Foodies love Hyderabad for the Biryani. History buffs like it for the Char Minar and Salar Jung museum. But did you know that Hyderabad has a grand Sufi history?
Get down at the airport, and head to the Pahadi Shareef, the shrine of Hazrat Baba Sharfuddin Sohrawardi, in the vicinity. The caretaker there will inform you that Baba Sharfuddin arrived in Hyderabad in 1190, years before the city was officially founded in 1591. And many other saints like him have left their mark on the city, which even today resounds with spiritual sounds, to those who calm down enough to receive them.
The city is studded with Sufi shrines, which are islands of calm amidst chaos. The bigger shrines host qawwali recitations on Thursday evenings. While the locals may not be able to guide you always, Google Maps have directions to all the shrines.
The Agha Dawood Saheb in Aghapur has been maintained well enough to retain its old-world splendor, evident in intricate woodwork and geometric patterns on the pillars. The architecture will remind you of the Chettinad temples in Kerala. The interiors are embezzled with intricate silver and zari work.
Image Credit: natgeotraveller
If you want to further explore some of the local markets, then the shrine of Yousaf Baba is a perfect location. It is surrounded by a bustling market, where items of prayer are sold alongside other souvenirs. Dargah Yousufain in Nampally is the resting place of Yousaf Baba, who played a historic role in the capture of Fort Golconda. In this way, history and spirituality play warp and weft in Hyderabad.
Image Credit: flickr
The dargah of Hazrat Ali, on top of a hill near Secunderabad, beyond the northern fringes of the city, gives you a grand panoramic view. It is easy to reach the location by road, but be prepared to climb the 300 steps to reach the dargah and take in the stunning view.
Image Credit: youtube
So, if you want to explore your spiritual side, and take off an off beaten path, then plan your next trip to Hyderabad, and explore the trails leading to Sufism here.
