Indian States
Jammu
& Kashmir
Kashmir
(
Pilgrimage
)
(
Hazratbal Shrine )
The
most important muslim shrine of Kashmir, that commands
the reverence of the people beyond measure,is undoubetedly
the Hazratbal Shrine, which is situated on the left
bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar This unmatched
reverence is anchored in the love and respect for the
Prophet. Mohammad (peace be upon him), whose Moi-e-Muqqadus,
(the sacred hair) is preserves here.
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The shrine is known by many names including Hazratbal, Assar-e-Sharief,
Madinat-us-Sani, Dargah Sharief & Dargah. |
The history of the shrine goes back to the early seventeenth century
when the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan's Subedar, Sadiq Khan, laid
out a garden here & constructed a palacial building, Ishrat
Mahal or Pleasure House in 1623. However, the Emperor, during
his visit in 1634, ordered the building to be converted into a
prayer House with some additions & alterations. During the
time of Aurangzeb, when MOI-e-Muqqadus arrived in Kashmir in 1699,
it was first kept in the shrine of Naqashbad Sahib in the heart
of the city. Since the place was found to be insufficient in view
of the unprecedented rush of people who thronged the place to
have a glimpse of the Moi-e-Muqqades, it was decided to shift
the it to Hazratbal, then known as Sadiqabad. The construction
of the present marble structure was started by the Muslim Auqaf
Trust headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1968 and completed
in 1979. The Moi-e-Muqqadas is displayed on Various occassions
related with the life of Prophet & his four holy companions.
How
to Reach
Hazratbal lies in Srinagar District and the nearest Airport is approx.
25 Kms away in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major
cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300
Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir
valley with India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget
from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12
hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful
spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with
India. Regular transport is available from various points in the
Srinagar city with nominal charges. Route from Dal Lake can also
be undertaken.
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