Muzaffarabad is not only famous for its beautiful scenic views but it is known as a city of spiritual values and the Shrine of Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar is an example of it. There are several points and features of Muzaffarabad city that made it famous among tourists, and the Shrine of Sain Saheli Sarkar is one of them.
Sain Saheli Sarkar Muzaffarabad
The shrine of Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar is located at an elevation of 716 meters ( 2350 ft) in Muzaffarabad from sea level. It said that by elders of the town that this shrine was built in the early 20th century about in 2001 or 2002 by his followers.
It is a very beautiful and colorful shrine whose construction is full of colors of culture. It is a shrine spread over a vast area where devotees come from far and wide of the country.
Why is Called Sain Saheli Sarkar?
Hazrat Zulfiqar used to call his male disciples "Arriya" and women "Saheli" which is why his followers named him "Sain Arriya" and later named him "Sain Saheli". Remember that Arriya and Saheli are Punjabi words.
Real Name of Saheli Sarkar
Hazrat Sain Saheli Sarkar's name is Syed Shah Zulfiqar according to authentic traditions but in some traditions, his name is Ghulam Muhammad Shah.
See also:
Red fort Muzaffarabad AJK, Pakistan
Picnic at Kohala bridge Muzaffarabad
Pir Chinasi Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir
Tourist attractions in Muzaffarabad
Life and family
It is said that by the time you reached the age of 15 or 16 you had learned the Qur'an and religious knowledge from your father. In those days you lived in seclusion away from children your age, and it seemed like you were in a state of hegemony and looking for some answers.
Hazrat Sain Saheli Sarkar's ancestors lived in Multan and belonged to the Sadat family and left Multan and came to Gujarat. You were born in Gujarat and spent your childhood there with your family.
Traditions also show that he went to the court of Hazrat Shahbaz Lal Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif and continued to worship there for three months without eating or drinking anything, which is called "Chilla" by the Sufis.
Where did he live in?
Because they had to meditate and practice and still have to decide the destination, due to which they stayed in different areas of Hassan Abdal, Haripur, Havelian, Mansehra, and Muzaffarabad in different periods so as to attain nearness to God.
Marital status?
As time passed, he would spend many days in caves, hiding from people, and there he would be engaged in the worship of his Lord. There is no sign of his marriage or marital relationship in the traditions and it is known that he had given up all worldly needs in the worship of their Lord. (However, Islamic teachings are quite the opposite).
When did he die?
As per some elders of the city, he died at the end 20th century at the age of 57, and the place where he was often come to sit in the sunshine is the same place where Shrines' gate is located nowadays.
In the place where he was sit and preached the teachings of Islam to his followers, it is the same place where is his grave is located at.
Physical features
He is said to have been of medium height, neither obese nor thin. The hair was curly and the face was flat and Smily. His eyes were gray, black and his nose was long, he used to wear an apron on his body.
Darbar/Shrine
The Azad Kashmir Endowment Department took over the shrine in 1978 and constructed a magnificent mausoleum and its adjoining marvelous mosque which was inaugurated on November 4, 1978 (4 Rabi-ul-Awal 1410 AH) by the then Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan.
Earthquake
In the catastrophic earthquake of October 8, 2005, where the city of Muzaffarabad suffered severe devastation and the old Secretariat near the Darbar-e-Alia Sakhi Sohaili Sarkar was wiped out, but this Darbar suffered minor damage.
However, the mosque adjoining the Darbar was rebuilt and its design was made earthquake-proof, which was inaugurated on 13 May 2011 by the then Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Sardar Atiq Ahmad Khan.
Qawwali and Anchorage Halls
The Qawwali Hall and the anchorage at Darbar Sain Saheli Sarkar were expanded on the instructions of Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan and was inaugurated by the then Secretary Religious Affairs Syed Naseer-ul-Hassan Gilani on January 14, 2017.
Facilities for pilgrims
Pilgrims are also served breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the shrine, and the annual Urs ceremony is held with the utmost religious devotion and respect from January 13 to January 21 every year. In which scholars and shaykhs from all over the country participate.
Miracle
It is said that while his stay in Mansehra, he was used to serving cattle for his owner. Once there was a great thunderstorm with rain and snow and the son of his owner saw that everything got wet except for Hazrat Zulfiqar Shah and cattle due to the storm.
Hazrat Zulfiqar requested him not to tell about this miracle to others but in a short time, his miracle became apparent to the people, so he left this area and went away.
Keynotes:
Address: Secretariat Road Muzaffarabad, AJK, Pakistan
Height: 716 meters ( 2350 ft)
Name of Saheli Sarkar: Syed Shah Zulfiqar
When Darbar was built?: 2001 or 2002 AD
When Endowment dep. took over?: 1978
When did Sain die?: At the age of 57
Urs date: From January 13 to January 21 every year.
Conclusion
Along with scenic natural views, the Shrine of Sain Saheli Sarkar in Muzaffarabad of Azad Kashmir is the most spiritual and beautiful place to visit in pray, devotees and followers come here from far and wide of the country and world as well for their needs and pray.