Indo Islamic Heritage
Khanqah-e-Moula is centrally located in Srinagar and easily accessible. The nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station, approximately 12 kilometers away. The nearest major bus stand is Batamaloo Bus Stand, situated around 6 kilometers from the shrine. The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar, located roughly 13 kilometers away.
Khanqah-e-Moula, also known as Shah-e-Hamadan Masjid, is one of the most sacred and historically significant Islamic shrines in Kashmir, situated on the banks of the Jhelum River in the old city of Srinagar, near Zaina Kadal – Maharak Ganj Road, Shamswari, between the historic Fateh Kadal and Zaina Kadal bridges. The shrine was originally established in 1395 CE by Sultan Sikandar in honour of the revered Persian Sufi saint Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (Shah-e-Hamadan), whose spiritual mission deeply influenced the religious, cultural, and economic life of Kashmir. Mir Syed Ali Hamadani is remembered for spreading Islam in the Valley and introducing important crafts such as pashmina weaving, shawl-making, wood carving, papier-mâché, and calligraphy, which later became hallmarks of Kashmiri heritage. Architecturally, Khanqah-e-Moula is a masterpiece of traditional Kashmiri wooden architecture, blending Buddhist, Hindu, Central Asian, and Islamic artistic influences. The present structure was reconstructed in 1732 CE after repeated fires damaged earlier buildings. The shrine is famous for its intricately carved timber framework, sloping multi-tiered roofs, hanging eaves, papier-mâché interiors, lattice windows, and elegant ornamentation. Rising prominently above the surrounding urban fabric, it stands as both a place of worship and a monument of cultural identity. Historically regarded as one of the earliest Khanqahs in Kashmir, it became a center of spiritual learning, Sufi gatherings, and community guidance. Even today, devotees visit in large numbers, especially on the 6th of Zilhaj, the death anniversary of Shah-e-Hamadan. The shrine remains a living symbol of Kashmir’s spiritual devotion, syncretic culture, and architectural brilliance.
Year of Built: 14th Century
Address: On the banks of Jehlum river and near to, Zaina Kadal - Maharak Ganj Rd, Shamswari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190002
Country: India
State: Jammu and Kashmir
District: Srinagar
Pincode: 190001
Longitude: 74.8090° E
Latitude: 34.0935° N