Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya is one of the most highly
respected Sufi saints in India and is his dargah is visited by many
Sufiana enthusiasts from all over the world. Hazrat Nizamuddin died in
1325 and the original tomb does not exist anymore. His shrine was built
by Firuz Shah Tughlaq, an emperor of Tughlaq dynasty, which underwent
severe damage. The structure was rebuilt in 1562-63 A.D. by Fariuddin
Khan, a nobleman with a high rank. The present building has been
repaired and renovated many times since then. The compound also has many
other tombs of nobilities like Amir Khusrau (famous poet) and Jahanara
(daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan).
Location
Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi is located about 2 kms across the road from
Humayun's tomb at the eastern end of Lodi Road and West of Mathura Road.
Legend of Hazrat Nizammuddin Auliya
Hazrat Nizammuddin Auliya was born as Shaikh Nizamu'd-Din at Budaun
(Uttar Pradesh) in 1236 and is supposed to be the direct descendent of
Hazrat Nizamuddin Chishti. After losing his father at the age of five,
he came to Delhi with his mother to become a qazi (Muslim priest). Later
he became the disciple of the famous saint Shaikh Farid Shakarganj, who
appointed him as his successor. Both Ala-ud-Din Khalji and Muhammad
Tughlaq were devoted to him.
His shrine and the adjoining areas were considered sacred to the extent
that royalties would vie for space to be buried in the shrine grounds.
Some of the monuments that stand on the dargah's grounds are Jama'at-
Khana Masjid, Chini Ka Burj or Bai-Kodaldai's tomb, Tomb of Jahanara,
Amir Khusrau's Tomb, Mirza Ghalib's Tomb, Kalan-Masjid, Khan-I-Jahan
Tilangani's Tomb, Ataga Khan's Tomb, Chaunsath Khamba, Lal-Mahal,
Khan-I-Khanan's Tomb and Barapula.
Charity Work
Before entering the dargah premises, you have to remove your shoes and
preferably cover your head. Here you will find many claiming to be the
Sajjadah-Nashins (keepers) of the mausoleum, requesting money for their
blessings. The maintenance and upkeep of the dargah, including a daily
langar (community meal) for the poor is run with the help of alms and
offerings here. Several NGO's including "The Hope Project
Charitable Trust" is working to alleviate the plight of the
disadvantaged dwellers of the Nizamuddin Dargah area.
Architecture
The Nizammuddin mausoleum consists of a square chamber surrounded by
verandahs, which are pierced by arched openings, while its roof is
surmounted by a dome springing up from an octagonal drum. The dome is
ornamented by vertical stripes of black marble and is crowned by a
lotus-cresting ornamentation work.
Sacred Times
Every five to seven in the evening the dargah comes to life, especially
every Thursday when this place has a fair like atmosphere. On special
days like the biennial 'Urs' of Hazrat Nizamuddin and Eid people throng
here from all over the world to absorb the Sufiana teachings he
imparted.
