Data darbar – The oldest shrine of south Asia

Data darbar – The oldest shrine of south Asia

Situated in Lahore, it is one of the busiest places in Lahore. In a world of billion, visited by millions, with thousands of prayers and a desire to pay visit to the shrine of Abul Hassan Ali Hajvery or commonly known as Data ganj Bukhsh. Since its construction in the eleventh century it has been visited by people without religious barriers, Hindus or Muslims, everybody pays a visit to attain peace and harmony for their souls. The three floored structure, has its own library, a madrassa (Islamic teachings school), a conference hall and a sarai, which is the resting place for visitors.

Practices of people – From daily prayers, “nawafil”prayer or just to pay visit to the shrine, people visit daily whether its 12 in the afternoon or late night. Those who cannot feed on their own, lie there in a huge number, waiting for “lungar” the food that people distribute. The objectionable actions of people visiting the shrine have raised many questions in the past, as they are contradictory to basis of Islam, but people still practice those actions such as bowing down to the shrine, which is in no condition acceptable as we can only bow down to Allah. The most common act of distributing food, usually after the prayers of people are answered, is amongst the most common practices of people visiting the holy shrine.

Lahore – “data kinagri” – As the shrine is in Lahore since more than 800 years, it is makes the city well-known through-out Asia. Lahore is considered to have numerous blessings of Data Ganj Bukhsh. The capital of Punjab province, Lahore, hosts millions of visitors who come from all over the world to pay “salam” to the holy shrine. The locals believe that due to the holy shrine in Lahore, they feel safe living in one of the busiest cities of Pakistan.

Urrs – the death anniversary – the anniversary is celebrated not less than a marriage anniversary, with religious singing (qawwali) and decorations through-out the city, it is one of the most awaited event of the city. Every year on 19^th of safar (Arabic calendar date) the Urrs is celebrated which lights up the whole city.

The area around data darbar – around 3km is the land mark, minar – e – Pakistan, situated in the Iqbal Park, it is the place where the first resolution for a separate homeland for Muslims in South Asia was passed. Around 2km is the fifth largest mosque in the world, the imperial mosque or more commonly known as the “Badshahi mosque” built in the 16^th century it is one of the major tourist attraction in the city of Lahore. Adjacent to the mosque, lays the historical Lahore fort. Spread over 20 hectares, was built in the late 15^th century and is still preserved in its original form. Lahore is also known as walled city and some of its walls are near darbar amongst them are taxali gate and shah alami gate. The area around it has small “bazaars” from which people can get souvenirs, pictures and flowers.

In a nutshell – The people of Lahore are honored and blessed in all the manners possible, to live near the shrine of one the most renowned scholar, who contributed with his countless efforts in spreading Islam in south Asia.