599th Urs of Shah Madar at Makanpur Sharif

Haram Shareef(Main Shrine) of Zinda Shah Madar

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The 599^th Urs (death anniversary) of prominent mystic Hazrat Zinda Shah Madar was organized on February 26 and 27,2016 at his shrine in Makanpur village about 65 kms away from Kanpur City of India. About 5 Lakh devotees attended Urs ceremony of the saint who is also regarded as an incarnation of Lord Laxmana by his Hindu devotees. Devotees also arrived from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Germany, England, South Africa and several other countries. Elaborate preparations were made to accommodate the devotees and to make their stay as comfortable as possible.Sajjada Nasheen of Dargah Syed Mahzar Ali, Syed Shandar Hussain and Syed Raazdar Hussain demanded more facilities for the devotees. They also urged the state government to develop Makanpur as a tourist center in view its illustrious past while talking to media persons after the Urs.

Shah Madar is among the earliest Sufis who arrived in India. He was born in Aleppo(Syria) and served humanity for a long time in various parts of Indian sub-continent. He founded Madariya Sufi order (Tariqa).His order was extremely popular during Sharqi and Mughalperiod.Members of Madariya Sufi order had much influence in Uttar Pradesh, the Mewat region, Bihar and Bengal in India. They also enjoyed popularity in the areas of Nepal and Bangladesh. Originating from the Tayfuriya order of Bayazid Taifur al Bistami, Madariya tariqa is known for its syncretic aspects, lack of emphasis on external religious practice and focus on internal Zikr.

The shrine of Shah Madar is very impressive and considered to be a confluence of Sharqi, Mughal and Awadh style of architecture. Several Kings of various dynasties have not only visited Dargah of Madar Sahib but also offered  offerings there. The museum of Dargah houses ‘chadars’ offered by Akbar the Great, Shah Jehan, Aurangzeb, Bahadur Shah First and Shuja- Ud-daula. Some holy  relics of Shah Madar are also preserved there.(References available on request)

Gate Built by Emperor Shahjehan