Pākpattan Sharif: A City of Spiritual Significance and History

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 11 October 2024. Pākpattan Sharif, Home To Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar's Shrine, Is A Significant Spiritual Site. Pilgrims Flock Annually To Pass Through The Sacred "Door Of Iram," Celebrating The Saint's Enduring Legacy Main Points 1. Pākpattan Sharif, originally known as Ajodhan, became a spiritual center due to Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar. 2. Baba Farid was a renowned ascetic whose practices gained global recognition. 3. The city hosts his simple yet revered monastery and the sacred "Door of Iram." 4. The "Door of Iram" opens annually during Muharram for thousands of pilgrims. 5. Pilgrims from across the world visit Pākpattan Sharif to honour Baba Farid. ----- Pakpattan is the seat of Sufi Chisti order in Pakistan/ Pakpattan - Wikipedia ----- Pākpattan Sharif, formerly known as Ajodhan, has a history that stretches back over 2,300 years. While the city was once renowned for the strength of its fort, it gained its present name and status about 800 years ago, becoming a place of immense spiritual significance. Today, Pākpattan Sharif is known for being the resting place of one of the most revered Islamic saints, Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar. Baba Farid: A Spiritual Luminary Born in 1170 AD, Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar, or Baba Farid, earned widespread recognition as a spiritual leader and ascetic. His dedication to fasting and devotion became legendary. It is said that for 30 consecutive years, Baba Farid did not allow any food to enter his body, surviving by placing a wooden loaf of bread or a bunch of wooden grapes on his stomach to quell his hunger. These wooden relics are still preserved in his monastery and are shown to pilgrims. Baba Farid's fame spread far beyond the Indian subcontinent, reaching regions like Afghanistan, Persia, and Central Asia. Under his spiritual influence, the city of Ajodhan became Pākpattan, meaning "Pure Landing." Later, it came to be known as Pākpattan Sharif, revered in the Islamic world for its connection to the saint. The City and Monastery Modern-day Pākpattan is located in Montgomery District, and from afar, the city appears as a hill rising from a green landscape. The houses are built atop one another, giving the city a picturesque view, with the white-stone monastery of Baba Farid standing prominently at the centre. The streets of Pākpattan are narrow, often so tight that two people can barely pass without touching. However, a wide road leads to the hilltop monastery, a structure with two ornate doors one facing east and the other west. Inscribed on these doors in bold black letters is the Islamic creed, "La Ilaha Illallah," emphasizing the monotheistic message of Islam. Inside the monastery, the simplicity of Baba Farid’s grave evokes a sense of deep spirituality. The site is kept dimly lit, reflecting the saint's ascetic lifestyle. The graves of twenty-nine caretakers who followed Baba Farid in managing the shrine are also located nearby. The Door of Iram: A Sacred Portal Among the monastery’s most revered features is the "Door of Iram." This southern door is considered especially holy, and it remains locked year-round, except for the night between the 4th and 5th of Muharram. On this night, thousands of pilgrims from across the Islamic world gather to pass through the door, which is believed to be a symbolic gateway to paradise. For 800 years, a Hindu family has held one of the two keys to the door, while a Muslim descendant of Baba Farid holds the other. This unique tradition highlights the long-standing reverence that people of all faiths have for the saint. The Annual Pilgrimage Each year during Muharram, Pākpattan Sharif transforms into a bustling hub of spiritual activity. Pilgrims from regions as distant as Madras, Afghanistan, Persia, Balkh, Bukhara, and Turkistan flock to the city. Thousands of devotees, speaking languages like Urdu, Persian, Pashto, Tamil, and Arabic, gather to pay homage to Baba Farid, turning the quiet city into a lively and diverse melting pot of cultures. As pilgrims arrive on camels, carts, and wagons, the atmosphere becomes festive. Performers, camel riders, and traders set up in the vast plains near the city, adding a lively touch to the spiritual journey. However, all share a common goal: passing through the "Door of Iram." The Ritual of Passing Through the Door On the night when the door is opened, the monastery is bathed in a mystical light. The atmosphere becomes intensely spiritual as pilgrims, moved to the sides of the monastery walls, recite God's name continuously. The ritual of passing through the "Door of Iram" is both solemn and majestic, with each pilgrim waiting their turn to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Conclusion Pākpattan Sharif stands as a testament to the spiritual power and influence of Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar. For centuries, the city has attracted devotees from around the world, united in their reverence for the saint. The city’s narrow streets, the simple yet revered monastery, and the sacred "Door of Iram" continue to inspire generations, keeping the legacy of Baba Farid alive in the hearts of millions. ----- Sahil Razvi is an Author and Research scholar specializing in Sufism and History and an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. 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