Jammu and Kashmir is a veritable heaven of spiritualism for millions of believers who proceed on pilgrimage to the numerous shrines and holy sites in which the state abounds. There is hardly any town or city which does not have a shrine of its own, many among these being the state’s living heritage and symbols of secularism

The shrine of Shahdra-Sharief in Rajouri district, 177 kms from Jammu, is one of the most popular Muslim shrines of Jammu region, visited by thousand of devotees every day.

Shrine of Shahdra-sharief at Rajouri

Built in the 19th century on a beautiful hillock in Thanna Mandi area, 29 kms from Rajouri town, it has great historical significance in the context of the origin of the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

According to historical sources, in 1820 AD Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab sent his army general Gulab Singh to defeat an adversary. Out of the 150 companies of troops taken on this expedition, only 25 soldiers could stay with the General. At last he camped at Thanna-Mandi and went to call on a local recluse named Baba Ghulam Shah ‘Badshah’, who lived in the nearby locality of Shah-dara and was known as a wise and pious person. When Gulab Singh approached the saint, he found him sitting under a tree with an apricot twig in hand and in deep devotion. (According to some legends it was the saint who had sent one of his disciples to invite the general). The saint looked at him and smiled. When asked about the reason for his mysterious smile, the saint said, "I smile on the miracle of the infallible Almighty who has committed to the charge of your exalted personality the performance of so many expeditions of government and the management of affairs of sovereignty. Climb atop this mountain and cast a glance around, and whatever countries you see, the eagle of your prosperity will some day spread its wings of sway over these places". Gulab Singh climbed the mountain to cast his glance in the direction of Jammu, Kashmir, Kishtwar and Tibet. He was highly pleased with the recluse and expressed his intention to grant a ‘jagir’ to him But the recluse said, "I have a piece of land granted to me since long, if the Shah-dara locality is added to it, it will suffice". Consequently, the ‘Sanad’ for both the land and the locality were issued to him, which continue to be in the possession of his offspring to this day. Later, when the saint’s prophesy became true and Gulab Sigh became maharaja of the Jammu and Kashmir State, he visited Shah-dara to express his devotion to the saint. But as the saint was not alive anymore, Gulab Singh built a shrine dedicated to the saint to pay homage. It is highly inspiring to learn that this Muslim shrine was built by the Hindu founder of Jammu & Kashmir.

Today, thousands of devotees of all faiths, irrespective of cast, colour and creed, visit the shrine every day in deep faith and with great devotion. And it is strongly believed by the multitude of the Baba’s devotees that their cherished desires are invariably fulfilled. Interestingly, the pilgrims and visitors to the shrine are provided free accommodation, food and other facilities by the shrine management. Now large-scale infrastructure development carried out by the shrine management as well as the State Government has made this holy heritage site easily accessible to everyone and the shrine now attracts large numbers of pilgrims every year.

How to get there:

Shahdra Sharief is well connected with Rajouri town by a 30 kilometre-long metalled road. Regular bus service operates from Rajouri and even Jammu to Shahdra Sharief. Taxis of all kinds are available from Jammu as well as Rajouri for visiting this very popular holy shrine.