Nizammuddin Dargah | Hazrat Nizammuddin Auliya Delhi Qawwali, History

Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi Overview

Dedicated to the world famous Muslim Sufi Saint Nizamuddin Chisti, the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is a mausoleum and shrine located in Delhi. The complex of the dargah is a beautiful amalgam of red stone and white marble and was built in the year 1526. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah seeks to propagate the Sufi tradition which is based on spirituality and views all religions as equal. As an implication of the same, people of all religions are allowed to pay their respects to the grave of the great saint, and they do visit the shrine in the counts of thousands every week. The tombs of many other people Mughals such as Jahan Ara Begum and Inayat Khan are also present in the premises of the dargah. The tomb of lyricist Amir Khusro (disciple of Hazrat Nizammudin) is also situated within the Nizamuddin Dargah complex.

A vibe of spirituality and serenity seems to be omnipresent at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, where you can find throngs of devotees even in the later hours of the evening. The spirit of service is commonplace here, and a langar or free community kitchen is held every Thursday and Sunday for the devotees where only vegetarian food is served. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah also plays host to qawwali and a Sufi singing session on Thursdays and Saturdays and a number of Sufi singers come here to pay their homage. One can easily spend hours of their time listening to the melodious renditions of the qawalls, or simply contemplate the divine under the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah sky.

History of Hazrat Nizammudin

Born in Badayun (3 April 1325), Uttar Pradesh, Nizamuddin Auliya was one of the most famous Sufi saint in the Indian subcontinent. His father passed away when he was just 5 years old, and soon after that his mother moved to Delhi along with him. After staying in Delhi for several years, Auliya decided to become the disciple of Baba Farid at the age of 20 and moved to Pakpattan (Pakistan), though not permanently. From here, his spiritual journey began and he unraveled many truths about God and his divine ways. Throughout his life, he preached the love for God as the love for humankind. He kept coming back to Delhi after every visit to Pakpattan and was later announced as the successor of Baba Farid. He ended up settling in Delhi itself and built his own 'Khanqah', where people from all walks of life were fed and imparted saintly sermons. Hazrat Nizamuddin left for his heavenly abode on the morning of 3 April 1325, leaving a rich legacy behind.

Architecture of Hazrat Nizammudin

Standing in grandeur, the building of Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is an example of love and devotion. The tomb is adorned with intricate marble lattice screens called 'jalis' and marble arches. It is believed that if you wish for something and tie a holy thread at this jali, your wish will be fulfilled by the Lord himself. A magnificent wooden door leads to the Hujra-e-Qadeem which is reserved for the exclusive sama' (qawwali) gatherings of the Sufi. A wall right outside the room is embellished with a calligraphy by Urdu poet Allama Iqbal praising Nizamuddin Aulia. Right before the saint's grave lies the final resting place of Jehanara. There is a courtyard in the middle and inscriptions in Farsi all around. Inside the main tomb, the holy shrine is covered with perfumed dark green cloth. Devotees offer their prayers and wishes by showering flowers and lighting the incense sticks before the shrine. The grand architecture oozes the charm of mystic Sufi traditions, which is all about humanity and love.

Qawalli at the Dargah

Thursdays evenings here witness some of the most soul - stirring Qawalli performances by renowned artists. The vocalists sit down on the floor with their instruments and fellow singers and begin a divine invocation of the Gods. Melodious tunes reverberate through the entire complex, transporting you to a completely different dimension altogether. Throngs of people sit surrounding them, mesmerised by the intonations and instruments. If you happen to visit this destination, make sure you attend the Qawalli session, for it is an experience of a lifetime.

Best Time To Visit Nizamuddin Dargah

Evening hours of the day and winter months of October - March are the best time to visit the dargah.

Tips For Visiting Nizamuddin Dargah

1. Liquor and tobacco are prohibited on the premises
2. Entry to the main complex is restricted for women
3. Cover your head before you enter the premises

How to reach Nizamuddin Dargah

The nearest bus depot is Sarai Kale Khan which is at a distance of 6.7 kilometres. Buses regularly run from the depot to the tomb. Nearest metro stations include Pragati Maidan and Indraprastha.

Air: The tomb is 15.2 km from Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi. A taxi can be hired to reach the tomb from the airport.
Rail: The tomb is approximately 2.5 km from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. Taxis, buses and auto rickshaws are easily available outside the station.
Road: The nearest bus depot is Sarai Kale Khan which is at a distance of 6.7 kilometers. Buses regularly run from the depot to the tomb.