Sufi Tourism in Kashmir
Discover the Mystical World of Sufism in Kashmir - Where Faith and Culture Come Together
Kashmir is a land with a rich and vibrant spiritual history that is evident in the numerous shrines built by followers of Islam. These holy sites not only add to the picturesque beauty of the region but also give Kashmir a unique cultural depth that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
Kashmir has a rich history of Sufi saints who came here mostly from the Middle East to spread the message of Islam. Many shrines were built by the people in memory of these saints, which have now become important centers of festivals and spiritual gatherings across the state. Some of the shrines are centuries old and presents a great architectural treasure. Due to these shrines Kashmir is often called “Pirwaer” garden of saints.
The first Sufi saint who visited Kashmir was Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdan, also known as Shah-i-Hamadan. He arrived in Kashmir with 700 followers to spread the message of Islam and left a lasting impact on the region’s history and culture.
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Jamia Masjid
Jamia masjid is an Indo-Saracenic architectural style Mosque and is one of the most popular and revered mosques in Srinagar.  With a stunning courtyard and 370 grand wooden pillars, the building is truly majestic. It was built by Sultan Sikander ( Shahmir dynasty) in 1400 AD, under the order of Mir Mohammad Hamdani, son of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani. Later, the son of Sultan Sikander – Sultan Zainul Abideen got the mosque extended. It is located in the old city and is easily accessible from all parts of the city by hiring a Auto or bike on rent in Srinagar. The mosque has a large prayer hall and can accommodate up to 33,000 people. Jamia masjid is famous for its beautiful architecture and is one of the popular tourist attraction in Srinagar. It has been renovated many times over the years and still remains a popular tourist destination.
Since the reign of Sultan Sikandar, the cultural significance of this place has been preserved and continued to highlight the importance of the beautiful shrine even today.
Charar-e-Sharief
Charar-e-Sharief is an important symbol of the religious and cultural heritage of the Kashmiri people and is visited by thousands of devotees every year, especially during the annual Urs of Sheikh Noor-ud-din, which is celebrated with great fervor. It is probably one of the most ancient shrines in Jammu and Kashmir.The shrine is dedicated to Sufi Saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani. This shrine is widely famous as Alamdar-e-Kashmir.     Â
 The place is located around 40 km from Srinagar and is situated on top of a hill. It is surrounded by beautiful garden and forest on the way to Yusmarg. It has been rebuilt several times due to fire and other incidents.
During a visit to Yusmarg, also known as the “Meadows of Jesus,” you can make a stop to visit this shrine.
Hazratbal Shrine
Hazratbal Shrine is the holiest shrine in Kashmir located on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. This shrine houses a relic “Moi-e-Muqaddas” believed to be a strand of Prophet Muhammad’s hair. On specific occasions the relic hair is brought before the People. The Hazratbal shrine is the most popular shrine in Srinagar and is the most visited place in Srinagar. It is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance. Initially this place was known as Ishrat Jahan and later on it is convereted to a prayer by Shah Jahan in 1634. The shrine is surrounded by a beautiful garden and presents a beautiful view of Dal lake.
Hazratbal Shrine is an important place of worship for Muslims, and is visited by both locals and tourists throughout the year. It is also an important symbol of the religious and cultural heritage of the Kashmiri people. Other names of Hazratbal shrine are Assar-e-Sharief, Dargah Sharif and Madinat-us-Sani.
From Hazratbal shrine shikara are available for visiting chaar chinar and floating market.Â
Dastgeer Sahib
Dastgeer Sahib , a Sufi shrine dedicated to Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jelani, also known as Gous- E -Azam or the Great Helper. The shrine is believed to have been built in the 17th century and contains the relics of Dastgeer Sahib. It is also a center for Sufi gatherings and spiritual retreats. The shrine is believed to be around 200 years old and was constructed in 1806 by an Afghan traveller who presented a relic belonging to Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jelani to the then governor of Kashmir. The relic is a hair strand of the saint, which is locally called Mouia Pak.
The shrine was expanded in 1877 by Khwaja Sanaullah Shawl. He added a wooden structure with intricate carvings and khatamband ceilings, which are a specialty of Kashmiri art. The shrine is crowded especially on the Urs of heikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jelani.
In 2012, a fire damaged a portion of the shrine, but the relic was protected in a fireproof vault
Makhdoom Sahib
Makhdoom Sahib shrine is one of the sacred shrine in Kashmir and important part of Sufi Tourism in Kashmir, lies lies below the Mughal Fort, towards the south of Hari Parbat fort in Srinagar and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. This shrine is dedicated to Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, who was sometimes referred to as Makhdoom Sahib, Hazrat Sultan, Sultan-ul-Arifeen and Mehboob-ul-Alam.
Makhdoom Sahib hailed from Tujer shareef which lies in district Baramulla. He preached the message of love, tolerance and service to humanity.
This shrine is close to Srinagar and is just 5 km from city center. You can hire a taxi to cover the famous shrines in Kashmir.
Baba Reshi Shrine
Baba Reshi Shrine is one of the famous and sacred shrine in Kashmir lies district Baramulla. The shrine is located near Gulmarg in Baramulla district and is a popular religious and tourist destination. You can have a visit while you are on way to Gulmarg.Â
This shrine is dedicated to Baba Payamuddin Reshi, who is widely respected by both Muslims and Hindus in the region. Baba Reshi renounced his worldly life and devoted himself to the service of God and humanity.
The shrine is surrounded by a beautiful forest area, where one can enjoy the scenic views of surroundings. The shrine is visited by thousands of devotees every year who come to seek blessings of the saint and offer their prayers. There is also a cooking place where the devotees prepare their meals and contribute some of it to the Langar. The Langar staff distribute the food in charity to the poor and needy.
Aishmuqam shrine
Aishmuqam shrine is located in Ashmuqam ,One huge place for Sufi Tourism in Kashmir , about 15 km from Anantnag town on the route to Pahalgam. To reach pahalgam from Srinagar you can hire a taxi from pahalgam taxi service . The shrine is considered as one of the most visited and prominent shrines in Kashmir.  It was constructed in the honour of Shiekh Zain-ud-din, who was one among chief disciples of Nund Rishi.
The Aishmuqam dargah is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a panoramic view of the valley below. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, with the sound of birds and prayers filling the air. The shrine is especially crowded during the annual Urs and Zool festivals, when thousands of devotees flock to the shrine to participate in the rituals and celebrations.
If you want to experience the essence of Kashmir’s heritage and spirituality, then you should definitely visit the Aishmuqam shrine(Aishmuqam dargah)
Khanqah-e-Moula
Khanqah-e-Moula The Shrine of Shahi Hamdan is one of the most important religious sites in Srinagar. It is located on the bank of the Jehlum River in the old city and is considered to be the first mosque ever built in Srinagar. The Shrine was constructed by Sultan Sikander in memory of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani from 1389-1413. Every year on the 6th of Zilhaj (the last month of the Muslim calendar), the death anniversary of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, devotees flock to the Shrine to pay their respects. The Shrine is also one of the best examples of Kashmiri wooden architecture.Â
Shah-e-Hamdan visited Kashmir three times and stayed at this place for meditation and preaching. He also brought with him hundreds of artisans, scholars and mystics who enriched the local society with their skills and knowledge.
Sufi Tourism in Kashmir ,Hire a taxi here for Srinagar tour of sufi shrines.
