Hazratbal

Hazratbal, a world-famous shrine of Muslim followers, was established as early as the 17th century. The pious Mosque of Hazratbal which stands with elan on the banks of the popular Dal Lake of Srinagar, is also referred as Dargah Sharief, Dargah, Assar-e-Sharief and Madinat-us-Sani.

In 1623, Sadiq Khan who was the then subedar of the great Mughal King, Shahjahan, built a palatial edifice on the spot where Hazratbal was stands. However, in the year 1634 Shahjahan instructed his men to transform the edifice into a holy shrine of Muslims. In the year of 1699, the sacred hair of the devout Islamic Prophet Mohammad was brought to the valley and initially it was preserved in the Naqashbad Sahib. As the followers started gathering in the site in large numbers to view the Moi-e-Muqqadus or the pious hair, it was transferred to Hazratbal immediately.

Previously known as Sadiqabad, Hazratbal today is a major pilgrimage center of Jammu & Kasmir where not only followers of Islam faith but also people belonging to all other religions come to gather the blessings of Prophet Mohammad. The current architecture of Hazratbal which consists of marble construction was carried out by the Muslim Auqaf Trust from the year 1968 to 1979.

Moi-e-Muqqadus being the center of attraction in Hazratbal, the entire Mosque structure depicts the holy bliss of Mohammad. Local people flock to the site time and again. Also, tourists from all over the world who come to Jammu & Kashmir make it sure that they visit Hazratbal atleast once.

Hazratbal can be reached through NH1A which links Kashmir with other parts of India. Also the nearest railway station to Hazratbal lies at a distance of 300 km in Jammu. Whereas the Badgam district which is 25 km away from Hazratbal houses the closest air terminal.

Upholding the religious sanctity of the life of Prophet Mohammad Hazratbal inevitably comes in the itinerary of Jammu & Kashmir pilgrim tourism.

Last Updated on 8/29/2011