Indo Islamic Heritage
Approach: Approximately 1.2 km northwest of Nizamuddin Bus Stand and 2.5 km northwest of Nizamuddin Railway Station, on the way to Mathura Road. Airport: Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station Bus Station: Nizamuddin Bus Stand
Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia was one of the most renowned Sufi saints of the Chishti Order in the Indian subcontinent. He remains highly venerated by both Muslims and Hindus, and his tomb is considered one of the most sacred Islamic shrines in India. His teachings emphasized religious pluralism, love, and kindness, influencing a major shift in the outlook of the people of Delhi toward spirituality and mysticism. Under his guidance, many turned towards prayers and a more ascetic lifestyle, distancing themselves from worldly affairs. He was associated with several notable historical figures, including Sultan Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Among his close friends and disciples were the poet Amir Khusrau, Sayyid Mahmud Behar, and the revered saint Nasiruddin Mahmood Chirag-e-Delhi, who later became his spiritual successor. Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia was born in 1238 A.D. to Khwaja Syed Ahmed and Bibi Zuleikha. His grandparents had migrated from Bukhara, in present-day Uzbekistan, and settled in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, which was a significant center of trade and learning at the time. He became a disciple of Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar (Baba Farid), who appointed him as his successor. Hazrat Nizamuddin passed away in 1325 A.D. and had wished to be buried under the open sky in the courtyard of the Jamaat Khana Mosque. His simple grave, in an enclosure known as Yaran Chabutra or "Platform of Friends," has since become a resting place for many important personalities, including Emperor Humayun. The original structure of the tomb was repaired by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq, but none of his renovations remain today. The Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia is visited daily by thousands of devotees, who come to pay their respects and seek his blessings. The Urs festival, commemorating his death anniversary, is a grand occasion when the entire dargah complex is beautifully decorated with carpets, floral arrangements, and strings of fairy lights. The highlight of the celebration is the night-long Qawwali performances, often attended by prominent dignitaries and spiritual leaders. A unique tradition associated with the shrine is the practice of tying red and yellow sacred threads to the railings around the tomb while making a wish. Once the wish is fulfilled, the devotee returns to untie the thread as a gesture of gratitude. Visitors also offer fresh flower petals at the grave and pray by sitting near the headstone before moving towards the foot of the tomb, where they lift the multiple layers of chaddars (decorative cloth covers) to kiss the grave or touch their foreheads to it as a sign of deep reverence. Circumambulating the sarcophagus is also a common ritual. However, women are not allowed inside the tomb chamber. They may pray from outside, touching the walls or sitting in the courtyard, but they cannot enter the inner sanctum. The architectural style of Hazrat Nizamuddin's tomb belongs to the medieval period and is a stunning representation of Indo-Islamic craftsmanship. The structure is square in plan, measuring approximately 9.76 meters externally, with a 2.10-meter-wide marble-paved verandah surrounding it. The verandah features five arched openings on each side, supported by elegant columns with trefoil arches. These arches hold up a red sandstone chajja (projected eave), which is topped with a decorative pinjra (lattice) parapet adorned with small domes. The corners of the parapet are highlighted with miniature marble chhatris (domed canopies) crowned with gilded finials. The main dome of the tomb, which rises from an octagonal drum, has vertical black marble strips and is topped with an inverted lotus and a pointed golden finial. Smaller domes run along the edges of the chajja, creating a visually striking silhouette. The tomb is built on a raised platform, and the surrounding narrow walkway is lined with fluted pillars that support intricately decorated white arches covered in delicate floral motifs. The exterior of the tomb is embellished with calligraphic inscriptions and floral geometric patterns. The tomb chamber, which measures 5.5 meters externally, is accessible through a single entrance on the south side, framed by a marble screen. The openings are fitted with intricate marble jali (lattice) screens set within sandstone frames, often draped with pardahs (curtains) for added sanctity. The interior of the tomb is richly decorated with gold-painted walls featuring elaborate floral patterns in red, green, and violet. Large stone lattice panels break the monotony of the golden panels, adding depth to the design. At the head of the grave, on the eastern wall, three beautifully carved marble screens allow light to filter in, with the central screen being the largest. The western wall houses a gilded mihrab (prayer niche), marking the direction of Mecca. Inside, the saint's marble grave is surrounded by a massive marble balustrade, draped in heavily scented cloth and layers of embroidered chaddars. The ethereal ambiance of the tomb is further enhanced by the presence of large chandeliers that illuminate the extended courtyards, along with green, flower-shaped lanterns casting a soft glow. The materials used in the construction of the tomb include marble, sandstone, and lime plaster, which were essential components of medieval Islamic architecture. These materials not only provide structural stability but also allow for intricate detailing, as seen in the calligraphy, geometric patterns, and floral carvings that adorn the tomb. The Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah remains a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture and a timeless symbol of faith and devotion, drawing visitors from all walks of life.
Year of Built: 14th - 15th Century
Address: Boali Gate Rd, Nizamuddin, Nizammudin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, Delhi
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: South Delhi
Pincode: 110013
Longitude: 77 14 31
Latitude: 28 35 28