Pasarean Syaikhona Kholil

Historical Origins and the Figure of Syaikhona Kholil

The construction of this pasarean complex is inseparable from the passing of Syaikhona Kholil on the 29th of Ramadhan 1343 Hijriah, which corresponds to the year 1925 AD. Born around the 1820s in Kemayoran, Bangkalan, Syaikhona Kholil spent his life seeking knowledge, even traveling to Mecca, before finally settling and establishing a pesantren in Martajasah.

The choice of Martajasah as the burial location holds its own historical significance. This area was formerly a coastal region that became Syaikhona's center of da'wah after he moved from the city center of Bangkalan due to pressure from the Dutch colonial government. Since his passing, his grave immediately became a primary pilgrimage point, which later developed into a grand complex of buildings as his followers and pilgrims from all corners of the country increased.

Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Pasarean Syaikhona Kholil has undergone several renovation stages, blending Madurese local aesthetics, classic Islamic elements, and modern touches. The main characteristic of this complex is its large dome that dominates the Martajasah village skyline.

1. Pendopo and Gate: Upon entering the grave area, visitors are greeted by a tall gate adopting a Middle Eastern Islamic architectural style, yet maintaining local building proportions. High-quality marble floors cover the entire main area to provide comfort for pilgrims.

2. Grave Canopy (*Cungkup*): The core section or cungkup where Syaikhona Kholil's remains are laid to rest features exquisite teak wood carving details. Inside this main chamber, a sacred ambiance is strongly felt with dim lighting and a distinctive fragrance. The building structure is designed to allow good air circulation, considering that thousands of people visit daily.

3. Masjid Syaikhona Kholil: Integrated with the grave complex is a magnificent mosque that serves as the center for worship activities. This mosque features tall minarets and sturdy pillars symbolizing steadfast faith, reflecting Syaikhona Kholil's disciplined character and adherence to Islamic law.

Historical Significance and Important Events

This pasarean holds extraordinary historical significance in the narrative of Indonesian independence and the development of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). One of the most unique historical facts is Syaikhona Kholil's role as the spiritual determinant for the establishment of NU in 1926.

It is recounted that KH. Hasyim Asy'ari (founder of NU) needed the blessing of his teacher, Syaikhona Kholil, before officially establishing the organization. Through his student, Kiai As'ad Syamsul Arifin, Syaikhona sent a walking stick and a tasbih along with a Quranic verse to Kiai Hasyim in Jombang. This "Walking Stick and Tasbih" event is considered the spiritual legitimization for the establishment of the world's largest Islamic organization. Therefore, this pasarean is often referred to as the "zero point" or the spiritual root of the santri movement in Indonesia.

Furthermore, during the struggle for independence, the Martajasah complex often served as a gathering place for fighters. Syaikhona Kholil was known as a staunch anti-colonial cleric. His residence and pesantren became a sanctuary and a place for spiritual energy replenishment for fighters preparing to battle against the Dutch colonizers.

Related Figures

Besides Syaikhona Kholil himself, this pasarean also serves as the resting place for his family and descendants who were also prominent figures. Around the main grave, there are the graves of his wives and his sons who continued his da'wah efforts in Madura. Great names like KH. Imron Kholil and KH. Fuad Amin Imron are part of the family lineage that has preserved this site for generations.

The connection of this site with national figures is very close. Indonesian presidents, from the Soekarno era to Joko Widodo, have recorded visits or pilgrimages to this place, demonstrating the immense political and spiritual influence emanating from Martajasah.

Preservation and Conservation Status

The Bangkalan Regency Government and the East Java Provincial Government have designated Pasarean Syaikhona Kholil as one of their leading religious tourism destinations. Preservation efforts are carried out by maintaining the authenticity of some old building elements while continuously expanding supporting facilities for pilgrims.

Extensive renovations were carried out in the late 1990s and early 2000s to expand the mosque area and parking lot. Despite modernization, the management authorities of the grave (Keluarga Besar Syaikhona Kholil) continue to uphold the etiquette and traditions of classic pilgrimage that have been ongoing for almost a century. Cleanliness and order are the main focus in the conservation of this site so that its sacredness is not diminished by commercialization.

Uniqueness and Cultural-Religious Value

One of the unique facts about Pasarean Syaikhona Kholil is its non-stop activity for 24 hours. Recitations of the Holy Quran and selawat are heard continuously, creating a very peaceful atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle of economic activities around it.

For the people of Madura, a pilgrimage to Martajasah is a moral and spiritual obligation. There is a local belief that starting a major event without "saying goodbye" or visiting Syaikhona Kholil's grave feels incomplete. This indicates that Syaikhona Kholil remains "alive" in the hearts of the community as a spiritual protector and moral reference.

This site also serves as an economic hub for the residents of Bangkalan. The existence of the pasarean has fostered a creative economic ecosystem, ranging from lodging, local culinary delights like Nasi Bebek Bangkalan, to Madurese batik crafts sold around the complex. Thus, Pasarean Syaikhona Kholil plays a dual role: as a guardian of past history and a driver of present-day welfare.