Varanasi, Apr 5: In the heart of the city, where the sacred Ganges flows and the air is thick with incense, stands the Anarwali mosque, a beacon of unity in a city grappling with historical conflicts. At its entrance sits Bechan Baba, a 72-year-old Hindu caretaker, who has devoted his life to preserving this ancient symbol of harmony.
For over four decades, Bechan has been the custodian of the mosque, bridging divides as people from both Hindu and Muslim communities gather here to pray and worship. “My father served here, and now it’s my turn. I’ve been here since my childhood,” Bechan reflects, his weathered hands clutching a broom, a tool of his sacred duty.
Amid recent tensions in Varanasi over the ownership of the Gyanvapi mosque, Bechan remains steadfast in his commitment to fostering peace. “Regardless of my religion, I’ll continue to serve this mosque. It’s my home,” he declares, distancing himself from the legal disputes elsewhere in the city.
Bechan gestures towards the nearby Gopal temple, highlighting the coexistence of faiths in the area. “There’s no hatred here. Hindus and Muslims pray side by side peacefully,” he affirms, underscoring the tranquility that prevails under his watchful gaze.
His devotion has not gone unnoticed, as visitors to the mosque have surged during his tenure. “All five prayers are held here now,” Bechan notes proudly, attributing the increase to the growing population and widespread acceptance of the mosque as a place of shared reverence.
Indeed, the mosque has become a powerful symbol of coexistence in a nation grappling with religious tensions. “Muslims and Hindus alike come here to pray and pay their respects,” Bechan observes, as worshippers from diverse backgrounds converge, united in their faith.
As Bechan reflects on his lifelong dedication to the Anarwali mosque, his only wish is to continue serving until his last breath. “This is my home. My children bring me food, but I stay here day and night, finding solace in this sacred space,” he shares, embodying the spirit of unity that defines Varanasi’s religious landscape.
