Shrine of Prophet's Companion in India

Shrine of Hazrat Tameem Ansari

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

India is also last resting place of Sahabas (Companions of the Holy Prophet).This fact is however not much highlighted even though these Sahabas are much revered and lie buried in majestic shrines. The most famous among shrines of such companions is of  Hazrat Tameem Ansari. His tomb(Dargah) is located in Kovalam  near Mamallapuram, about 30 kms from Chennai. The shrine attracts devotees from various parts of India and Urs of Hazrat Tameem is celebrated with much enthusiasm.

Born in Medina Munawara, Hazrat Tameem  embraced islam in  Makka before the migration(Hijrat) of the Prophet. He belonged to the tribe of Al-Kajraj and name of his father was Yu-Aar. He is  one among 313 Sahabas who had taken part in the battle of Badr. He stayed in the world of Jinns (Alam-ul-Jinn) to teach them about Islam for five years under the command of Nabi Kareem. After directing him to visit Jinns, the Holy Prophet had  gifted him a sacred ring bearing "Asma-ul-Zalzalooth". The Prophet also told him that the ring would be on his  finger till the day of Judgment (Qayamat) and he will meet Nabi Kareem with the relic in Maidan-E-Mahshar.

He moved to Sindh after the death of Holy Prophet and remained there for 18 years. Before his Parda (Wisal), he instructed his disciples to cast his Janaza (remains) into the sea after his death. His devotees carried out his instructions and it s stated that his Janaza remained in the sea for about 5 years with big fishes  guarding it. Eventually, one large fish brought the remains nearer to sea shore of Kovalam where he was laid to rest. Another legend says that Nawab Muhammad Saadat-Ullah Khan of Wallajah saw Hazrat Tameem in a dream. The companion asked Nawab to    proceed to Kovalam and told him the dream that he would find his remains there. Hazrat also instructed him to ensure burial of his remains. As directed in the dream, Nawab rushed to Kovalam where he found a coffin. Upon opening it, he saw the sacred body  along with some documents, revealing that  that Hazrat was a great companion.

The Nawab arranged his burial and those who attended the funeral ceremony noticed divine light reflecting from the face of Hazrat Tameem. Freshness of his sacred body not only touched the hearts of all those present with Nawab Wallajah but also proved to them the exalted status of true companions of the Holy Prophet. Later, Nawab also built a beautiful Dargah over his grave. Since then, it has been a popular center of pilgrimage.(References available on request-Photo Courtesy Google Images).



Holy Grave of Hazrat Syedna Tameem Ansari