| J&K has numerous Sufi Shrines which are held in high esteem by people belonging to all faiths and communities. These sacred places are, in fact, symbol of human unity and brotherhood. These Sufi saints not only preached but also put to practice their words of wisdom and set an example before the society to move on the right spiritual track. This is one vital reason that kept the people in Jammu and Kashmir distinctly away from fanaticism and highly ritualistic system. One of the first major Sufi to come to Jammu region is said to be Peer Roshan Ali Shah (RA) whose Dargah is located at Gumat, near the famous Raghunath Mandir, in the heart of Jammu town. The Peer Sahib is said to have been very tall, which explains why his grave is almost 20 feet (or Nine Gaz) long, and hence the shrine has the popular name of Maqbara Naugaz. As per tradition, the Peer Sahib was one of the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Peer Sahib is said to have performed many miracles, which impressed the then Hindu Raja of Jammu that he became his devotee and requested him to settle in his city. When the Pir Sahib died, the Raja laid him to rest with full honours and had a mausoleum constructed for him with a grave of stone and mud constructed for him, which is a major place of local pilgrimage. The shrine is held in high esteem by people of all faiths. Hindus and Muslims light little clay lamps and place them in an alcove adjacent to the grave. |
