In the outskirts of Anantnag, about 23 km away, lies the shrine of Sheikh Zain-ud-Din Wali. Every day, hundreds of devotees visit this holy place to seek blessings. Thursdays see the biggest crowds, a practice common at many Sufi shrines in Kashmir.
The shrine sits on a hill, looking over green paddy fields. People can reach it by taking the Khannabal-Pahalgam road, which runs along the Lidder stream. Many climb about 300 steps to reach the shrine.
A Legacy of Sufi Traditions
Sheikh Zain-ud-Din Wali was a disciple of Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani, who started the Sufi order in Kashmir over 600 years ago. The shrine is famous for its Zool festival, where oil lamps are lit during paddy sowing time. It was also the filming spot for a popular Bollywood song.
Devotees come from all over Kashmir and beyond. They believe visiting the shrine brings blessings and helps fulfil their wishes. Many have been coming here for years, some since childhood. Even tourists from different faiths pay their respects at the shrine.
Faith and Community
The shrine’s day starts after the morning prayer. Locals come first, followed by visitors from far and wide. Thursdays and weekends see the biggest crowds. Special prayers called Khatmat wa Moazzamat are held regularly.
A young scholar explained that while some people don’t approve of visiting shrines, it’s a big part of Kashmiri culture. He said, “Our faith is linked to this. It’s how we’ve grown up.”
The shrine’s administrator, Ashiq Hussain Bhat, said 200-300 tourists visit daily, with numbers going up to 400-500 on weekends from May to September. People of all faiths are welcome, showing the inclusive nature of Sufism.
Sheikh Zain-ud-Din Wali died in 1440 AD, and since then, people have been visiting his shrine. With better roads now, more people can easily reach this sacred place, keeping the Sufi traditions alive in Kashmir.
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