AISHMUQAM

AISHMUQAM.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

---------Aishmuqam is a beautiful village located about 75 km south of Srinagar. This village is associated with Sheikh Zain-ud-din, the principal disciple of a famous saint of Kashmir called Sheikh Nur-ud-din. Sheikh Zain-ud-din is believed to have lived here in a cave in the 15th century. Main attraction here is the shrine of Aishmuqam. This cave shrine located on a hill draws a large number of visitors. Folklore has it that Sheikh Zain-ud-din found numerous snakes & reptiles on his arrival at the cave. The saint took a club which he had received from his guru and transformed it into a dreadful snakes, (pohur) in kashmiri, by his spiritual power, and the snakes vacated the cave. By road, the village of Phuurpujan is 25 km from here. The nearest airport is at Srinagar.
IN FUTURE GIVE U MORE DETAILS ABOUT MY DREAM , AISHMUQAM.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOME SUFI DARGAS IN KASHMIRSufi Dargahs in Kashmir-Aishmuqam and Makhdoom Sahib.
Overview

Kashmir, in north India, has been the abode of many Muslim saints (Sufis), and there are famous Sufi dargahas. Two of these dargahas are at Aishmuqam in Anantnag district and Makhdoom Sahib in Srinagar city.
The Hindus and Muslims in Kashmir have lived together for centuries. The Kashmiri Muslims and the Hindus have been influenced by each other. The sufis of Kashmir are of a special type. Hindu thought and religion greatly influenced Kashmiri sufis. Kashmir Sufis are also called as Muslim Reshis.
Aishmuqam Village Aishmuqam is very well known in every part of Kashmir on account of the historical shrine of Sheikh Zain-ud-din, who lived in the 15th century A.D. and was one of the principal disciples of Sheikh Nur-ud-din, the leading Reshi of Kashmir. It is commonly known in Kashmir that Sheikh Zain-ud-din, who was known by the name of Zia Singh before his conversion, was a prince and belonged to the ruling Rajas of Kishtwar. Among the local inhabitants, legend has it that Zain-ud-din meditated for a long time in the village Mandjan of Tehsil Sopore, where he attained spiritual perfection. It was at this stage that Sheikh Nur-ud-din advised him to migrate to the cave at Aishmuqam and to meditate there for the remaining period of his life.
Makhdoom Saheb Sultan-Ul-Arifeen Hazrat Makhdoom Saheb, popularly known as Makhdoom Saheb, is a famous Dargah situated in Srinagar, capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. People from all walks of life come to this famous Dargah to pay their obeisance. Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, titled Mehboob-Ul-Alam, and Sultan-Ul-Arifeen, was born to Baba Usman, of the Chandra-Vanshi Rajput family, a hereditary landlord, a scholar, and a mystic saint of high order. Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, in this manner, inherited the mysticism.
Quick Tips:According to the legend, the Urs festival at Aishmuqam continues to be celebrated from pre-Islamic times and dates back to about 2,000 years. All communities respect the shrine of Zain-ud-din, and they actively participate in the celebration of the anniversary. There is no restriction to the entry into the shrine, which is open to visits by persons of either sex and of any community.At present Waqf Board is looking after the day-to-day management and maintenance of Dargah. A huge number of locals as well as those from Pakistan, Afghanistan Jaireens, visit this shrine throughout the year. In URS days around 50 to 60,000 Jaireens visit this shrine daily to listen whole night Qawwalis sung in the praise of Allah and Holy Saint and pay their obeisance. On average, 4,000 Jaireens visit this place daily, except the months of December and January, when, due to cold weather in the valley, the number of daily Jaireens comes down to about 1,000 persons.
Makhdoom SahibMakhdoom Sahib inherited the mysticism, and from very childhood was inclined to the company of holy men, and to the truth. Having read the Holy Quran in the village, he went to the seminary of Sheikh Ismail Kabroi for higher studies. He studied the Jurisprudence, Tradition, Logic, Philosophy, Ethics, and Mysticism. The great sage followed the Sunni (tradition) strictly not only in prayers but also in table manners, dress, etc. He scrupulously followed the Prophet and his love for Him knew no bounds. These things helped him to reach the highest rank. Later he had to forsake His love for isolation in order to serve the people. He remarks:"In the early days I had completely abandoned the company of the people. God granted me the gift of peace at heart and composure of mind. He ordered me to serve the people so I came and started delivering the Message."His greatest contribution was that he delivered it in its purest form to the people and that he instructed the people to forsake superstitions and Un-Islamic activities through his speech and actions. He was buried near Hari Parbat. Thousands of people visit the shrine to pay their respects and receive his blessings. Ladies come and cry in tears with hiccups to narrate their sorrows to Makhdoom Saheb, which, as per belief, relieves them of their sorrows.
Best Way To Get Around:Aishmuqam is situated in the district of Anantnag, a central part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated on the Anantnag-Pahalgam road, about 25km from Anantnag. The shrine of Hazrat Zain-ud-Din Wali is situated on a hillock, about 20km short of the famous hill resort of Pahalgam overlooking the bewitching Lidder Valley. The road to the shrine branches off to the right from main Anantnag-Pahalgam road. A few hundred metres walk or drive takes one to the foot of the stone stair leading to the shrine. The mausoleum is located inside a deep cave atop the hill, about 100m higher than the main road.
Presently, the Jaireens climb 260 steps of 20cm to reach at this shrine, which is a strenuous task for ladies and old Jaireens. About 2,000 people visit the Dargah every day, with figures reaching to about 6,000 peopleduring holidays and on Fridays. Further, during URS days for about one month in March-April (in two spells of 12 days each) every year, about 10 to 20,000 persons visit the Dargah. The daily timings of Dargah are from 6am to 10pm.
The dargah has an impressive front structure. Being located on the road from Anantnag to the hill resort of Pahalgam, it is easily approachable and you can spend about 2 hours to visit the dargah and proceed onwards.
Makhdoom Saheb is well connected by all weather roads in Srinagar. From road to the shrine, the Jaireens have to ascend the steps to reach the shrine, about 90 from the Bashi Darwaja side (north) and about 127 from Kathi Darwaja side (south). While approaching from the Kathi Darwaja side, there is a mosque built by Dara-Shikoh in Mughal period just by the side of the steps.
There are two entrances to the shrine from Bashi Darwaja and from Kathi Darwaja. More pilgrims frequent the Bashi Darwaja entrance, primarily due to the religious belief and also being more populated side of the city. The Dargah is situated on the south of Hari Parbat, at an elevation of 1635m above MSL.
The Makhdoom Sahib, being situated in the heart of Srinagar city, can be visited by all for its majestic structure, spacious, and beautiful decorated halls.                                                                                                     SOME FAMOUS PLACES OF KASHMIR

