Tomb of disciples in front of Lalon Shah’s shrine On October 17, 1890, Lalan died at the age of 116 at his home in Cheuriya, Kumarkhali, Kushtia. He was suffering from stomach problems and hand and foot gland problems since about a month before his death. He did not eat anything except milk when he […]

Lalon Kushtia built an akhara at Cheuriya in Kumarkhali upazila, where he imparted moral and spiritual teachings to his disciples. His disciples used to address him as “Sai”. He used to organize a bhandara (festival) in the Akhara every winter. Where thousands of disciples and people of the community would gather and there would be […]

There is considerable disagreement among researchers about Lalan’s religious beliefs, which existed even during his lifetime.  In an article in Mahatma Lalan published after his death, Vasant Kumar Pal, the first Lalan biographer, said, “I am unable to say for certain whether Saiji is a Hindu or a Muslim. ” It is known from various […]

Lalon composed numerous songs and poems, which describe his philosophy. It is estimated that Lalon composed about 2,000–10,000 songs, of which only about 800 songs are generally considered authentic. Lalon left no written copies of his songs, which were transmitted orally and only later transcribed by his followers. Also, most of his followers could not read […]

There are few reliable sources for the details of Lalon’s early life as he was reticent in revealing his past. It is not known exactly when, where and how Lalon was born. Lalon had no formal education. Sunil Gangopadhyay related in his book “Moner Manush” that Lalon, during a pilgrimage to the temple of Jagannath with others of his […]

Lalon (14 October 1772 – 17 October 1890),  also known as Lalon Shah, Lalon Fakir, Shahji and titled Fakir, Shah, was a prominent Bengali spiritual leader, philosopher, mystic poet and social reformer. Regarded as an icon of Bengali culture, he inspired and influenced many philosophers, poets and social thinkers including Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Allen Ginsberg. Lalon’s philosophy of humanity rejects all distinctions of caste, class, […]