Devotees seek ‘Ghous’ at Dastgeer Sahab’s (RA) shrine
Srinagar: Thousands of devotees Saturday sought ‘Ghous’ (relief) at Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) shrine, popularly known as Peer Dastageer Sahib’s shrine, situated in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir Valley.
On the annual Urs of the 11th century Sufi saint, Dastgeer Sahab (RA), the devotees in thousands including men, women, old and children thronged the shrines today and participated in the special prayers.
The annual Urs of Dastgeer Sahab (RA), which was observed with religious zeal and enthusiasm, is being annually observed on the 11th day of Rabi Al Thani—the fourth month of the Islamic Hijri Calendar.
The two shrines on the name of Peer Dastgeer Sahab situated in Srinagar areas including Khanyar and Sarai Bala witnessed huge religious gathering throughout the day, during which emotional scenes were witnessed while the holy relic of the revered saint was displayed in the shrines.
The biggest congregational prayers were held at Dastgeer Sahab shrine in Khanyar area of old city.
Amid bone-chilling cold wave, the night-long prayers were also held in both the shrines in which hundreds of devotees participated during which the religious clerics threw light on the teachings of revered saint.
Witnesses said that there was no let up in the rush of devotees throughout the course of the day at Khanyar and Sarai Bala shrines in Srinagar.
The shrines were decorated by the Khadims (caretakers) while various banners were also erected by the local religious organization displaying the greetings and messages on this day.
Outside the shrines, the local and non-local business establishments had installed carts and were seen selling Kashmiri traditional food stuff.
Notably, devotees paid obeisance at the shrines for last 11 days till the main Urs day today.
Pertinently, the Dastageer Sahib shrine located at Khanyar in old Srinagar city, was damaged in mysterious blaze in 2012 following the authorities renovated it with a different look.
The actual shrine of the revered saint is located at Baghdad in Iraq.
Even though the saint never visited Kashmir in person, he is highly revered by the locals.
Similar reports of observing the Urs of the revered saint were received from various areas including Baramulla, Pinjura Shopian, Sirhama, Handwara and Tujjar Sharief in Sopore.
Braving chilly weather conditions, hundreds of devotees participated in the night-long prayers in Pinjura.
People from all corners of South Kashmir converged at Pinjura shrine in Shopian and participated in the nightlong prayers here.
The devotees also had the glimpse of “Holy Tabrokaats”, including holy relic of the revered saint after every prayer today.
Meanwhile, the authorities had made elaborate arrangements on the Urs of the revered saint.
“Various arrangements including the diversion plan for the traffic and other basic things were put in place on the Urs of Dastgeer Sahab (RA),” the officials said.
In Sopore the annual Urs was observed in Sopore with religious fervor .
The congregation observed at Masjid Sharief Dastgeer Sahib (RA) at Nowhamam Sopore witnessed participation of thousands of devotees they also jostled to have a glimpse of the ‘Qullah Shareif’ of the revered saint.
The Imam of Masjid Sharief threw light on the life and achievements of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA).
They expressed hope that the teachings of Sheikh Abdul Qadir jeelani (RA)will remain alive in all times to come.
Meanwhile, in connection with celebration of annual URS of Pee Dastageer Sahib RA a religious congregation was held at Zachaldara Shrine of Per Dastageer Sahib RA
A good participation of the devotees offered night prayers (shab khani) and witnessed the holy relics of the saint. During the function, Muslim scholars also threw light on the teachings and practices of Hazrat Peer Dastageer Sahib RA.
The district administration Handwara had made elaborate arrangements for devotees.
KV Correspondent
