Indo Islamic Heritage
Maharera Sharif Badi Dargah, also known as Khanqah-e-Barkatiya or Dargah-e-Badi Sarkar, is a prominent Sufi shrine located in Marehra town, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh. It is the resting place of Hazrat Shah Barkatullah and several other revered Sufi saints of the Barkatiya lineage, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during annual Urs celebrations.
Maharera Sharif Badi Dargah, commonly referred to as the Badi Dargah or Khanqah-e-Barkatiya Marehra Sharif, is one of the most significant local Sufi shrines in Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated in the town of Marehra (also spelled Marhera or Marehra), it serves as a major spiritual center for Sunni Muslims, particularly those following the Qadiriyya Barkatiya silsila (order). The shrine is renowned as the mausoleum of Hazrat Syed Shah Barkatullah (Rahmatullah Alaih), a prominent Sufi saint, along with six other revered elders (buzurgs) whose tombs are housed within the Khanqah complex. This makes it a site of deep reverence, where devotees seek blessings for peace and spiritual fulfillment. The historical roots of the shrine trace back to the early 14th century during the Delhi Sultanate era. According to accounts, the foundation stone of the Khanqah was laid by local ruler King Muniram under the orders of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, highlighting its ancient origins in the medieval period. Over centuries, the site has evolved into a grand complex featuring the tombs of key figures in the Barkatiya lineage, including Shah Barkatullah, Shah Abdul Jaleel, and Shah Jalal. The shrine also preserves sacred Islamic relics, such as holy hairs and footprints associated with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which are displayed during Urs events. Marehra itself is often called the "Capital of Sunni Muslims" due to the shrine's influence, drawing pilgrims from across India and abroad. The annual Urs is celebrated three times a year in memory of the saints, featuring religious discourses (taqreer), prayers, and gatherings that foster communal harmony. The complex includes architectural elements like walled enclosures and a Diwan-Khana, reflecting traditional Sufi Khanqah design with later additions by subsequent saints.
Year of Built: 14th Century
Address: PHQC+6JM, Kuwad Ganj Rd, Marehra, Uttar Pradesh 207401
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Etah
Pincode: 207401
Longitude: 78.34°E
Latitude: 27.45°N