Indo Islamic Heritage
Dargah Sharif Hazrat Khwaja Meer Uddin Bittu Hasan R.A. (also known as the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Sayyid Hasan Sultan ul Arfeen Bade Sarkar R.A.) is a revered local Sufi shrine in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to a 13th-century saint of the Suhrawardi order. Situated on the banks of the Sot River, it serves as a serene spiritual hub attracting devotees from diverse faiths for its emphasis on mysticism, charity, and interfaith harmony. The shrine hosts annual Urs celebrations and is one of Badaun's oldest Islamic sites.
Nestled in the historic city of Badaun, a key center of early Islamic scholarship in northern India, the Dargah Sharif of Hazrat Khwaja Meer Uddin Bittu Hasan R.A.—revered as Sultan ul Arfeen Bade Sarkar—stands as a testament to the Suhrawardi Sufi tradition's deep roots in the region. Born in 1188 CE in Bukhara (modern-day Uzbekistan) to Azizuddin Badauni and Bibi Tui, the saint, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad through Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, migrated to India in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. After receiving early education in Multan and pledging allegiance to his spiritual guide, Hazrat Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagori, he settled in Badaun under divine guidance, establishing the Suhrawardi order's firm presence beyond Bengal and Nagaur. The saint, whose original name was Hasan, earned the title "Sultan ul Arfeen" (King of the Knowers of God) from Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, a prominent Chishti figure. Known for his profound mysticism, scholarly depth, and acts of charity that bridged communities, he spent his final years in Badaun, passing away on the 24th of Ramadan in 1230 CE. The dargah's current structure, an elegant mausoleum on the Sot River's banks, was erected that same year by Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud, the fifth son of Delhi Sultan Iltutmish, reflecting royal patronage for Sufi legacies during the early Delhi Sultanate era. As a local shrine, it embodies the inclusive ethos of Indian Sufism, drawing pilgrims from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh backgrounds who seek blessings for personal wishes and communal harmony. The annual Urs on the 24th of Ramadan features devotional qawwalis, prayers, and communal feasts, commemorating the saint's union with the divine. His younger brother, Shah Vilayat Badruddin (Chote Sarkar), a disciple of the same order, shares the spiritual legacy nearby, with his Urs observed on the 21st or 22nd of Ramadan. Devotees often undertake a 40-day "chilla" retreat here, offering roses and seeking intercession, underscoring the shrine's role in fostering spiritual discipline and faith. This modest yet spiritually potent site, amid Badaun's medieval Islamic heritage, continues to inspire quiet reflection and devotion, preserving the saint's message of divine knowledge and universal compassion.
Year of Built: Not Available
Address: Chitransh Nagar Rd, behind Chandbadi, near District Board Office, Budaun, Uttar Pradesh 243601
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Budaun
Pincode: 243601
Longitude: 79.1167° E
Latitude: 28.2333° N