The Shrine of Hazrat Baba Hanief-ud-Din Reshi (RA), which is situated at the top of the hills between the Rathsun and Manchama villages of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, has become yet another tourist attraction over the years, attracting visitors not only from various parts of the Kashmir division, but also other parts of the country.
Furthermore, the divinity of the place, amid the picturesque beauty of the area, is captivating and attracting tourists from several countries around the world, who prefer to visit this place which unfolds the spiritual deity and beautiful landscape.
Hazrat Baba Hanief-ud-Din Reshi (RA) was born in Hamdan. He left his homeland and came to Kashmir. Baba Hanief (RA) was a staunch follower of Zain Ud Din Reshi (RA) whose shrine is located at Aishmuquam in South Kashmir.
It is believed that Zain-Ud-Din (RA) asked Baba Hanief (RA) to leave Aishmuquam and go across the Manchama Beerwah to Spread religion of Islam. After arriving in Manchama Beerwah, Baba settled in a cave, became a pious Muslim, and spread the knowledge of Islam among the people.
During his spiritual stay in the cave while he indulged in worship , Baba Hanief (RA) died there only. After the death of Baba Hanief-ud-Din (RA), he was buried on the hill known as Kohi-Dara,” which is popularly known as Daaresh. Since then people have been visiting this shrine and praying there.
Mohammad Sadiq, who is presently taking care of the shrine, told Rising Kashmir that the shrine of the Sufi saint Baba Hanief (RA) is situated at the top of the hill commonly known as “Darareh, embracing a height of approximately 2500 feet from the Rathsun village of central Kashmir.
Although this shrine upholds its own importance, religious essence and popularity throughout the history of the Kashmir Valley, the enchanting beauty around the place has been appealing to the visitors over the years.
“In the 19th century, due to the non-availability of picnic spots in the Beerwah tehsil, the school children from the various schools of the Beerwah tehsil would come to the spot for their educational tour and picnic purpose. They would visit the shrine of Baba Hanief apart from enjoying their picnic”, Sadiq said.
Adding, “The students would walk to the shrine by foot to reach this spot as there was no road connectivity available at that time”.
He said that in the year 2005, the government started the construction of the road towards the shrine. After the road connectivity was fully completed, the rush of the visitors also increased.
“After people came to know about this shrine, visitors from various areas of the Kashmir division started thronging this spot. Moreover, tourists from other states of India and other countries have also started visiting the revered shrine , as this shrine has now gained popularity not only at the national level but also at the international level “, Sadiq said.
Sadiq said that after this spot gained popularity, the government has also constructed parks, public conveniences, drinking water facilities, car parking, and paved the road towards the shrine which indeed made the journey for the visitors easy, enjoyable and smooth.
Moulana Syed Mustaq, another local resident from Manchama village, said that on every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, people from various villages come to this spot to engage in prayers and seek blessings at the pious place.
“Come Eid ul Azha or Eid Ul Fitr, people from various parts of the Kashmir valley visit this place to offer prayers. Moreover, this becomes a spot for them to enjoy their picnic time”, Mustaq said.
“The Urs of Baba Hanief (RA) is celebrated in the months of July and September every year. During the Eid festivals and other normal days, the local shopkeepers install their stalls and sell various kinds of food items, ice creams, and cold drinks to the visitors and tourists, fetching them a good source of income, especially during the summer season when tourist rush in the valley reaches its peak.
Sadaf Bano, one of the local visitors, said that she visits the shrine of Baba Haneif (RA) on the occasion of Eid and offers special prayers along with her family members.
“The people from other places are usually assembled here during their visit at the graveyard of the Sufi saint Hanief-ud-Din (RA). Apart from visiting the shrine and seeking blessings, the visitors also relish the beauty surrounding the shrine amid the view of other Budgam villages”, Sadaf said.
Adding, “ As you can see the view of villages and natural beauty from this hilltop, this spot has become an attraction for the visitors which is also the reason many people are coming here for picnic purposes.”
