Kinaram, since the backward classes liked to eat meat and fish, so if the brahmins too started eating non vegetarian food, they can stop the conversion of the backward classes to other religion and the number of Hindus would not deplete. It was the alienation of these backward classes by the brahmins that was leading to the conversion of the backward classes. On hearing his comments, the brahmins replied that if he would exhibit some extra-ordinary power, only then they would obey him. Baba Kinaram calmly asked them to give him a task to do that will convince them. The Maithili Brahmins then challenged Baba Kinaram to bring back to life a dead elephant. Baba Kinaram then put the cat on the body of the dead elephant and ordered his donkey to poke the dead elephant. And what happened next left everyone in awe!. The cat disappeared and the dead elephant stood up. The maithili brahmins were convinced of the greatness of baba Kinaram and as agreed began to use meat and fish and gave up their aversion for non vegetarian food.

Once baba Kinaram reached the city of Kohleen. This was during the time of Mughal expansion in India and a large number of Hindus were being gorcefully converted to Islam. The city was ravaged by the Muslims as well as the Pindaris. Baba found everyone to be badly mauled and looted. Many had left the city for other places and the old people, the sick, the children and the women were left behind dying of hunger.

Seeing their pitiable condition, baba Kinaram was stricken with grief. He decided to dedicate himself to alleviate the suffering of the poor residents. He arranged for food and shelter for these people and rekindled hope and faith in them. After some time, he left the place assuring the people of his presence and blessings whenever they would call upon his name in times of suffering.

After completion of his training under Baba Shivadas, Baba Kinaram started once again on his roaming journey. Eventually, he reached a village called Karon, where he saw an old widow weeping. On his enquiry, she told him that the village landlord had taken away her only son named Vijya because she had failed to pay back the revenue of the land due to her. And the landlord had tied up her son in the scorching heat and his henchmen were beating him down mercilessly. Appalled by her gruesome story, baba Kinaram went to the landlord and requested him to release the widow’s son in the name of humanity. But the landlord put down his request and agreed to release Vijya only after  his dues were paid in full. Baba Kinaram then decided to teach him a lesson. He asked him to dig the earth at the very spot he stood on and collect his dues from the wealth which was buried there. The village landlord in his fit of anger started digging the earth under him using the heels of his shoes. And to the shocking surprise of all who were present, a vessel full of gold revealed itself at the very place he had started digging. The landlord at once realized the fact that baba was no ordinary human and he immediately fell down upon baba Kinaram’s feet and sought his forgiveness. Baba Kinaram had Vijya released and took him back to his old mother. But the old lady realised the glory of baba Kinaram and requested him to take her son under his own tutelage as he was the one who had saved his life and therefore he was now like his father. Baba Kinaram accepted her request and later on the boy Vijya became famous as Bija Ram under the august tutelage of baba Kinaram.

Baba Kinaram continued ahead on his journey taking the young Bija Ram along when they reached a town called Juna Garh. He then sent Bija Ram to go around seeking alms for their food. But the ruling Nawab of Junagarh had prohibited beggary and had ordered beggars to be arrested and sent to jail. As luck would have it, the young Bija Ram too was caught by his soldiers and sent to prison. When it got too late and Bija Ram did not return, Baba Kinaram sat down in meditation and found out the real situation. He also came to know that the Nawab had no child of his own.

After pondering for a while, baba Kinaram chalked out a plan to get Bija Ram released from prison. He himself went out begging for alms and as was expected, he too was caught and sent to prison. On reaching the prison, he saw that all the saints who had chosen to lead a mendicants life by denouncing the worldly life and survived on alms offered willingly by people were being treated as criminals and were made to grind grain by rotating huge grind stones in the prison. He went ahead and told all the saints to stop grinding the grind stones and instead gently poked at the grind stones by his stick and ordered them to start grinding. Miraculously, all the grind stones starting moving on their own. When the news of this miracle reached the ruling Nawab of Junagarh, he himself came running to the prison and begged the great baba Kinaram for forgiveness. The kind baba forgave him and also accepted his request to grace his palace with his benign presence. The Nawab offered him a royal reception and presented him a gift of his most valuable gems. The baba took a gem and put it in his mouth and then spat it out saying it had no taste. This was a subtle but great lesson for all present that no gemstone can fill the stomach of a hungry man. He then asked the Nawab to pass an order that all sadhus(holymen) would be supplied with two ounces of wheat flour and salt free everyday by the establishment. All the saints and sadhus in the prison were released immediately. And very soon, by the blessings of baba Kinaram, a son was born to the Nawab.

Leaving Juna Garh, baba Kinaram continued ahead on his journey. He crossed the impenetrable and harsh marsh lands of Kutch in western India wearing only his wooden slippers and reached a place by the name Hinglaj on the other side of the dangerous marshlands. He set up a “Dhuni” (a kind of sacred fireplace) nearby and started his “tapasya” or deep meditation. A lady from the nearby household began to provide him with eatables daily. One day baba Kinaram asked the lady to introduce herself to him. When the lady hesitated, he told her that he would accept her food only when she revealed everything about herself to him.

On hearing this, the lady turned in to her real divine form and told baba Kinaram that she was goddess “Maa Hinglaj”. She also told baba Kinaram that she would henceforth be residing in the cave on “Kreen Kund” in the Kedar sector in Kashi(Varanasi). She advised him to return to Kashi and reside there.

As the baba continued his onward journey, he reached Kandhar (now in Afghanistan) in the year 1638. Kandhar was the site of a mud fort which was strategically very important for India. Many battles were fought between India and Persia over this fort. Shah Abbas of Persia had occupied the fort of Kandhar during the old age of Jahangir, the mughal ruler of India. Since then Jahangir and his son Shahjahan both made several attempts to reoccupy the fort but remained unsuccessful.

Shahjahan, the mughal emperor of India had great faith in “Aghori or Aughar” saints and hence was blessed by baba Kinaram. Very soon, the establishment of Persia rebelled against the Shah of Persia. In the ensuing internal turmoil in Persia, Shahjahan was able to take over the fort from the Shah with out a fight. And the great emperor, Shahjahan gave a grand reception to baba Kinaram in this very fort and sought his blessings.