Tasawar Jalali
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Kashmir is known as the valley of saints (rishis) due to the influence of several great mystics who lived during the same period and were inspired by Nund Rishi. Prominent among them were:
- Baba Payam-ud-Din Reshi (Baba Rishi)
- Baba Shukur-ud-Din Wali, and
- Sufi Zain-ud-Din Wali
Each contributing uniquely to the spiritual heritage of the region. These four great mystics, collectively known as the Rishis of Kashmir, played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. Their teachings and literary contributions continue to inspire and guide people, transcending religious and temporal boundaries.
- 1)Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Nund Rishi)
Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, commonly known as Nund Rishi, was born in 1377 in Qaimoh, Kashmir. Widely regarded as the founder of the Rishi order in Kashmir, Nund Rishi’s life and teachings have left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of the region. His teachings emphasized simplicity, piety, and love for humanity, and his poetry and spiritual guidance were pivotal in promoting communal harmony and devotion to God.
Noor-ud-Din’s early life was marked by a deep spiritual quest. He was significantly influenced by Lal Ded, a revered mystic poetess, whose teachings shaped his spiritual outlook. After spending twelve years in meditation and austerity in a cave, he emerged as a zealous missionary, promoting a cult of purity, love, and brotherhood. His life was a testament to simplicity and asceticism, marked by his vegetarianism and rejection of materialism.
Nund Rishi’s teachings were rooted in the values of humility and ethical conduct. He criticized hypocrisy and the pursuit of selfish ends, urging people to live in harmony and unity. One of his famous sayings, “Food will last as long as the forest lasts,” reflects his understanding of ecological balance and the importance of preserving nature. He believed in the interconnectedness of human survival with the natural world.
Noor-ud-Din’s poetry, known as “Shruks,” consists of verses that highlight moral principles and call for peace and unity. His verses have been preserved in Kashmir and translated into several languages, including Persian and Urdu. His teachings continue to inspire people, celebrated for their profound wisdom and spiritual depth. Some notable sayings include:
“Food will last as long as the forest lasts” (Ann poshi teli yeli wan poshi), emphasizing the importance of ecological balance.
“Man is the same [but] of different qualities; one is worth a pearl, another is not worth a shell. Sandal is wood, arkhor is wood, [but] arkhor is not of any use” (Adam akay ta byun byun war — Ak layi mukhta ta ak layi na har Tsandun ti dar, arkhor ti dar Arkhor asi na barkhurdar), reflecting on the intrinsic value of individuals.
“How are you still living after treating the holy Quran so lightly and reciting it without your heart in it? You may benefit in your worldly gains for a while, but be ready now for the wrath of Allah” (Quran Paran Kono Moodukh, Quran Paran Goi No Soor Quran Paran Zindeh Kot Roodukh, Quran Paran Dodh Mansoor Quran Paran Be Gam Roodukh, Tamath Phoroi Akith Tsoor), criticizing superficial religious practices.
Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani died in 1440 and was buried at Charar-e-Sharief, a site that continues to attract pilgrims. r impact on Kashmiri society.
- Baba Payam-ud-Din Reshi (Baba Rishi)
Baba Payam-ud-Din Reshi, commonly known as Baba Rishi, is one of the most revered Sufi saints of Kashmir. Born in 1411 in Chander-nau-gaon in the Lar region near Ganderbal, he was the son of a nobleman and a courtier in the service of the Kashmir Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. Initially living a life of luxury, Baba Rishi experienced a spiritual awakening after witnessing ants laboriously storing food for winter, prompting him to renounce his courtly duties and pursue a life of asceticism and spirituality.
Baba Rishi was deeply influenced by Baba Shukur-ud-Din, under whose guidance he trained for two years. He later became a disciple of Baba Zain-ud-Din Reshi at Aishmuqam. After completing his training, Baba Rishi moved to Ramboh village, where he spread his teachings and worked to reform the local populace, who were initially resistant to his presence.
Baba Rishi spent the rest of his life in the forested area near Tangmarg, where he established a shrine that continues to be a significant pilgrimage site. Known for his humility, service to humanity, and devotion to God, he built a kitchen with a traditional Kashmiri earthenware stove, where food was prepared for the langar (community kitchen) and distributed to visitors. This practice of offering free meals continues to this day.
