Kashmir Important Shia Places
All Important Places, Imabadas, Mosques, Tombs of Shia Community in Kashmir
Imambadas, Imambargahs (also spelled Imambaras or Imam Bargahs) are important centers of worship/mourning for Shia Muslims. In Kashmir, there are several prominent Shia Imambargahs where Shia Muslims gather for congregational prayers and religious gatherings. Here are some of the well-known Shia Imambargahs in Kashmir:
- Imambara Zadibal: Located in the Zadibal area of Srinagar, this is one of the oldest and most important Shia Imambargahs in Kashmir. It is also known as Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan. Read more >>
- Imambara Hassanabad: Situated in the old city area of Srinagar, this Imambargah is dedicated to Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
- Imambara Shaheedganj: This Imambargah is located in the city of Srinagar and is dedicated to the martyrs of Karbala.
- Imambara Badgam: Situated in the town of Budgam, this Imambargah is also one of the Oldest Imambara in Kashmir.
- Imambara Bemina: Located in Bemina of Srinagar City, this Imambargah is by far the largest Imabara in Kashmir and probably very few in South Asia.
- Imambara Chattergam: This Imambargah is located in the town of Chattergam, Budgam and is still under construction.
- Imambara Ichgam: This Imambargah is located in the town of Ichgam, Budgam.
These are some of the well-known Shia Imambargahs in Kashmir, but there are many others as well, which serve as important centers of worship and religious gatherings for Shia Muslims in the region.
Shrine of Shamsudin Iraqi, Zadibal
The shrine of widely revered Shiete theologist, Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi is situated in Zadibal. He came to Kashmir in 1502 along with the number of followers. His father was a Mosvi Syed and his mother too was from a Syed family of Qazvin in Iran.
Shrine of Shamsudin Iraqi, Chadura
Shrine of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi is also situated in Chadura.
Mir Syed Shamsuddin died in Zadibal and was buried at Astan e shareef, Zadibal, but due to political opposition his coffin was taken to Chadoora tehsil in Budgam district.
Shrine of Syed Mohmmad, Gupkar
The Shrine of Syed Mohammad located on the Famous Dal Lake near Nehru Park presents a commanding view of Dal Lake and is equally famous Shrine that’s visited by most of the prople from Shia School of Thought.
Shrine of Aga Syed Mehdi, Budgam
Ayatollah Aga Syed Mehdi, who after staying for 27 long years in Iraq, during which he was awarded the rank of jurisconsult (Mujtahid), returned to his native land in 1880 and started preaching and propagation of Islam. Aga Syed Mehdi was a great scholar and he has left behind number of books dealing on various subjects like Islamic history, jurisprudence etc. Aga Syed Mehdi breathed his last on 21 Ramazan, 1892A.D. and is buried in Budgam.
Shrine of Aga Syed Mohammad
Aga Syed Mehdi was succeeded by his son, Aga Syed Mohammed, who himself was an eminent scholar and theologian of his time. He laid the early foundation of Imam Bara Budgam. He too wrote many books and most popular among them is a book on jurisprudence (Minajus Salah wa Merajul Falah). This was one of the first books of its kind written in Kashmiri language during that period. The book is considered a magnum opus in Kashmiri literature. The book speaks volumes about the intellectual insight of Aga Syed Mohammed. Even today, one would hardy come across a home in the Valley, particularly in rural areas, where this book has not been treasured. Aga Syed Mohammad established an organization, Hamiyul Islam, which ran a chain of Madrasas in different villages and towns of Kashmir. Aga Syed Mohammed after spending his entire life spreading the teaching of Islam left for the eternal abode on March 07, 1931A.D
Shrine of Aga Syed Yousuf
The life of Ayatollah Yousuf Kashmri perfectly attested the truth in Allama Iqbal’s one of the most inspirational Urdu couplets. Aga sb., as he was popularly known, was a charismatic leader, a social reformer, a revolutionist, a visionary, an eminent educationist, a great scholar – all the rear qualities consolidated in one person. Aga Syed Yousuf is ranked one of the greatest scholars Shia community has ever had after the Late Ayatollah Aga Syed Mehdi. Ayatollah Yousuf Kashmri was born in Budgam in 1322 AH and completed his education in jurisprudence and Islamic law from Najaf in Iraq, and after the demise of his elder brother, Aga Syed Ahmed Al-mosavi, shouldered the responsibility of spreading the message of truth.