Srinagar, Mar.3 (ANI): Authorities in Srinagar have begun restoration and expansion of the Muslim Sufi shrine of Hazrat Naqshband Mushkil-Kusha on Saturday with the objective of accommodating more devotees.
Final touches Are being given to Hazrat Naqshband Mushkil-Kusha, which is located in Srinagar’s Kahwja Bazar area. The main purpose of this restoration is to maintain the heritage value of old shrines in the Kashmir Valley.
“The shrine of Hazrat Naqshband Mushkil-Kusha is a 500-year-old shrine, and this shrine has a great importance for Islam, and for Kashmir in particular, because at first it had housed a relic of Prophet Mohammad which was first brought to Kashmir centuries ago at the time of Hazrat Naqshband Mushkil-Kusha, and at that time, many people fought for the safety of the relic. Later, it was housed in Hazratbal Shrine,” said Mohammad Yaseen Qadri, the vice chairman of the Muslim Wakf Board.
The Kashmir Valley is known as the valley of Sufis and saints, and authorities here are hopeful that after the completion of the restoration project, more people could be accommodated.
The shrine has been a centre of attraction for thousands of people due to its historic importance. Every year, scores of pilgrims visit the shrine during the days of Urs (commemoration), but due to the limited space, devotees face a lot of problems.
“The heritage structure should be expanded in such a manner so that we can preserve its heritage value and side by side we can accommodate deities and pilgrims in the commemoration,” said Quadri.
The new walls of shrine look very attractive due to the beautiful woodwork and designs of windows, doors and roofs that also depict the traditional Kashmir wood carving work, which give a picture perfect look to the architecture of the building.
“The restoration work that has been done is very nice and done in imitation of the older style. Like the bricks, which have been put, are very similar to the old ones and the area has also been increase. The wood carvings on the inside are handcrafted by Kashmir artisans,” said a local resident Mohammad Adil.
Centuries ago Hazrat Naqshband Mushkil-kusha came from Bukhara, Iran and played a tremendous role in spreading Islam in Kashmir and later went to Pakistan in his last days. (ANI)