Famous Shrines in Pakistan
Author of a famous book on mysticism, the
11th-century Data Ganj Bakhsh, originally from Ghazni in Afghanistan, was one
of the most successful Sufi preachers on the subcontinent and is today one of
the most notable Sufi saints in Pakistan. The Shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh
Hajveri is located west of Bhatti Gate, just outside the Old City.
Born Abdul Hasan Ali, he was known as
Data Ganj Bakhsh, because of his generosity towards the less privileged. A
hospital and several institutions for the needy have been added near the shrine
over the years. Hordes of devotees gather here on Thursday afternoons to listen
to the excellent qawwali. The urs (death anniversary) of Data Ganj Bakhsh Hajveri is held at
this shrine on 18-20 Safar (March/April) and is attended by thousands of
pilgrims.
Abdullah Shah Ghazi –
Karachi:
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| Abdullah Shah Ghazi |
He eighth-century has seen one of the greatest Muslim Saint of
all times: “Abdullah Shah Ghazi”. His real name was Abdullah al-Ashtar. He was
among the descendants of our beloved Prophet (P.B.U.H). His oratory skills made
him impress a number of Non-Muslims as well. The shrine was not in its bloom
until the 1950s. It was nothing more than a small hut on the yellow sand. Its
custodians then expanded it to a bigger level in 1960. 1962 was an even better
time for the shrine. A private company then took over the responsibility of
caretaking in 2011. The shrine is located in Clifton near skyscraper, Karachi. The tomb is situated high on the stairs platform. The
squared green and white domes depict the true essence of Sufism embellished
with Sindhi styled work. The flags and buntings add beauty to the whole
architecture. The silver railings around the grave are decorated with flower
garlands. The shrine is so much fascinating that it is visited by a number of
Muslims and Non-Muslims Tourists.
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar – Sehwan.
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| Lal Shahbaz Qalandar |
It is very important to know some
amazing facts about Lal Shahbaz to understand why the world still remembers
this personality with full zest. He was a very pious person even from his early
childhood. He mastered the Quran just at the age of 7 and went towards Sufism
in his early twenties. Although he was equipped with glories of life still he
chose to lead a simple life. He lived on the outskirts only with no desire for
wealth. His character aspired many of the non-believers and they converted to
Islam. Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s shrine is considered as the most important of all
Sufi shrines of the 13th century. Millions of devotees visit to pay homage on
every Urs and this is located in the territory of Sewan Sharif, Sindh. Its
history goes back to the era of Shah Tughlak in 1356 C.E. However, it was
expanded in 1639 under Mirza Jani. There was a very strange tradition linked
with this shrine and that was its caretaker woke up at 3 AM and vowed to defend
it from terrorist attacks. Now that’s something new and you have hardly heard
about it before, isn’t it? Well, it is quite interesting for me as well. This
shrine is full of amazing facts. Another interesting thing about this shrine is
that a lot of Dhamaal sessions are arranged here just to symbolize the
protection given to it. People of all age groups participate in it. The
architecture is beautifully comprising of milky white marbles and some extremely
beautiful culturally styled mirror work. Its front door is gold plated that is a
vision to eyes. There is a special courtyard for Dhamaal.
Sachal Sarmast, Khairpur
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| Sachal Sarmast |
Sachal Sarmast (1739
– 1829) a Sufi poet from Ranipur in District Khairpur Sindh.
He wrote poetry in seven languages most prominent is Persian, Sindhi,
Seraiki. His Persian Poetry is very deep poetry as compare to Persian poets of his
age and era. His all poetry is about Spiritualism, He taught many mystical
ways to his followers and devotees to find out easily GOD just sink in your
inner and see the real path goes to destiny. He was born in Daraza,
near Ranipur, Sindh. His real name Abdul Wahab Farouqi and His famous nicks “Sachal". He used this pen-name in his poetry. Sachal Sarmast literally
means 'truthful mystic'. Satchel's father had died, when he was a child, he was
later raised by his uncle Master Abdul Haqq. Sachal Sarmast married the daughter of His Uncle, but the young woman died two years He loved music a lot
and music was the source of Ecstasy for him. Sachal Sarmast was Highly Impressed by Hazrat Hussain Bin Mansur Hulaj
and He preached about Analhaqism and dedicated his mostly poetry
work to this term "Ana Al Haq". His Praised Mansur and his
mission all the time and he suggested his followers "be Mansur and forget what
you are"
Hazrat Bahauddin Zakaria, Multan
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| Hazrat Bahauddin Zakaria |
The full name of Bahauddin Zakariya was Sheikh Kabir
Sheikhul Salam Bahauddin Zakariya Al-Asadi-Al Hashmi. He was born at
Kot Kehror, a village of Layyah District near Multanin 1170 Hijri. After his
father’s death, he went to Khorasan and learned about Islam for over seven
years. He then went to Bukhara, a center point of Islamic learning at that time
to complete his learning. This was the place where he was nicknamed ‘Bahauddin
Farishta’ (angel) for his pleasant nature and obedience. Baha Uddin’s mausoleum,
which was constructed in 1268 after his death, is spread on an area of 15.77
square meters. However, the area outside the primary shrine premises is expanded
to hundreds of meters. The shrine is a square formed structure with an octagon
overhead the square. The octagon covers half the area of the square. Overhead the
octagon is the religious hemisphere of Muslims.
Hazrat
Mian Mir- Lahore
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| Hazrat Mian Mir |
Mian Mir was a renowned
Sufi saint of Lahore.
His original name was Shaikh Muhammad. He was born about 1550 AD. He had
a religious bent of mind. As a child, he attentively listened
to religious sermons. He became a disciple of Shaikh Khizr of the
Qadiri order of Sufis. Sufis believed in spreading Islam by peaceful means. The
whole area is now called after him Mian Mir. He is
famous for being a spiritual instructor of Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He is identified as the founder of the Mian Khail
branch of the Qadiri order.
After having lived a long life of piety and
virtuosity, Hazrat Mian Mir died on 11 August 1635 (7 Rabi’ al-awwal, 1045
according to the Islamic Calendar). He was eighty-eight years
old. His funeral was read by Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, who was a highly
devoted disciple of the Saint. He was buried at a place which was about a mile
from Lahore near Alamganj, which is in the south-east of the city.
Hazrat Mian Mir’s spiritual successor was Hazrat Mullah ShahBadakhshani. Hazrat Mian Mir’s Mazar still attracts hundreds of
devotees each day and he is revered by many Sikhs as well as Muslims.
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