Though I am a Hindu by religion but I believe that all religion speaks the same language of brotherhood and a supreme power, which ever name we call Him by.....it was my 2nd such visit to a mosque....early been to a mosque at aurangabad but this time I was though bit sceptic at heart ones but felt that definitely there is some power which brought us for a night halt at Rajouri on our way to Mughal road in Bafliaz sector , onward to Shopian in kashmir valley. Last time we went to mughal road,we bypassed Thanamandi (shahdra sharief )and surprisingly we were back again here.
INTRODUCTION :
Shahdara sharief is a revered shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah at Thanamandi in Rajouri dist.of j&k. Built in the 19th century, standing on top a hill at Thanamandi, is visited by people of all religion. It is believed equally sacred , which communicate a message of peace and harmony amongst people of j&k. It is 177 kms from jammu city.
HISTORY:
Acc.to historical sources, in 1820 AD Maharaja Ranjit Singh of punjab sent his army general Gulab Singh to defeat an adversary. Out of 150 companies of troops taken on this expedition only 25 soldiers could stay with him.At last he camped at Thanamandi and went to call on a local recluse who was a wise and pious man. When Gulab Singh approached him,he smiled mysteriously. He said , when asked about his smile that, climb atop this hill and cast a glance around and whatever countries u see, ur prosperity will some day spread it's wings of sway over these places.
Later the saint's prophesy became true and Gulab Singh became the maharaja of j&k. He later visited shahdra to express his gratitude but the saint was not alive. Gulab Singh built this shrine dedicated to the saint to pay homage. It is highly inspiring to learn that a Muslim shrine built by a Hindu founder if j&k.
Today thousands of devotees of all faith visit the shrine everyday in deep faith and devotion. And it is strongly believed by multitude of Baba's devotees that their cherished desires are invariably fulfilled.
My experience at the shrine :
The shrine is some 7kms off the main road at Thanamandi. ....its very beautifully located...the drive across is just a pleasure and road across is very well maintained. ..might be often encounter security personals on the way.As we entered the premises of the complex , our eyes caught the attention of the beautiful garden and lovely varieties of roses , making our climbing the stairs up to the top a more leisureful. Photography is not allowed in the main building...very peaceful atmosphere. ...after our prayers at the dargha, it was our time to head for our journey to Mughal road in poonch district just a great feeling in heart to be here at the shrine...hope all our wishes be fulfilled.
NOTE:
There are free accommodation, food provided by the shrine management. ...Though not ,many hotels available at Thanamandi, either stay at Rajouri city orelse a good budget hotel "Hotel Hill view "were we stayed a night was good enough.
INTRODUCTION :
Shahdara sharief is a revered shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah at Thanamandi in Rajouri dist.of j&k. Built in the 19th century, standing on top a hill at Thanamandi, is visited by people of all religion. It is believed equally sacred , which communicate a message of peace and harmony amongst people of j&k. It is 177 kms from jammu city.
HISTORY:
Acc.to historical sources, in 1820 AD Maharaja Ranjit Singh of punjab sent his army general Gulab Singh to defeat an adversary. Out of 150 companies of troops taken on this expedition only 25 soldiers could stay with him.At last he camped at Thanamandi and went to call on a local recluse who was a wise and pious man. When Gulab Singh approached him,he smiled mysteriously. He said , when asked about his smile that, climb atop this hill and cast a glance around and whatever countries u see, ur prosperity will some day spread it's wings of sway over these places.
Later the saint's prophesy became true and Gulab Singh became the maharaja of j&k. He later visited shahdra to express his gratitude but the saint was not alive. Gulab Singh built this shrine dedicated to the saint to pay homage. It is highly inspiring to learn that a Muslim shrine built by a Hindu founder if j&k.
Today thousands of devotees of all faith visit the shrine everyday in deep faith and devotion. And it is strongly believed by multitude of Baba's devotees that their cherished desires are invariably fulfilled.
My experience at the shrine :
The shrine is some 7kms off the main road at Thanamandi. ....its very beautifully located...the drive across is just a pleasure and road across is very well maintained. ..might be often encounter security personals on the way.As we entered the premises of the complex , our eyes caught the attention of the beautiful garden and lovely varieties of roses , making our climbing the stairs up to the top a more leisureful. Photography is not allowed in the main building...very peaceful atmosphere. ...after our prayers at the dargha, it was our time to head for our journey to Mughal road in poonch district just a great feeling in heart to be here at the shrine...hope all our wishes be fulfilled.
NOTE:
There are free accommodation, food provided by the shrine management. ...Though not ,many hotels available at Thanamandi, either stay at Rajouri city orelse a good budget hotel "Hotel Hill view "were we stayed a night was good enough.
