Know more about Shia Religious Places, Important Astaans in Kashmir
Shia Muslims in Kashmir have several important religious places and Astaans, which hold significant religious and cultural importance. Here are some of the important Astaans and religious places in Kashmir:
- Dargah Hazratbal:
Dargah Hazratbal, located in Srinagar, Kashmir, is one of the most revered and significant religious sites for Muslims in the region. The dargah is known for housing a sacred relic believed to be a strand of hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), making it a place of great spiritual importance for believers. This is a revered shrine located in Srinagar, which houses a relic believed to be a hair of Prophet Muhammad. It is a significant place of worship for both Sunni and Shia Muslims in the region.Sacred Relic: The main attraction of Dargah Hazratbal is the holy relic known as “Moi-e-Muqqadas.” It is believed to be a hair strand from the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) beard. This relic is considered highly sacred and is publicly displayed to devotees on special occasions, such as the Prophet’s birthday (Eid Milad-un-Nabi) and other important Islamic events. >> Read More >>
Shrine of Shamsudin Iraqi in Zadibal, Srinagar, is a notable religious and historical site located in the Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It holds significant importance for both locals and visitors due to its association with the renowned Sufi saint, Shamsudin Iraqi. 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.
Shamsudin Iraqi was a prominent Sufi saint and a revered poet who lived during the 13th century. He was born in Iraq and traveled to various regions, including Kashmir. His teachings and poetry are deeply admired by Sufi followers, and his spiritual influence has left a lasting impact on the region.
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.
The shrine features exquisite architecture typical of Kashmiri Muslim heritage, with beautiful wooden carvings and intricate designs. Devotees and pilgrims from various backgrounds visit the shrine to seek blessings, offer prayers, and immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance. More >>
- Shrine of Syed Mohmmad, Gupkar
The Shrine of Syed Moha mmad 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.
This Shrine is located on the banks of Dal Lake – the Buoleward which is known for its scenic beauty and serenity
The Shrine of Syed Mohammad exists is a place of religious and cultural significance, attracting local devotees and visitors seeking blessings and spiritual solace. Shrines in Kashmir often hold historical and spiritual significance, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and religious diversity.
- 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.
These Astaans and religious places are not only significant places of worship for Shia Muslims but also reflect the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kashmir.