Shrine of Baba Farid Ganj Shakar- The Place of Spiritual Kingdom

Baba Farid- the leader of all Sufis of Islam, is a man who hardly needs any introduction. His resting place is well known throughout the world that depicts the importance of this Sufi mystic. Built in the 13th century, this shrine changed the destiny of the whole city where it is located. No one knew about Pakpattan but after the stay of Baba Farid, this city is known to be the hub of devotion.

Importance of Baba Farid Shrine:

Before knowing the details of Baba Farid Shrine, one should know it’s importance. Nothing can depict the significance more than this fact that this shrine is a place of respect and worth to Sikhs as well. They quote it again and again in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Also, plenty of local people was converted into Islam from this place. It is the only place that attracts millions of visitors from all over Pakistan. I think it’s more than enough to show the worth of this holy place. Isn’t it?

Location:

Baba Farid Ganjshakar’s shrine is in a small state of Punjab, Pakpattan.

History:

Baba Farid had a very special position in the services of Islam. His main aim was to spread the teachings of Islam. Referring to his Sufi deeds, he had built a convent where he prayed for needy Muslims. People believed that he had a special link with God and had some spiritual powers. This belief was considered even after his death in 1265.

People were of the view that his grave contained special spiritual powers. He is buried just next to the convent.

The shrine got even more famous in 1281 under Sheikh Ala ud din Mauj Darya. Then in the 13th century, some other shrines were also built in affiliation to Baba Farid’s.

The Shrine Complex:

An interesting thing about the shrine of Baba Farid is that it has graves of successors too. The oldest mosque of Baba Farid times is also preserved by the devotees. The white marbles increase the beauty of the two doored tomb, one is Nuri Darwaza (Gate of light) and the other is Bahishti Darwaza (Gate of Paradise).

Most of the building is covered by corridors. Inside the tomb, lies the grave of both Baba Farid and his son. Both men and women can visit it, however, the area is small.

Free meals to the poor:

A very aspiring fact in the shrine is the distribution of free meals to the poor. Following the life examples of Baba Farid, the devotees provide gifts to needy people in the form of clothes and accommodation.

Common rituals:

Some rituals are performed regularly in the shrine to honor Baba Farid’s life. Tying the turban to successors is one of the most important ritual. Other than that special qawwali nights are also arranged every Thursday for his remembrance.

Another very frequent ritual performed in this shrine is passing through Bahishti Darwaza. Devotees believe that whoever passes through this door will enter paradise (symbolic representation). They also believe that they can enter another spiritual world if they take a ferry ride in the Sutlej river near to this shrine.

Well, you decide that either these rituals are simply myths or have some truthful facts. To me, it seems so interesting and I am sure for you also.