Dastgeer Sahib, Sufi shrine in Khanyar, Srinagar, India
Dastgeer Sahib is a wooden shrine in Khanyar featuring traditional Khatamband ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers and intricate interior craftsmanship. The walls throughout the structure display detailed papier-mâché work that showcases local artisanal techniques.
The shrine was established in 1806 when an Afghan merchant brought a sacred relic associated with the Sufi saint to this location. Significant expansion took place in 1877 under the patronage of Khwaja Sanaullah Shawl.
The shrine serves as a living center where devotees gather to pray and honor the Sufi saint through daily rituals and observance. You will find people engaged in their spiritual practices, making this a working place of Islamic worship rather than simply a museum.
The shrine is located in the Khanyar neighborhood and opens daily to welcome both worshippers and visitors throughout the day. Modest dress is recommended when visiting, and it is helpful to be respectful of ongoing prayers and religious observances.
The shrine houses sacred manuscripts safeguarded in a fireproof vault, demonstrating the careful preservation of these important religious texts. This level of protection underscores how much these holdings matter to the local community.
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