"One distinctive aspect of Shah Sahib's personality was that in his company, deliberations would go on about good conduct, piety, God-realisation, and human brotherhood — with no criticism of other faiths."
Kishtwar — A Land of Shrines & Communal Harmony
Kishtwar is renowned across the Himalayan world not only for its sapphires, saffron, and sacred peaks — but for its centuries-old tradition of communal harmony, where Hindu temples and Sufi shrines stand side by side, visited and revered by people of all faiths. At the heart of this tradition stand two extraordinary shrines: the Durbar-e-Faridia (Shrine of Shah Farid-ud-Din Bagdadi) and the Durbar-e-Asraria (Shrine of Shah Asrar-ud-Din) — both descended from the same Baghdad Sufi lineage, both in the heart of Kishtwar, and both beloved by the entire community.
The places where these saints inhabited later developed into shrines owing to the devotion of the people and the miraculous power of these saints. The conversions attributed to Shah Farid-ud-Din were done mainly in a peaceful and persuasive manner, incorporating the local tradition of Rishis into Sufism. For the seekers of divine knowledge, the Durbars of Shah Farid-ud-Din and Shah Asrar-ud-Din are a source of inspiration, divine bounties, and a treasure house of God's favours — open to devotees of every faith.
Durbar-e-Faridia — Shrine of Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din Bagdadi
The Saint from Baghdad
Shah Mohammed Farid-ud-Din Baghdadi (c. 1551–1733 AD) was a 17th-century Iraqi Sufi saint who is believed to have propagated Islam in the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir. He was a descendant of the saintly family of Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani of Baghdad — one of the most revered figures in the entire Sufi world — which is why his lineage is referred to as "Baghdadi."
Shah Farid-ud-Din arrived at Kishtwar during the reign of Raja Jai Singh, accompanied by four disciples: Darvesh Mohd., Yaar Mohd., Syed Baha-ud-Din, and Shah Abdal. He had travelled a remarkable journey before reaching Kishtwar: first spending time in Delhi and Agra as a state guest of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who honoured him with full imperial hospitality. As per the Emperor's orders, Hafiz Abdul Qasim accompanied Shah Sahib from Delhi to facilitate his journey.
From Nagri (Doda), the Shah reached Thakrie area of Kishtwar through Bharth and Sidhwan. Crossing the Kuriya and Bhandarkoot rivers, Hazrat Shah reached Kishtwar and spent his first night near Drangwajhi. When the guards of Raja Jai Singh had closed the bridges at Kuriya and Bhandarkoot refusing entry to the saint and his party, Shah Farid-ud-Din and his disciples are said to have crossed the Chenab at Bhandarkoot on a sheet — a miracle witnessed by all present and recounted in every chronicle of Kishtwar's history.
The Conversion of Raja Jai Singh
He first stayed at Drangwaji, near the Neelkanth Mahadev temple in Kishtwar. News of the arrival of this divinely enlightened personality spread far and wide, and people from across the region thronged to receive his blessings. Initially, Raja Jai Singh acted arrogantly towards the saint. But when his bed was overturned during sleep and the Faqir appeared in his dream, the Raja was frightened and compelled to approach the saint the very next morning. Under Shah Farid-ud-Din's spiritual influence, Raja Jai Singh converted to Islam, assuming the name Bakhtiar Khan. The Raja had a house constructed for the saint near his palace, and the spread of Islam got a great fillip not only in Kishtwar but far and wide.
Through his presence and spiritual authority, Islam spread across the Doda region, Dudu Basant Garh, Mahore, Gulabgarh, and the Chennai area of Udhampur district. Kishtwar itself became the spiritual centre of the entire Doda region. The hilly locality situated on the banks of the Chenab near Doda was named Faridabad in his honour.
The Durbar-e-Faridia — Astaan Baala
Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din died on 7th Haar at the age of 99 and was buried in his house at Astaan Baala, Kishtwar — approximately 1.5 km from the main Bus Stand. The shrine, known as Durbar-e-Faridia, became a place of perpetual pilgrimage from the day of his burial.
| Buried at Durbar-e-Faridia | Location within Durbar |
|---|---|
| Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din (Roza Faridia) | West of the inner drawing room |
| Shah Akhyar-ud-Din (son) | Outer drawing room |
| Shah Anwar-ud-Din (son) | East of Roza Faridia |
| Zahida Bibi, Mai Malahat, Mai Roshan Dil (wives) | Closet at the feet of Shah Farid-ud-Din |
| Hazrat Darvesh Mohd. & Yaar Mohd. (disciples from Baghdad) | Courtyard of Durbar-e-Faridia |
The Sacred Relics of Shah Farid-ud-Din
Among the most extraordinary features of the Durbar-e-Faridia is the collection of sacred relics of Shah Sahib, displayed to the public on the occasion of the annual Urs. These rare, centuries-old artefacts form a living connection between the present and the saint's remarkable life:
The 7th of Harr (Bikrimi calendar) is celebrated as the Urs of Shah Farid-ud-Din Baghdadi every year, in which thousands of pilgrims from all over the state and adjoining states participate. Beside religious discourses and other rituals, sacred relics of Shah Sahib are also displayed. The mammoth gathering at the Durbar on this day is a testament to the enduring devotion of his followers across centuries and faiths.
