Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is one of the most sacred shrines in the valley of Kashmir. It is located on the southern side of Hari Parbhat Hill in Srinagar city. This place encompasses the shrine of a great saint Sheikh Hamza Makhdum who is also known as Makhdoom Sahib, Mehboob-ul-Alam and Sultan-Ul-Arifeen (king of saints).
This double storeyed shrine reflects Mughal architectural style with splendid pillars, impressive galleries, crystal chandeliers and spires. The woodwork inside the inner sanctum and its embroidered cloth covering are exquisite. The government of Jammu & Kashmir is actively working to maintain the shrine and started the cable car for pilgrims to conveniently reach the shrine.
About Sheikh Hamza Makhdum
Sheikh Hamza Makhdum was a great saint who lived in the valley of Kashmir (1494 to 1563). He was born in Syed Dynasty family hailing from Tujar Shareef in Kashmir. Hereditary, he was a landlord, a scholar and a mystic Sufi Muslim saint of high order. From the very childhood, he inclined towards mysticism and spent the time in company of holy men, and to the truth. After reading the holy Qu’ran in the village, he went to the institution of Sheikh Ismial Kabroi for higher studies. As he grew, he came to Srinagar were he was nurture and raised to Higher Spiritual state.
Sultan-Ul-Arifin’s whole life was full of revelations and miracles. One day he went to the house of a saint Sheikh Khawaja Ishaq, and was served with roasted birds for the breaking of the fast (Iftar). The sage ate them, collected their bones raised his hands in prayer, and the bones joined together, the birds came to Life and flew out of the window.
He passed away in the Hijri year 984 during the reign of Sultan Ali Shah Kochak. His companionTahir Rafique said his funeral prayer. He was buried near Hari parbat (Kohi Maran).
Staying in Srinagar
Srinagar City is the capital of State of Kashmir. One may find hotels of every type from budget stay to premium hotels and resorts. Though, due to conflict, one needs to check out the communal situation prevailing in Kashmir at the time of travelling. The tourists may avoid late night outings in Srinagar.
Srinagar is well connected with air and road transport. Train lines are in the construction phase and soon will connect Srinagar will all major parts of India.
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