SIALKOT: Whether taking bath in a well can make a childless woman fertile? The question might be laughed away by a gynecologist, but for those believing in the legend of Pooran Bhagat and of the khoi (a small well) associated with it things may not be that black and white.

Situated in the far-flung rural area of the district, Pooran di khoi (the well of Pooran) is visited on Sundays by couples without an issue in the hope they would be blessed with a child if the wife performs a simple ritual --- taking a bath with the well water and then leaving her scarf tied to a tree there.

According to locals, childless couples from across the country visit the place where wives perform the ritual consecutively on three Sundays, to get what they desired most -- a child.

Read: By the banks of the Ravi

According to a book ‘History of Sialkot’ written by Rashid Niaz the ritual is being performed at the well for centuries.

According to the legend, Pooran was son of Sialkot’s Raja Salawan. As a child he was exiled for 12 years on the advice of some fortunetellers.

Also read: Pooran Bhagat

On his return to the palace, his step-mother Loona tried to seduce him but facing rejection she accused Pooran of attempting rape.

The Raja, believing Loona’s allegation punished Pooran who was thrown into the well after being subjected to torture. He was later resurrected by a saint and turned a Bhagat (devotee).

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2015

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