Chajju Da Chaubara (Punjabi: چھجُو دا چَوبارا; lit. 'Chajju's elevated room or dwelling') is a 17th-century shrine located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is an iconic and historical landmark, famous for being the residence and place of worship of Chajju Bhagat, a revered Hindu saint and philanthropist during the Mughal era. It serves as the samadh of Chajju Bhagat.[1]
چھجُو دا چَوبارا | |
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 Interactive map of Chajju Da Chaubara | |
| Location | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
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| Coordinates | 31°34′17″N 74°18′57″E / 31.57144°N 74.31592°E |
| Completion date | c. 1641 C.E. |
Location
editIt is situated in the Anarkali area, specifically within the Mayo Hospital complex near the Lohari Gate in Lahore in Punjab, Pakistan.[2]
Architecture
editThe structure is a small, dome-shaped building known as a chaubara (a room on the upper floor or a single-room attic). Part of the original structure has been integrated into the Shams Shahabuddin Convalescent Home and the Mayo Hospital grounds.[3]
History
editA monument dedicated to him, known as Chajju da Chaubara was built in Tila Bukhari Mohallah near Shah Alami, now located within the middle of Shams Shahabuddin Convalescent Home next to Mayo Hospital in Lahore, believed to be the place Chajju resided and meditated.[4] This chaubara, over time was to become the famed "Chajju da Chaubara". After his death, a marble samadh was constructed, being managed by the Dadupanthis. The monument was originally raised during Bhangi rule. Bawa Pritam Das of Pakpattan constructed a mandir there, when he was working as mahant in Lahore. The site was associated with sadhs. This area became a center of attention in the reign of Ranjit Singh who was a regular visitor here. The architecture of the edifice contains both Mughal and Sikh influences. The chaubara complex once consisted of a number of auxiliary structure although now only the chaubara remains.[5]
Associated Punjabi proverb
edit"Jo sukh Chajju de chaubarey, oh na Balkh na Bukharay" (Punjabi: جو سُکھ چھجُو دے چَوبارے اوہ نہ بلخ نہ بخارے) is a famous Punjabi proverb, it means "the comfort and satisfaction found in Chajju’s room (chaubara) is not to be found in the cities of Balkh or Bukhara". This phrase signifies that true peace, contentment, or home-like comfort is rare and superior to all worldly luxury. It is a Punjabi version of "East or West, Home is the Best" or a way of saying that simple spiritual peace is better than expensive, far-off luxury.[6]
Gallery
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References
edit- ↑ Latif, Syad Muhammad (1892). "The Chaubara of Chajju Bhagat". Lahore: Its History, Architectural Remains and Antiquities, with an Account of Its Modern Institutions, Inhabitants, Their Trade, Customs Etc. Lahore: New Imperial Press. pp. 207, 242.
- ↑ Trikha, Chander (16 March 2026). "Chhajju da Chaubara: Preserving Lahore's Lost Heritage". Punjab Kesari. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ "Chajju dey Chaubaray". Meemainseen. 4 May 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Sheikh, Majid (11 December 2016). "Harking back: Enduring mystery of Chujju Bhagat's disappearance". Dawn. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Sheikh, Majid (14 June 2023). "Harking back: How Lahore grew to the south of the walled city". Dawn. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Trikha, Chander (22 September 2025). "The Proverb of Chhajju's Choubara". Punjab Kesari. Retrieved 5 May 2026.