Imambara Khuli Kivaria with 'Qadam Rasul' in Sandila

Mihrab with Qadam Rasul at Imambara Khuli Kivaria in Sandila.  

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Imambara ‘Khuli Kivaria’ (Open Door) is perhaps the only shrine with a ‘Qadam Rasul’ (Footprint of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad) in its main enclosure in India. Located in Mandai area of historic Sandila Town of Hardoi district, Imambara becomes a hub of Azadari rituals during Muharram every year and attracts a large crowd of devotees who attend ‘Majalis’ (mourning assemblies) and also have a glimpse of the relic with reverence. In an era of gross indifference to ‘Qadam Rasul’ in India, the caretaker of Imambara Dr. Intisar Hussain Rizvi has preserved the relic in an appropriate manner. He is however unable to reveal details about arrival of the relic and its history that shrouds in mystery. Nobody knows as to who brought ‘Qadam Rasul’ in Sandila and how it became a part of the Imambara. They simply tell that the relic has existed with the Imambara since its inception but its location has been changed to maintain its sacredness and sanctity. Earlier, the relic was on the floor of a ‘Mihrab’ but now it is installed on the wall of ‘Mihrab’ with a glass window during its recent repairs and renovation. The glass prevents the relic from touching or kisses of devotees but does not block the view at all. The arrangement has been made in view of the damage caused to such holy relics by the touching and kissing at other places.

Preservation of Sandila relic has great significance, for only two Qadam Rasuls were commissioned during Imami dynasty of Awadh and both of them are in a state of utter neglect. The first Qadam Rasul was raised by Badshah Ghazi Uddin Haider on the bank of Gomati River on a lofty mound of earth with steps leading up to it on one side near Shah Najaf in Lucknow. It was a small, square and free standing edifice with an arched entrance on each face. Now

It is in ruins and forms a part of botanical garden. The other was built by Makka Darzi, a superintendent of King Naseer Uddin Haider in Khairabad town of Sitapur district a part of a large complex dedicated to the memory of martyrs of Karbala. It is also in a dilapidated condition and requires repairs and renovation. The footprints of Holy Prophet with shrine erected over them existed in 13^th century India and the word first heard in connection with a pair of mosques at a place known as Qadam Rasul in Bengal.

Legend says that Qadam Rasul was brought to Sandila by one of the ancestors of Mir Ashiq Ali who had commissioned the Imambara in early 18^th century. It is known as Khuli Kivaria because Mihrab with Qadam Rasul had small wooden doors prior to installation of glass window with aluminum frame. On 7^th Muharram, the wooden doors used to get opened automatically. After remaining open till Yaum-e-Ashura (10th Muharram), these doors used to get closed in the similar manner till a century ago. Locals have only legends to support their claim but they have no idea as to why this miraculous happening came to an end? But the name of Imambara itself substantiates the legend popular among mourners as Khuli Kivaria means small doors only. Another unique feature also supports the miraculous swinging open of doors, for ‘Mihrab’ in the center with Qadam Rasul and others on its each side are not decorated with traditional Panjas and Patkas. Only a Tazia is kept on Shab-e-Ashur in front of Qadam Rasul. The ritual indicates  the paramount importance of the prophet among Masoomeen.(The article is based in the more inputs provided by Mr. Meesum Rizvi. The blogger requests all the residents of Sandila to furnish if they have any extra information about Azadari or Taziadari in their town.)