Indo Islamic Heritage
Hazrat Syed Anwar Ashraf Jilani Mazar Sharif is a revered Sufi shrine located in the historic complex of Kichhauchha Sharif, a prominent center of the Ashrafi Sufi order in Ashrafpur Kichhauchha, Ambedkar Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Dedicated to Hazrat Syed Anwar Ashraf, a descendant of the renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Syed Ashraf Jahangir Semnani (founder of the Ashrafi branch of the Chishti order), the mazar serves as a spiritual hub attracting devotees for prayers and ziyarat. The shrine is part of the larger Khanqah-e-Ashrafia Hasania, which includes mosques and tombs, emphasizing Islamic teachings, Sufi mysticism, and community welfare. It embodies the legacy of peace, spiritual elevation, and interfaith harmony propagated by the Ashrafi saints.
The Hazrat Syed Anwar Ashraf Jilani Mazar Sharif stands as an integral part of the illustrious Kichhauchha Sharif complex, a beacon of Sufi heritage in northern India. This shrine honors Hazrat Syed Anwar Ashraf, a spiritual figure from the esteemed Ashrafi family, who trace their lineage to Hazrat Syed Ashraf Jahangir Semnani (1285–1386 CE), the Iranian-born Sufi saint who founded the Ashrafi Sufi order—a unique synthesis of the Chishti, Qadiri, and other mystical traditions. Semnani, born in Semnan, Iran, renounced royalty to propagate Islam in India, settling in Kichhauchha after extensive travels. His arrival transformed the region, fostering a message of peace, tolerance, and spiritual enlightenment that drew followers from diverse backgrounds. The mazar itself commemorates Syed Anwar Ashraf's contributions to this lineage, particularly in upholding the order's emphasis on Sharia (Islamic law), Tareeqat (Sufi path), and community service through the khanqah. Established in the broader context of the 14th-century khanqah founded by Semnani, the shrine complex is built on a small hillock surrounded by a serene pond (known as Neer Sharif), symbolizing purity and reflection. The architecture features elegant marble work, intricate tile mosaics, and glass embellishments, reflecting Indo-Islamic styles influenced by Persian and Mughal aesthetics. The mazar includes prayer halls (masjids) for daily congregational prayers, a madrasa for Islamic education, and spaces for qawwali sessions during Urs celebrations. Devotees believe the site's sanctity aids in spiritual healing, with the pond's water revered for its purported therapeutic properties, rooted in Sufi traditions of barakah (blessings). Historically, Kichhauchha Sharif has been a sanctuary for seekers of knowledge and solace, evolving under successive Ashrafi saints. The complex expanded in the 20th century to accommodate growing pilgrims, including additions for tombs like that of Syed Anwar Ashraf, who was part of the family's scholarly and spiritual continuum. The shrine's mosque serves as the focal point for rituals, including Fajr and Maghrib prayers, and hosts the annual Urs of Semnani on 28 Muharram, drawing thousands for recitations, sama (spiritual music), and langar (communal meals). This observance underscores the site's role in preserving Sunni Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat practices, with a focus on Dars-i-Nizami (traditional Islamic curriculum). As a verified historical Islamic site, the mazar promotes values of unity and devotion, free from extraneous folklore. Its enduring appeal lies in its authentic representation of Sufi Islam, where visitors engage in zikr (remembrance of God) and seek guidance from the Quran and Hadith, perpetuating the Ashrafi legacy of ethical and moral upliftment in Uttar Pradesh.
Year of Built: Not Available
Address: CQMC+R9P, Ashrafpur Kichhauchha, Uttar Pradesh 224155
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Ambedkar Nagar
Pincode: 224155
Longitude: 82.7100° E
Latitude: 26.3800° N