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Shah E Hamdan

There were several saints who had come to the Kashmir valley to propagate and preach Islam, of which Syed Jalal Uddin Bukhari, Bulbul Shah, Syed Taj Uddin, Yousuf and Syed Hussain Samnani were highly regarded. It is believed Shah-e-Hamdan was one of the only prominent names who preached monotheism. This great man was named Ali and his surnames were Amir-e-Kabir, Ali Sa’ani, Shah-e-Hamadan and Mir. He was a Persian Islamic Scholar who belonged to Hamadan, Iran. He came to Kashmir three times in between 1365 and 1383 AC.

During his visit to Kashmir Mir Syed Ali Hamdani preached about Islam. It is believed that due to his efforts a majority of Buddhists and Hindus in Kashmir started accepting Islam. He was successful in converting 35000 people in Ladakh and Kashmir valley. During his third trip to Kashmir valley, Shah-e-Hamdan passed away in 1385 AC.

The Shrine of Shah-e-Hamdan or Khanqah e Moulla is situated at Kashmir on the banks of Jhelum River. Considered one of the oldest Muslim Shrines in Kashmir, it offers a peaceful ambience to tourists. The scenic beauty surrounding this shrine makes it even more beautiful.

Historic Factor

Sultan Sikander reigned from 1389 to 1413 AD. He had constructed the shrine in memory of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani. The Khankah in Kashmir houses two relics of Prophet Muhammad. These were a Standard flag that the prophet used in his campaigns and also a pole of tent that belonged to him.

Damage Caused by Fire

In 1480, this Shrine was almost ruined in a devastating fire. Sultan Hassan Shah was ruler at that time. He constructed the shrine again in 1493 AD, in a two-storied form. The shrine was destroyed again in 1731 AD, which was later on reconstructed by Abul Barkat Khan.

Architecture and Legacy

Presently, the shrine has a square plan. It is supported on a rough walled base and follows the structure of other ancient temples. The roofs are in the form of pyramids. There double-arcaded verandahs that deserve a special mention. These verandahs run all around the building in the first tier. There is an arcaded balcony extending on all the four sides of the second tier.

This shrine has a wooden structure with a carved roof space that will surely marvel you. It has hanging bells inside along with ancient religious sermons and inscriptions from ancient times.

Best Time to Visit

Devotees flock to this shrine on 6th day of Dul-Haj. According to Islamic Lunar calendar, Dul-Haj is the last month when death anniversary of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani is celebrated. It is an auspicious time for tourists to visit Shah-e-Hamdan.

How to Reach

Getting to Shah-e-Hamdan shrine is easy. You can reach the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is 260 kilometres away from Srinagar. The station is well-connected with other major cities of India. The distance between Jammu to Srinagar can be covered by a taxi or bus.

Srinagar’s domestic airport has regular flights to and from other major cities of India such as Mumbai, Chandigarh and Delhi. If you are travelling from abroad then you can take a connecting flight after reaching Delhi International Airport to Srinagar Airport.

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