Hazratbal Shrine is a famous Dargah in Srinagar, perched on the banks of the pristine Dal Lake. The Hazratbal Shrine holds the most admiration amongst Muslims. The Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar is made up of silver-white marble and is the only dome structure in Srinagar. The Hazratbal shrine is famous for housing a relic known as “ Moi-e-Muqaddas”, a hair strand of Prophet Muhammad. This famous Dargah in Srinagar got its name from blending two words: “Hazrat”, which means holy, and “Bal”, which refers to a place. The Mosque displays the relic to the general public on selected occasions like the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
History Of Hazratbal Shrine In Srinagar
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The Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. In 1623, Sadiq Khan, the subedar of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, built a beautiful structure known as Ishrat Mahal or the Pleasure House.
Upon Shahjahan’s arrival at Ishrat Mahal, he ordered the place converted into a prayer hall. In 1699, during the rule of Aurangzeb, Moi-e-Muqaddas arrived in Kashmir. It was kept in the Naqashbad Shahib shrine, but soon, it was discovered that the place was inappropriate. After some time, the relic was placed in the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, which was recognized as Sadiqabad during that period.
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Relic At Hazratbal Shrine In Srinagar
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Moi-e-Muqaddas, the relic at Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, is a hair strand of Prophet Muhammad brought to India by Syed Abdullah Madani, who was the descendant of Prophet Muhammad when he migrated to Hyderabad from Medina in 1635. After Syed Abdullah’s death, his son, Syid Hamed, became the relic’s custodian.
When the Mughals conquered Hyderabad, Syid Hamed, unable to protect the relic, sold it to Khawaja Nur-Ud-Din-Eshai, a Kashmiri Businessman. During this period, Aurangzeb was the Mughal Emperor and seized the relic along with Nur-Ud-Din-Eshai. The legends believed that Aurangzeb ordered the relic to be sent back to its former owner after he had a strange dream about Prophet Muhammad and four of his caliphs. Unfortunately, Khawaja-Nur-Ud-Din-Eshai died, and the relic was transported to Kashmir along with his body. In 1700, the relic’s custodian was Innayat Begum, the daughter of Nur-Ud-Din; from then, the famous Dargah of Srinagar was established.
Top Places To Visit Near Hazratbal Shrine
Here is a list of places you should visit near the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar.
1. Shalimar Bagh
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This Mughal Garden was built in 1619 by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife, Noor Jahan. The Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden is situated on the northeast side of the Dal Lake and is one of the largest of the three Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. The Garden was once a summer residence for the Mughal Emperor’s family, and now this enchanting garden is open to the public. The design of the Garden was inspired by “Char Bagh” in Persia. You will be welcomed by a refreshing fountain that flows through the centre. The main attraction of the Mughal Garden is the Chini Khanas, behind the waterfalls that were used to hold candles to enhance the beauty of the waterfall; however, it is now used to hold flower pots.
Distance from Hazratbal Shrine: 6.2 kilometres
Timings: April to October: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; November to March: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 10 per person
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2. Nishat Bagh
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Nishat Bagh is the second-largest Mughal Garden in Srinagar, Kashmir, near the pristine Dal Lake. Nishat Bagh also known as the “Garden of Bliss” was built and designed by Asif Khan, the elder brother of Nur Jahan in 1633. The Nishat Bagh offers a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains, making the place more serene for tourists. The Nishat Bagh is known for its unique architectural features. Even though the design was inspired by Persian-style architecture, it was improvised to fit the terrain of the Kashmir valley. A fountain in between divides the Mughal Garden. Nishat Bagh has 12 terraces, each filled with exotic flowers that enhance the Place’s natural beauty.
Distance from Hazratbal Shrine: 7.5 kilometres
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 10 per person
3. Pari Mahal
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The Pari Mahal also known as the “Palace of Fairies” is located in the majestic Zabarwan Mountain Range. It is a must-visit attraction in Srinagar because of its mesmerising view of the Dal Lake and its serene atmosphere. In 1600, Dara Sikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, built this beautiful garden for his tutor; later, it was converted into an observatory for teaching astronomy and astrology. Tourists can observe the Mughal archetypal entrance, displayed by an arch in the front, followed by a dome and central chamber. The Garden has six terraces, and the gardens with flowers blooming and spring water flowing amidst the beautiful garden, making it an ideal place for couples.
Distance from Hazratbal Shrine: 15.0 kilometres
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Friday: Closed
Entry Fees: INR 20 per person
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4. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
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Out of all the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is of particular importance to tourists. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is considered the largest Tulip Garden in Asia, covering an area of 30 hectares. The Tulip Garden is located on the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountain Range, allowing tourists to witness the mesmerising Dal Lake from a serene environment. The Tulip Garden is built in a sloping structure that gives a uniqueness to this place; tourists can also observe that apart from the 48 varieties of Tulips, the garden has flowers such as hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus.
Distance from Hazratbal Shrine: 10.8 kilometres
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 50/Adult; INR 25/Child
5. Shankar Acharya Temple
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Set on top of Shankar Acharya Hills at a height of 1100 feet, the Shankar Acharya Temple is a significant tourist attraction in Srinagar not only for religious but also for its architectural brilliance. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in the Kashmir Valley. Many Kashmiri Hindus visit this temple during the Shivratri to offer their prayers, and many devotees visit it on their way to Amarnath Yatra. Tourists can consider visiting this temple during their Kashmir trip because of the awe-inspiring view of the Dal Lake and snow-capped mountains.
Distance from Hazratbal Shrine: 14.2 kilometres
Timings: 7:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M.; Cars not allowed after 5:00 P.M.
Entry Fees: Free
You May Also Like To Read: Best Places To Visit In Srinagar
Tourists from all over the world book a trip to Srinagar to experience paradise on Earth. The historical monuments, scenic landscapes, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes add to the beauty of Srinagar. Out of all the historical landmarks in Srinagar, the Hazratbal Shrine, the most famous Dargah in Srinagar, is a significant tourist attraction. Tourists visit the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar to catch a glimpse of the relic, which is only displayed on special occasions.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hazratbal Shrine
Why is Hazratbal Shrine famous?
Hazratbal Shrine is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar because it preserves a relic, a hair strand of Prophet Muhammad called “Moi-e-Muqqaddas”
How to reach Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar?
Hazratbal Shrine is easily accessible to tourists. Local transport such as buses, rickshaws, and autos are available from Srinagar. Taxis and private rental cars are more convenient options.
What is the best time to visit the Hazratbal Shrine?
The best time to visit the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar is during April and October when the weather is pleasant. However, tourists can also plan their visit during special occasions such as Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, when the relic is displayed to the public
Is Photography allowed inside the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar?
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the premises of the mosque. Still, tourists are allowed to click pictures of the exterior part of the Hazratbal Shrine.
What are the timings of Hazratbal Shrine?
There are no specific Hazratbal Shrine timings. The Shrine is open from the morning till the evening.
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