Dargah Hazrat Bu Ali Shah Qalandar

The history of Kalandar Peer in Panipat revolves around the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Sharfuddin Bu Ali Shah Qalandar Panipati, also known as Bu Ali Qalandar. Here's a summary of his life and the history associated with his shrine: Life of Bu Ali Qalandar: * Birth: Estimates vary, with some accounts placing his birth around 1209 CE in Panipat, Haryana, India. However, an inscription on his tomb suggests his birthplace was Ganja in present-day Azerbaijan. * Lineage: His father, Sheikh Fakhar Uddin, was a renowned scholar and saint, believed to be a descendant of Imam Abu Hanifa. * Education: Bu Ali Qalandar completed his studies at a young age and taught near the Qutub Minar in Delhi for about 20 years. * Spiritual Journey: He is associated with the Chishti and Owaisi Sufi orders. Legends describe periods of intense devotion and spiritual experiences that led to him being bestowed the title "Bu Ali" (Fragrance of Ali). * Qalandar: He embraced the Qalandar way of life, a distinct branch of Sufism characterized by their detached and often wandering lifestyle. * Literary Work: He authored a collection of Persian poetry called "Diwan Hazrat Sharafuddeen Bu Ali Qalandar," a significant work in Sufi literature. * Demise: He passed away in Panipat around 1324 CE. The Dargah (Shrine): * Construction: The dargah, mosque, and enclosure at Kalandar Chowk in Panipat were built by Mahabat Khan, a general during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Mahabat Khan's own tomb is located adjacent to the saint's mausoleum. * Significance: The tomb of Bu Ali Shah Qalandar is a highly respected pilgrimage site for people of all faiths. It is seen as a symbol of faith, harmony, and integrity. * Features: The dargah complex also houses the tombs of Hakim Mukaram Khan and Maulana Altaf Hussain Ali, a prominent Urdu poet. The left wall of the mausoleum has a Qasida (panegyric) inscribed in blue and gold, written by Zahuri Neishabouri. * Urs Mela: An annual Urs Mela (fair) is held at the dargah, attracting devotees from across the country. * Qawwali: Regular Qawwali (Sufi devotional singing) festivals are organized at the shrine. * Syncretic Tradition: Every Thursday, people from various religions gather at the dargah to offer prayers, highlighting the syncretic traditions of the region. The dargah of Bu Ali Shah Qalandar stands as a testament to the saint's enduring legacy and continues to be a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in Panipat.