Kupwara is among those few districts of Jammu and Kashmir that are blessed in many ways. Apart from the sheer natural beauty that Kupwara district possesses, the district also has a rich heritage and culture. The diversity that this district possesses in the form of various tourist sites, pertaining to different facets of history, religion, and culture is phenomenal. One aspect of this diversity can be seen through a large number of Sufi shrines that are spread all over the district. One can spot a sufi shrine in almost every village of this district. Keeping in mind the large number of devotees that these shrines attract, I bring you this column on the famous Sufi Shrines in Kupwara.
• Shrine of Hazrat Zati Shah wali R.A
One of the most sacred destinations in Kupwara, the shrine of Hazrat Zati Shah Wali (RA) holds a prominent place in the sufi culture of Kashmir; it is revered by people of all faiths. It was built in 16th century AD in a beautiful village called Muqam e Shahwali,Drugmulla. This village is at a distance of 5 kms from the southeastern direction of the district headquarters.The shrine of Hazrat Zati Shah Wali is a symbol of syncretic sufi culture of Kashmir. The shrine is co-located with Jamai masjid and includes tombs of saint’s sister and brother also. Every year, in the month of May, an Urs or annual fair is observed for three days which is attended by devotees from all faiths including Hindus and Sikhs.
•Shrine of Hazrat Shiekh Syed Abdul Wahab RA.
This shrine is located at a village called Shahnagari which falls within the jurisdiction of Qalamabad Tehsil of district Kupwara J&K. Shahnagari was given the name by Hazrat Shiekh Syed Abdul Wahab after he settled in the village.
The Holy Shrine of Hazrat Shiekh Syed Wahab, having devotional linkage to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jeelani r.a , is surrounded by thousands of Devdaar trees.There is huge rush of devotees round the year. If you want to see the cool sweet springs, the murmuring waters, and the waterfalls from the heights, there is hardly a better place than this in the valley.
•First underground cave Khankah of Kashmir
This historical and spiritual site is located in the evergreen conifer woods of Shahnagari. Shahnagar means the city of kings in Kashmiri language. The 700 years old first underground seven room cave Khankah is just a few hundred meters away from the holy shrine of Hazrat Shiekh Syed Abdul Wahab (RA). From its internal structure and style of construction, it is clear that the dervishes used to meditate and had “chilla” there. There is also a spring at a short distance from the cave, which has now dried up. The approximate length of this cave is 30 ft., it’s 2.5 ft wide, and its height is 6 feet approximately. Although the cave is crumbling yet a corridor and 7 strange rooms can be seen.
The recent reopening of this underground cave-khankah is a reminder of harmony that is deep rooted in the Kashmiri civilization.
•Shrine of Hazrat Shiekh Ahmad Chogali RA.
Mulla Ahmad, better known as Sheikh Ahmad Chogali (RA), and reverentially as “Sheikh seab” was a sufi scholar and a saint of the Suhrawardiyya order. Owing to his command on Islamic literature, Hadith, Fiqah etc., he is known as – Mohiuddin al Arabi Thani. His shrine at Chogal, Handwara is visited by people of all faiths. Chogal village is located in Handwara Tehsil of Kupwara district in Jammu & Kashmir.The Shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Ahmad Chogali is one among the venerated sufi shrines of district Kupwara and witness huge rush of devotees round the year.
•Three Religous entities at Trehgam
Trehgam village of district Kupwara symbolises communal harmony and coexistence of different faiths.The three religious entities-400 years old shiv temple,The grand masque and the shrine of Hazrat Syed Ibraheem Bukhari RA stand in a row and in front of them is a famous pond.This pond is believed to be thousand year old and is the main source of drinking water for almost half a dozen villages. Sir walter lawrence mentions in his book “the valley of Kashmir. The pond of Trehgam indicates the utmost beauty of Kashmir.The foundation of the grand masjid near the Shiv temple was laid by Hazrat Syed Ibraheem Bukhari RA who is believed to have come form the middle east along with Mir syed Ali Hamadani RA vis Hindu Kash mountains. The shiv temple too is symbol of unity. Although no Kashmiri Pandith family lives in this village but many of them revisit their roots and offer puja in the shiv temple from time to time.
• Shrine of Hazrat Mohammad Amin Owaisi RA
This iconic mystic was born around 1900 AD at Surgan (Drawa), near Sharda in Kishan Ganga valley. According to popular belief, Hazrat Mohammad Amin Owaisi was a steadfast Sufi and was associated with the Owasi Silsila of Sufism. The Owaisi Silsila was raised to its pinnacle of popularity in Kashmir by this towering mystic.He was like a star guiding so many. He may be considered as a Perfect Wali who created a large following, not just a crowd but highly disciplined and enlightened group to bring the people on the right path. Even today many true seekers are guided by his followers. traveled to various parts of the subcontinent and then finally resided in the area which is known today Kasheera .His shrine at Kasheera Kupwara is adorned not only by Muslims but Hindus as well.
•Hazrat Haji Bahram sb r .a
Hazrat Haji Bahram sb was a great sufi saint of Bonagome Langate .He was one of the prominent disciples of “Bab Ul Faqur” ,Baba Abdullah Gujriyali RA of Guzriyal Kupwara.His urs pak is celebrated on 23th January every year.His shrine at Bongom and wahipira langate is thronged by the devotees round the year.
•Hazrat ama saeb yaar. R.a
This shrine is located at a village called Yaroo in Langate Tehsil of District Kupwara.Hazrat Amma Saeb RA was a towering mystic of his times.A number of karamaats are attributed with this mystic.Thousands of devotees pay visit to his shrine.
•Hazrat Jamal saeb r.a Pohrupeth.
The shrine of Hazrat Jamal saeb RA is at a village called pohrupeth.Pohrpeth is at a distance of 8 kmts from Handwara.Hazrat Jamal Saheb RA was a great saint of his time and his lineage continues even today. Many Sufi Silsilas or orders came to Kashmir but Jamal Saab’s lineage or silsila is unique and is not found else where in Kashmir. Thousands of devotees from all parts of Kashmir visit his shrine.
•Shrine of Hazrat Peer Khan wali RA
This shrine is located on Sopore Kupwara National high way at a place called Koh i watyeen ,Hazrat Pirkhanwali is believed to be a part of the missionary of Hazrat Mir syed Ali Hamadani RA.His shrine is visited by people of all faiths.
To be continued….
Khursheed Dar is a leading columnist and author of Kashmir.
khursheed.dar33@gmail.com
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