Nagore Dargah, also known as Nagoor Dargah or Syed Shahul Hameed Dargah, is a sacred shrine built over the tomb of the Sufi saint Shahul Hameed, who lived from 1490 to 1579 CE. Located in Nagore, a coastal town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, this dargah holds significant spiritual importance.
The doors of the dargah are always open to visitors, with specific timings for internal access. From 4:00 am to 6:00 am and again from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, visitors can enter the inner sanctum. On Fridays, the doors remain open between 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm, allowing devotees additional time for prayers and offerings.
Legend has it that Shahul Hameed performed numerous miracles in Nagore, including curing the physical ailment of King Achuthappa Nayak, a 16th-century Hindu ruler of Thanjavur. Locally known as Nagore Andavar, meaning the “Ruler of Nagore,” Shahul Hameed is highly revered by both Muslims and Hindus, who refer to him as Qadir wali baba.
The dargah, as it stands today, is believed to have been constructed by devoted followers of Shahul Hameed, with significant contributions from Hindus. The architectural marvel features five minarets, with the tallest one built by the Hindu Maratha ruler of Thanjavur, Pratap Singh (1739–1763 CE).
Nagore Dargah serves as a major pilgrimage center, attracting devotees from both Sufi Islam and Hinduism. It stands as a symbol of peaceful coexistence between the two religions, fostering harmony and unity among its visitors.
The main event at Nagore Dargah is the Kanduri festival, also known as Urus Mubarak. It lasts for fourteen days and marks the anniversary of Shahul Hamid’s passing. During this festival, people come together to honor the saint’s memory.
A common practice at Nagore Dargah is to make offerings, accompanied by the sounds of traditional Hindu musical instruments like the nadaswaram. This reflects the harmonious blend of Hindu and Sufi traditions at the dargah.
The Shifa Gunta, a pool located within the dargah premises, is considered sacred. Pilgrims often take a dip in this pool as part of their spiritual journey.
The dargah’s official and religious duties are carried out by a hereditary board of trustees, ensuring the smooth functioning of the shrine and its rituals.
History of Nagore Dargah
During the 16th century, Achutappa Nayak, the king of Thanjavur, gave 200 acres of land to Shahul’s followers after Shahul cured the king’s illness. This land was where the dargah was built. Before his death, Shahul predicted it and told his adopted son, Yusuf, where to bury him and what rituals to perform. After Shahul’s death, Yusuf followed his instructions and stayed there for life. They built a mausoleum over Shahul’s grave, and people who believed in his powers continued to visit and venerate the site.
Initially, the shrine was small, but it became more popular over time. Pratap Singh, the Hindu Maratha ruler of Thanjavur, prayed for a son and built the tallest minaret (called Periya Manara) when his wish was granted. The Marathas supported the dargah, with Thuljaji, Pratap Singh’s son, donating 4,000 acres of land.
In the late 18th century, during conflicts between European powers, the Nawab of Arcot, Maratha kings, and Tipu Sultan of Mysore, the dargah was seen as strategically important by all.
About Shahul Hameed Dargah or Nagore Dargah
Shahul Hameed Nagoori was born to Syed Hassan Kuthos Baba Kaadiri and Bibi Fathima in Manikpur, Uttar Pradesh. He was a 13th-generation descendant of the famous Sufi saint, Muhiyudin Abd al-Qadir al-Jalani. His journey began with Islamic education in Gwalior, under the guidance of Mohammad Ghouse. After a pilgrimage to Mecca, he traveled with his spiritual team to Maldives, Sri Lanka, and eventually settled in Tamil Nadu.
Historians Sayyid and Qadir Hussain (1957) suggest Shahul’s birthdate as November 10, 1504, his death on November 10, 1570, and his arrival in Nagore around 1533–34. However, other sources vary on his death year, mentioning 1558, 1570, or 1579. Despite these discrepancies, Shahul Hameed’s life was characterized by simplicity and piety, earning him the title “Nagore Andavar,” meaning the ruler of Nagore. Known for performing miracles, his reputation extended beyond the Tanjore region during his time. He was also referred to as Meera Saheb, Qadir Wali, and Ganj-e-Sawai.