Hari Prabat ...
The Hill of Hari Parbat crowned by the pathan fort who his visible from every part of the city. 400 feet above the plain, Legend says the hill grew from a pebble dropped by the goddess Paravati to crush a demon, in the form of Sharika bird (Maina). This is called now Hari Parbat.

Sonmarg ...
87 km. from Srinagar, 3 hours journey, 2800mts above sea level. It is called Golden meadow” at the head of the river Sind with beautiful mountains and glaciers.Base for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag . Also the Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.Shankrancharya TempleThis Temple is situated in Srinagar at height of 1000ft above the plain. The earliest of all the Temples built in 200 BC,. By Jalaka the son of the Great Buddhist convert Ashoka. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and dedicated by Raja Gopadittya in 6th Century. It is said to be that “ the Takhut-I-Sulaiman (throne one of the Solomon).
Yusmarg ...
50 kms southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour journey through pine and fir forests. On the way to Yusmarg is the shrine of famous Kashmiri sufi saint : Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back.There is Tourist huts available.
Gulmarg ...
56 kms from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mts above sea level. .It is called “Meadow of flowers”.In summer best for trekking, golfing and pony rides . One can have beautiful walk around and can see in good weather the high mountains like Naga Parbat(In Gilgit) 7650mts high, Kolohi and Harmukh which are 5425 and 5124 mts high.Gulmarg has the world’s highest green golf course in the world.Ski in the winter. There are cable cons that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mts. (Gondola)Announcement:All distinguished visitors are informed that they can now apply for membership of this blog.
Dachi Gam Wildlife Sanctuary ...
Home of the Hangul: The Dachigam area has been protected to preserve its unique Himalayan range of Flora and Fauna. Hangul are Kashmir stag one of the most endangered species of Red Deer in the world, this is the only place in the world with a viable Hangul population.Paradise for bird lovers. In the Park Leopard, Jackal, Hill fox, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Long Tailed Blue Magpie, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Weasel.Contributors
PROUD KASHMIRI "SHAH ANSAR MAJID "