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Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Delhi
Undoubtedly, the capital city of Delhi is a travellers' treasures and Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is one of its precious gems. Situated in the near proximity to Humayun’s Tomb, Hazrat Nizamuddin is a dargah (mausoleum) dedicated to Nizamuddin Auliya (1238 - 1325 AD) - one of the famous Sufi saints in the world. Hazrat Nizamuddin is one of the most serene and peaceful places of worship in Delhi, and hence, is visited by oodles of people of all region. Inside the dargah, there are jaallies (lattice screens), marble arches and a courtyard. Along with the tomb of Nizamuddin Auliya, the complex of this Muslim pilgrimage site in Delhi also comprises the tomb of his disciple Amir Khusrau who once one of the great Urdu and Persian poet of his time. Besides, the dargah also serves as the resting place of various other eminent historical figures including Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara Begum, a nobleman - Atgah Khan (whose wife served as the nurse of the great Mughal emperor Akbar) and Muhammad Shah Rangila - an 18th-century ruler.
Devotees who come here to offer their prayers can be seen tying a red thread on the screens. To pay homage, devotees also light incense sticks and also shower rose petals while performing their prayers. However, a number of devotees also offer chadars at the shrine which is considered to be sacred. Besides, on Thursdays, this place marks the maximum footfall of devotees from far and wide because of Qawwali performances organized in the evening where one can see a lot of people relishing a surreal experience. Apart from its religious and historical significance, the dargah also serves as one of the prominent shooting locations in Delhi, and therefore, has a connection with Bollywood also. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah has been featured in some popular hits like Rockstar (2011) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).
Spacious Structure
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah dates back to 14th century and since then it has undergone numerous renovations. However, the present structure dates back to 1562 and was renovated by Faridu’n Khan. The architectural design of the dargah is an Islamic style of architecture which is built in a square-shaped chamber engirdled by courtyards; most of which are covered by arched openings. The dargah also has a dome-shaped roof ornamented with vertical stripes that add a distinct grandeur in the architecture of the mausoleum. Besides this, the architectural design of this beautiful dargah is also embraced by lattice screens, marble arches, jaallis, and courtyards. The complex also includes a 13th-century old room - Hujra-e-Qadeem. Furthermore, one can also see the calligraphed poem to commemorate Nizamuddin Auliya which was inscribed by an Urdu poet Allama Iqbal. On the western side of the dargah, there is a high wall made up of sandstone that leads to Jamaat-Khana (prayer hall).
History
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is devoted to a world famous Sufi saint - Nizamuddin Auliya. He was born in the year 1238 in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh and later shifted to Gyaspur, a neighbouring town of Delhi, as he used to travel to Delhi in order to preach the order of Chisti. His motto was to teach people that how love and peace help one to get closer to the god. Besides, he also believes that everyone should serve people irrespective of their sex, castes, and religion. During his life span, he made numerous followers; Muhammad Bin Tughlaq being one of them who built this mausoleum to commemorate Nizamuddin Auliya.
Opening/Closing Time
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah opens every day. However, on every Thursday a large number of devotees can be seen here, mainly because of the Qawwali performances held in the evening.
Location Address
Boali Gate Rd, Opp The Lodhi, New Delhi - 110013
Best Time to Visit
One can visit the dargah any time during the year, however, Thursdays receive a lot of devotees, and hence, are considered as the best time to visit Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah.
How to Reach?
The nearest metro station from Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is Jangpura which is located at a distance of 1.4 km and lies on the Violet Line. However, the dargah is soon to be having its own metro station which lies on the Pink Line.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
There are numbers of other tourist attractions around Nizamuddin dargah where you would surely want to go after exploring this place.
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Lotus Temple
- Lal Quila
- Jama Masjid
- Chandni Chowk Market
- Bhaironath Temple, Pragati Maidan
- Millennium Park
- National Handicraft and Handloom Museum
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- National Zoological Park