The 14th Century Shrine of Shah Gohar Pir Mahmood Boti Lahore

28th August 2022

The mausoleum of Shah Gohar Pir stands as one of Lahore's oldest shrines, holding a rich historical significance. Shah Gohar Pir, born on Friday, the 11th of Rabi 'al-Thani in the year 729 AH (February 19, 1329), hails from Uch Sharif, and his lineage is linked to the esteemed Sadat of Uch Sharif. His father, Hassan Kabir-ud-Din, was a prominent religious scholar and Pir Tariqat.

Under the guidance of his father, Shah Gohar Pir acquired profound religious knowledge. He then pledged his allegiance to his revered father and set forth on a dedicated path. Bestowed with Khalifat, he was entrusted with the responsibility of spreading the message of Islam among non-Muslims. Thus, he embarked on a journey to Jammu and Kashmir, where he diligently preached Islam. After dedicating considerable time to this noble endeavor, he eventually returned to Lahore.

During his time in Lahore, Shah Gohar Pir resided in the area of Mahmood Booti, away from the bustling population. It was here that he peacefully passed away on the 21st of Ramzan in the year 825 AH, leaving behind a legacy of faith and devotion. The mausoleum that honors his memory serves as a testament to his enduring spiritual influence.

The 13th Century Shrine of Hazrat Pir Syed Hadi Rahnuma Shamsi Qadri Lahore

28th August 2022

(All images copyright 2022 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced)

The shrine of Hazrat Pir Hadi Rahnuma, situated on Lawrence Road, is a magnificent yet antiquated structure that currently suffers from neglect and decay. Elevated on a platform, this edifice resembles a charming summer house, featuring double rooms and verandas on all four sides, each adorned with a dome-shaped design. The sides of the mausoleum consist of five arched rooms each, exuding an air of grandeur and serenity.

Pir Hadi Rahnuma, a revered figure, traces his lineage back to the renowned Hazrat Shams Tabrizi, whose mausoleum can be found in Multan. The saint passed away in 1282, leaving behind an enduring legacy. His profound influence and spiritual teachings endeared him to the Khoja community, who subsequently erected an awe-inspiring structure as a tribute to his memory.

Originally, the mausoleum boasted exquisite embellishments, including intricate marble latticework of remarkable beauty. Delicate marble railings adorned the roof, while sandstone pillars provided sturdy support to the elegant arches. Unfortunately, during the Sikh era, these precious decorations were stripped away, leaving the mausoleum bereft of its former splendor.

The 17th century shrine of Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri Lahore

28th August 2022

Located at the beginning of Shami Road, adjacent to the Shell petrol pump, stands the shrine of Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri, representing an architectural marvel from the middle Mughal period. Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri, originally known as Inayat Ullah, was a revered disciple of Hazrat Mian Mir Saheb (RA) and left a profound impact on the spiritual realm. He passed away in 1647 A.D., leaving behind a legacy of devotion and enlightenment. The shrine was established in his honor under the patronage of Prince Dara Shikoh, a notable figure of that time.

The shrine's dome is situated at the center of a sturdy masonry platform, serving as a prominent feature of the architectural ensemble. The walls of the shrine were once adorned with intricate enameled pottery work, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. However, during the Sikh era, these embellishments were unfortunately removed, diminishing the splendor of the shrine.

The original tomb of Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri featured an elegant dome supported by a small brick masonry structure. Remarkably, this original structure has survived the test of time and remains intact. However, an additional small structure has been erected on the western side of the original tomb, adorned with four smaller domes and four minarets. These later additions contribute to the visual grandeur of the shrine. Notably, the embellishments added to the shrine over time include decorative elements in shades of dark green and other colors, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

The shrine of Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri stands as a testament to the architectural and spiritual heritage of the Mughal era. Despite the loss of some of its original embellishments, the shrine continues to draw devotees and visitors who seek solace and spiritual connection within its sacred space.

The Deepest Stepwell (Baoli) of Pakistan located at Rohtas Fort

 May 5, 2013

There are three Stepwells present at the site of Rohtas Fort. The deepest one has more than 148 steps to reach up to the water table of the well. The stairs are so wide that even war elephants and horses could drink water. The staircase is provided with arch beams at various intervals for support and bracing of side walls. The well is dried up for many years and is protected as a historical monument,

It is pertinent to mention here that the subject structure is the deepest stepwell in Pakistan.