Urs of Shah-i-Hamadan: Honouring the Saint Who Shaped Kashmir’s Spiritual and Cultural Legacy
Each year, on the 6th of Zil-Hijjah, thousands of Kashmiris gather in reverence and reflection to commemorate the Urs of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), popularly known as Shah-i-Hamadan or Amir-i-Kabir. This annual observance marks the death anniversary—or more spiritually, the wedding to the divine—of the 14th-century Persian Sufi saint who played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual, cultural, and socio-economic landscape of Kashmir.
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The Life and Mission of Shah-i-Hamadan
Born in 1314 CE in Hamadan, Iran, Shah-i-Hamadan was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from both parental lines. He was a renowned scholar, Sufi, poet, and missionary of the Kubrawiya Sufi order, who travelled extensively across Central and South Asia. He visited Kashmir three times between 1372 and 1383 CE, accompanied by hundreds of disciples and artisans.
His mission was more than religious preaching—it was a transformative project that introduced Kashmir to a new spiritual path rooted in Sufi Islam, along with reforms in education, ethics, and economy. He laid the foundation of what would later be known as Kashmir’s Islamic identity, blending Persian influence with local culture in a peaceful, inclusive manner.
Main Venue: Khanqah-e-Moula in Srinagar
The heart of the Urs celebrations lies in Khanqah-e-Moula, the historic shrine built on the banks of the Jhelum River in Srinagar. Constructed in 1395 by Sultan Sikandar in honour of Shah-i-Hamadan, this khanqah (Sufi hospice) remains an iconic centre of faith and culture. Other places like Khanqah Faizpanah (Tral), Jinab Sahab (Soura), Aasar Sharif Kalashpora, and shrines in Anantnag, Budgam, Kupwara, and Bandipora also witness large gatherings.
During the Urs, these shrines are adorned with lights and banners, their courtyards filled with pilgrims who come to offer prayers and immerse themselves in the saint’s spiritual legacy.
Traditions and Devotional Activities
The Urs is not just a ritual event—it is a multi-layered spiritual experience. Devotees from all walks of life participate in:
- Shab Khwani (Night-long Prayers): Chanting of Quranic verses, Naats (poetry in praise of the Prophet), Aurad-i-Fathiya (special invocations), and Khatam-e-Sharief are performed collectively.
- Spiritual Discourses: Scholars and clerics recount the life, teachings, and impact of Shah-i-Hamadan, emphasising his work on monotheism, inner purification, and social justice.
- Festive Atmosphere: The area around Khanqah-e-Moula transforms into a vibrant cultural space, with food stalls, traditional crafts, and families feeding pigeons—considered a sacred act.
- Charitable Services: Langars (community kitchens), water stalls, and free medical camps are often arranged to serve the devotees.
Social and Cultural Contributions
Shah-i-Hamadan’s legacy is not limited to religious teachings. He introduced various Persian arts and crafts to Kashmir, such as:
- Papermaking
- Wood carving
- Calligraphy
- Carpet weaving
- Silk production
These crafts not only transformed the region’s economy but also placed Kashmir on the global map for its exquisite artisanship.
Moreover, Shah-i-Hamadan’s arrival marked a shift toward ethical governance, education, and public welfare in medieval Kashmir. His disciples helped establish mosques, libraries, and spiritual learning centres, while his own writings—like Chahlul Asraar and Awrad-i-Fathiyya—became spiritual guidebooks for generations.
Unity in Devotion
The Urs of Shah-i-Hamadan is more than a religious event—it is a reflection of Kashmir’s composite heritage, where devotion, cultural pride, and communal unity intersect. Despite political changes and social challenges, the faithful continue to gather peacefully every year, reaffirming their commitment to the values of harmony and compassion that Shah-i-Hamadan stood for.
The 660th Urs, observed on June 2–3, 2025, saw thousands gather at the shrine in Srinagar. Leaders including the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir extended greetings and highlighted the saint’s enduring relevance in promoting peace and coexistence. Arrangements were made by the J&K Muslim Waqf Board, including tents, sanitation, and medical aid for the convenience of the pilgrims.
A Legacy That Lives On
Even centuries after his passing, Shah-i-Hamadan’s influence continues to shape the spiritual landscape of Kashmir. His emphasis on inner purification, service to humanity, and unity among people of different backgrounds resonates with contemporary challenges and aspirations.
The Urs is a sacred pause in Kashmir’s yearly rhythm—a time to reflect, reconnect, and revive the teachings of a man whose life remains a beacon of light in the valley’s history.
In the words of a devotee at Khanqah-e-Moula:
“We come here every year not just to remember a saint, but to remind ourselves of who we are as a people—rooted in faith, guided by knowledge, and bound by love.”
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