Durbar-e-Asraria — Shrine of Hazrat Shah Asrar-ud-Din
A Born Saint — The Child Who Spoke in the Womb
Hazrat Shah Asrar-ud-Din Baghdadi was born in 1667 AD to Shah Farid-ud-Din and his wife Zahida Bibi from Baghdad — the firstborn child of the great saint's Baghdad marriage. From the very beginning, his spiritual gifts were extraordinary: according to Rozat-ul-Aarfin by Peer Zia-ud-Din, Shah Asrar-ud-Din spoke to his mother while still in her womb — he was, in the most literal sense, a born saint.
From a young age he exhibited signs of extraordinary spiritual talent. He performed miracles to the astonishment of all — he began foretelling future events, making walls walk, and bringing the dead back to life. People who came into contact with him were instantly and deeply drawn to his spiritual presence.
When his father, Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din, witnessed the manifold miracles in his son, he prayed to God that he call his son back to him. On Mon 25th of Kartik, he ordered Syed Baha-ud-Din to bring a cup full of sugar candy syrup. Reciting Quranic hymns, he blew over the syrup and ordered Shah Asrar-ud-Din to drink it. Like an obedient son, he drank it — and was immediately called back by God. He was just eighteen years old. His Urs is therefore celebrated on the 25th of Kartik every year.
The Miraculous Resting Place — South-East Corner of Chowgan
After his passing, his body was taken to the Chowgan for Namaz-e-Jinaza (funeral prayer) and burial. On reaching the upper end of the Chowgan, his dead body became too heavy to lift — a divine sign taken to mean that Shah Asrar-ud-Din himself had chosen his resting place. Under the orders of his father, he was laid to rest at that very spot. A grand tomb was erected on his grave.
On the south-eastern corner of the Chowgan stands the sacred and famous shrine of Shah Asrar-ud-Din, approximately 2 km from the Main Bus Stand. The Durbar-e-Asraria (also known as Astan-e-Payeen) is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year — of all faiths, in the true Sufi tradition of its founder.
The annual Urs of Hazrat Shah Asrar-ud-Din is a significant event in Kishtwar, attracting thousands of devotees. This event is marked by various religious activities, including recitations of the Quran, prayers, and communal meals. It is a time when people from different faiths come together, reflecting the inclusive nature of Sufism that Shah Asrar-ud-Din preached and practiced. The three-day annual Urs is celebrated on 25th Kartik (Bikrimi) and thousands of devotees visit the shrine for seeking the blessings of this great saint.
The Shrines & Kishtwar's Tradition of Communal Harmony
What makes the Sufi shrines of Kishtwar uniquely significant in the modern world is not just their antiquity or their spiritual power — it is the living tradition of cross-community devotion that surrounds them. Both the Durbar-e-Faridia and the Durbar-e-Asraria are visited by Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike.
At the Astaan of Shah Zain-ud-Din at Bhandarkoot, cocks and sheep are offered by both the main communities — Hindus and Muslims — for seeking the blessings of the great saint. This practice, repeated at shrines across Kishtwar, reflects a centuries-old tradition of shared reverence that has survived intact through every political upheaval in the region.
The Springer academic study on the Sufi Shrines of Kishtwar notes that their contemporary relevance in understanding inter-community relations in this region close to Kashmir is profound. These shrines stand as living evidence that faith, at its deepest, builds bridges rather than walls.
Other Sufi Shrines & Sacred Sites of Kishtwar
The Durbar-e-Faridia and Durbar-e-Asraria are the most celebrated, but Kishtwar has a rich network of Ziarats (shrines) and sacred Muslim sites spread across its towns and villages:
Jamia Masjid — Heart of Kishtwar
The Jamia Masjid of Kishtwar is the oldest mosque in the district — the biggest and most towering Masjid in the heart of the city, located just near the bus stand. Its foundation was laid by Shah Akhyar-ud-Din (RA) about 110 years ago. This is the biggest Masjid of Kishtwar and can accommodate about 5,000 people at a time.
Astaan of Shah Zain-ud-Din — Bhandarkoot
At Bhandarkoot, 12 km from Kishtwar town, on the left side of the Chandra Bhaga, stands the Astaan of Shah Zain-ud-Din. On the right bank stands the ancient Neelgangeshwar pond and other temples. A big Mela is held here on Baisakhi every year — the two sacred sites attract thousands of pilgrims of both communities not only on Baisakhi but throughout the year.
"The famous Hindu shrines and the equally famous Muslim pilgrimage centres of Kishtwar are held in the highest esteem by people of every faith. The offerings made and obeisance paid at such places by people of all faiths has baffled and even bothered the conservative elements across the globe."
— mykishtwar.com · Heritage of Kishtwar💡 Did you know? The court of Shah Farid-ud-Din is called Durbar-i-Faridia and that of Shah Asrar-ud-Din is called Durbar-i-Asraria — both described as "Durbars" (royal courts) owing to the miraculous powers associated with these Sufi saints. The Chowgan of Kishtwar — that great ancient meadow at the heart of the town, surrounded by 250-year-old Chinar trees — is connected to both shrines: Shah Asrar-ud-Din is buried at its south-eastern corner, while the Durbar-e-Faridia lies 1.5 km away. The Chowgan ground thus forms the sacred heart of Kishtwar's spiritual geography.
Culture & Heritage Series | mykishtwar.com · Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
