The Data Darbar Complex is the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia, located in Lahore, Pakistan. It houses the remains of Abul Hasan Ali Hujwiri, also known as Data Ganj Baksh, who lived here during his lifetime. The shrine is considered the most sacred and holy place in Lahore and attracts millions of visitors, especially during its annual Urs festival.
It is the largest Sufi shrine in Pakistan in South Asia. It is a house for the remains of Abul Hasan Ali Hujwiri. He is mostly known as Data Ganj Baksh. During his life, he lived here.
This is the most sacred and holy place in Lahore. It is the place of attraction for millions of his appreciators. It also attracts visitors for its annual urs festival.
It was originally built as a simple grave that is present next to the mosque which Ganj Bakhsh had built on the outskirts of Lahore.
In the 13th century beliefs about the spiritual powers of this great Saint were joined to the burial site and so the largest Shrine was built at the burial site.
It was built during the Mughal period. It was further expanded in the 19th century. It finally came under the control of Pakistan in the government in 1960 to prevent shrine caretakers throughout the country from its devotees.
Further renovation work was done in 1980 during the period of Zia ul Haq and it finally became the largest in South Asia. Some other improvements were also made like the building of a library police station in Madrasa and also done during his time. New Market was also built near this shrine.
There was a terror attack on July 1, 2010. It was such that two suicide bombers attacked this shrine calling for great destruction. At least 50 people were killed and about 200 were hurt.
Another blast also took place on this site on 8 May 2019. It resulted in the killing of 12 people that included police officials.
This shrine is present in a Mughal-era tomb made from white marble. There is a massive Courtyard made of white marble that surrounds the tomb.
This tomb is widely visited by Muslims and non-Muslims who are in a search of his blessings. Even Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif used to visit this shrine ( according to Wikipedia).
History of the Shrine:
Originally built as a simple grave next to the mosque Ganj Baksh had constructed on the outskirts of Lahore, the burial site gained spiritual significance in the 13th century. A shrine was subsequently built at the location, which was expanded during the Mughal period and further developed in the 19th century. In 1960, the Pakistani government took control of the shrine to prevent shrine caretakers throughout the country from exploiting devotees. Renovations and improvements, including the construction of a library, police station, madrasa, and New Market, were made over time.
Terrorist Attacks on the Shrine:
The Data Darbar Complex has been targeted by terrorist attacks in the past. On July 1, 2010, two suicide bombers attacked the shrine, killing at least 50 people and injuring around 200 others. Another blast occurred on May 8, 2019, resulting in the deaths of 12 people, including police officials.
The architecture of the Shrine:
The Data Darbar Complex is located in a Mughal-era tomb made of white marble, and a massive courtyard surrounds the tomb. The shrine is widely visited by Muslims and non-Muslims seeking blessings. The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, was also a frequent visitor to the shrine.
Activities at the Shrine:
Qawwali performances are regularly held at the Data Darbar Complex, and it is often decorated with lights during special events. Visitors can participate in dances and enjoy dinner provided by the shrine. The complex also serves as a source of aid for many needy people, providing food for up to 50,000 visitors per day. The shrine remains open all the time, and anyone can enter the complex freely.
Conclusion:
The Data Darbar Complex is an important historical and cultural site in Lahore, Pakistan. It is revered by many for its spiritual significance and remains an active site for religious and cultural activities. Despite facing security challenges, the shrine continues to attract visitors from all over the world who seek its blessings and cultural heritage.