Khanqah-e-Moula

Khanqah-e-Moula

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Khanqah-e-Moula is one of the most revered religious and historical landmarks of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, located on the banks of the Jhelum River in the old city. It is associated with the great 14th-century Persian Sufi saint Sheikh Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, popularly known as Shah-e-Hamdan, who played a vital role in spreading Islam and Sufi teachings in Kashmir. The khanqah is considered the spiritual heart of Srinagar and holds deep importance for the local Muslim community.

The term khanqah refers to a Sufi spiritual center where prayers, meditation, and religious learning take place. Khanqah-e-Moula is believed to be the oldest khanqah in Kashmir, originally established after Shah-e-Hamdan’s arrival in the valley. Over the centuries, the structure has been rebuilt several times due to floods and fires, yet it has retained its traditional character and spiritual essence.

Architecturally, Khanqah-e-Moula is a fine example of traditional Kashmiri wooden architecture. Built primarily with deodar wood, the shrine features exquisitely carved wooden panels, floral motifs, geometric patterns, and elegant Islamic calligraphy. The multi-tiered roof, tall wooden pillars, and beautifully decorated interiors reflect the exceptional craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans. The peaceful ambiance inside the shrine creates an atmosphere of deep devotion and reflection.

Khanqah-e-Moula is not only a place of worship but also a center of Sufi culture and communal harmony. Devotees gather here daily to offer prayers, while special religious events and the Urs of Shah-e-Hamdan draw large crowds. The shrine symbolizes values of love, tolerance, and spirituality that are central to Sufism.

 

Today, Khanqah-e-Moula stands as a timeless symbol of Kashmir’s rich spiritual heritage and remains a must-visit site for those seeking history, architecture, and inner peace in Srinagar.