His shrine, built in the Mughal and Persian architectural styles, features a minaret and a Noor Khwan, the inner sanctum where his grave is located. Covered with a green silken cloth adorned with Quranic verses, the shrine attracts thousands of devotees annually, especially during his Urs (anniversary).
Baba Rishi is remembered for performing several miracles, including making the shrine more accessible to devotees. He died in 1480 and was buried at the Ziyarat near Tangmarg. The shrine was unfortunately damaged by fire in 1989 but has since been rebuilt.
- Sufi Zain-ud-Din Wali (Sakhi Zain-ud-Din Rishi)
Sufi Zain-ud-Din Wali, born 1440 AD(Approx), also known as Sakhi Zain-ud-Din Reshi, was a revered saint from Kashmir who played a significant role in the spiritual life of the region during the 15th century. Born as Zia Singh in Bounderkote, Kishtwar, into a Hindu Rajput family, he later converted to Islam under the guidance of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Nund Rishi), the leading Rishi of Kashmir. After his conversion, he was given the name Zain-ud-Din and was tasked with meditating and seeking spiritual enlightenment in the cave at Aishmuqam.
His shrine, located in Aishmuqam near Pahalgam, is a significant pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of devotees annually, especially during the Urs (anniversary) celebrations in April. The shrine is known for its unique ritual called “Zool” or “Phrow,” where devotees light traditional wooden torches to symbolize the triumph of truth over evil. This event features Sufi whirling and rhythmic processions, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.
Baba Zain-ud-Din Wali is remembered for his generosity, and it is believed that no one leaves his shrine empty-handed. His life was marked by numerous spiritual miracles, some of which are preserved in local folklore and historical records. Notably, he used to tie a relic called “wooden-bread” to his belly during times of scarcity, a testament to his ascetic lifestyle. The shrine also holds other relics, including a bow, a wooden club, and a copy of the Quran, which are revered by his followers
- Baba Shukur-ud-Din Wali
Baba Shukur-ud-Din Wali, also known as Topandaz-e-Kashmir, was born in 1385 (790 Hijri) in the village of Arith Pargana, Machhama, in the Budgam district of Kashmir. He is celebrated for his immense dedication to hard work and spirituality, which characterized his early years. Known for his remarkable ability to dig 136 acres of land using a spade, Baba Shukur-ud-Din Wali’s laborious nature and spiritual zeal earned him the respect and reverence of his contemporaries.
His spiritual journey began under the guidance of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Nund Rishi), the patron saint of Kashmir, and continued with Hazrat Zain-ud-Din Reshi at Aishmuqam. These formative years were crucial in shaping his spiritual beliefs and practices. He was directed to Kraale Sangri, a hill near Watlab in Sopore, where he dedicated his life to meditation and serving the local community.
One of his most famous disciples was Baba Payam-ud-Din Reshi, also known as Baba Rishi. Baba Rishi was his disciple and later became a prominent Sufi saint in his own right. Their relationship is a testament to the deep bond of respect and mentorship typical of the Sufi tradition. Baba Rishi’s dedication, including carrying water up the hill for his mentor, exemplified his commitment and earned him the highest blessings from Baba Shukur-ud-Din Wali.
Baba Shukur-ud-Din Wali’s shrine, situated on Sharikot hill in Watlab, offers a panoramic view of the Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. The shrine, a significant pilgrimage site, features intricate wood carvings and a decorated wooden door gifted by Baba Rishi. This site attracts devotees throughout the year, particularly during the annual Urs celebration on the 27th of Jamadi-us-Sani. It is believed that Baba Shukur-ud-Din Wali had such spiritual prowess that he dug his own grave and stepped into it when he passed away in 1464 (870 Hijri)
Baba Shukur-ud-Din Wali’s teachings emphasized spiritual purity, hard work, and inner peace. He promoted unity and brotherhood, never discriminating between Hindus and Muslims. His legacy continues to inspire people, reflecting the rich spiritual heritage of Kashmir. The government and local bodies are encouraged to improve the infrastructure around his shrine to facilitate easier access for the increasing number of pilgrims, thereby honoring his enduring influence on the region.
Tasawar Jalali can be reached on tjalali17@gmail.com
