Dastgeer Sahib is a Sufi shrine of Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jelani (Ghaus-E-Azam) located in Khaniyar, Srinagar, Jammu and kashmir, India. While the Muslims in Srinagar refer to him as Ghaus-e-Azam, Hindus call him Kahnoow.
History
Dastgeer Sahib is an 200 year old shrine situated in khaniyar. Gous E Azam never stayed there. It has the old Quran written by Hazrat Abu Bakr Sidiqqi, Hazrat Ali, and the Mouia Pak, a piece of hair from Gous E Azam. It was constructed in 1806 and expanded in 1877 by Khwaja Sanaullah Shawl.
It is the center of the activity hub of the Khaniyar and is surrounded by a large market. On the Urs of the Gous E Azam thousands of people from all over Kashmir go there to pray to Allah and watch the ziyarat. Khwaja sahib is reported to have actually started Silsila Qadria in Kashmir . Accordingly the followers of Dastgeer sahib are called Qadrees in Kashmir .
Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gelani:
Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gelani was born in 1077 AD Naif located in the present day Iran. On his fathers side, he was a descendent of Hassan Ibn Ali, the eldest son of Ali and Fatima and on his mother’s side he was a decendent of Husayn ibn Ali, the younger son of the said couple.
It may not be out of the place to note that Fatima was the daughter of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH); Ali was both his son-in-law and a cousin.Therefore, we can see he came from a distinguished family held in high esteem by the followers of Islam. In addition, to that he himself was a great Saint and Scholar.
Life Of Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gelani:
Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gelani spent his first 18 years in Na’if. In 1095 he went to Baghdad to persue his studies under famous Islamic Scholars. After completing his education Gelani spent 25 years as recluse wandering about in the deserts of Iraq. He returned Baghdad in 1127 and became a teacher. He joined the school where he himself was educated. He also began to preach Islam and said to have converted many Jews and Christians. His greatest strength was that he was able to integrate the mystical nature of Sufism with the teachings of Quran. Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gelani died in 1166 AD at the age of eighty nine in Baghdad and buried within the boundary of the school where he had taught so many students.
Story behind Dastgir Sahab in Srinagar:
As we have already said, although Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gelani never came to Srinagar. The Dastgir Sahab Shrine was built in his honor.
It is said that the holy relic belonging to Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gelani was first brought to Srinagar by an Afghan traveler. It was then handed over to Sayed Buzargh Shah, an eminent Sufi Saint of Qadri order. In 1806, a shrine was constructed in the Khanyar region of the Srinagar town to house the relics. in 1877, the Shrine was enlarged by Khwaja Sanaullah Shawl. It was again renovated in 1920.
According to the another story, the relic was brought from Thatha Sindh by Hazrat Sakhi Shah Muhammad Fazil who was descendant of the Gelani clan.
Religious Importance of Dastgir Sahab Shrine:
Dastgir Sahab Shrine is important from religious as well as archaeological point of view. It houses a number of holy relics. Among them a piece of hair from Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gelani, popularly known as Gous-E-Azam is of the prime important. In addition, the shrine houses an old Quran hand written by Hazrat Abu Bakar Sidiqqi, Hazrat Ali and the Mouia Pak. All these are kept in a fireproof vault and are taken out on special occasions such as Urs of Gous-E-Azam for devotees to see.
Indeed, on occasions such as the above, thousands of devotees visit the Shrine not only to pray, but also to watch the Ziyarat. There are also five graves located inside the Shrine. One of them is said to be belonging to a member of Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gelani.
Architectural Wonder Of Dastgir Sahib Shrine:
It is entirely made out of wood. The most interesting point is that not a single piece of nail has been used in this building. The pieces of wood were joined together with interlocks. The interior is adorned with paper mache decorations; chandeliers hanging from the ceiling add to its beauty. The Shrine has a separate section for ladies.
FIRE In Dastgir Sahib Shrine:
The shrine was badly damaged in a fire on 25 June 2012. The relics of the saint that were located inside a fireproof vault were not damaged. The relics were later sent to the nearby residents of Syed Khalid Geelani for safe keeping.
The Renovation of Dastgir Sahib Shrine In Srinagar:
Very Soon the authorities took up a restoration plan. They decided to adhere to the original building plan as much as possible and worked accordingly. With help from the Srinagar Municipal corporation, Muslim Auqaf trust and other agencies, the task was of rebuilding the Shrine was completed within the time frame. The relics were brought back to the renovated Shrine at the end of January, 2015.
Reference:
http://www.srinagaronline.in/city-guide/dastgir-sahib-shrine-in-srinagar
nice1