Data Durbar Complex

Data Durbar Complex
The Data Durbar Shrine.

Data Darbar (or Durbar), located in the city of Lahore, Pakistan is one of the oldest Muslim shrines in the sub-continent. It houses the remains of a Sufi saint, Abul Hassan Ali Hajvery (more commonly known as Daata Ganj Baksh, meaning the master who bestows treasures). He is said to have lived on the site in the 11th century.

The shrine is located near the Bhaati Gate into Lahore's Walled City. It was originally built by the Ghaznavi king Sultan Zakiruddin Ibrahim in the late eleventh century, and has been expanded several times. For centuries his tomb was visited by Muslims and Hindus in search of his blessings but since partition, most visitors have been Muslim, although people of all religions are welcome. Pakistani politician Nawaz Sharif is a frequent visitor. On special occasions, the shrine is decorated with lights, dinner is prepared for hundreds of people and visitors dance while musicians play Sufi music for hours. At the boundary of the shrine, Muslim faithfuls recite the Qur'an, and pay tributes to Muhammad.

There have been rising security fears in recent years after threats by Pakistan's Taliban militants. The large size of the complex which houses the shrine and the fact that it is open at all hours to the public makes protecting it extremely difficult. On 1 July 2010, two suicide bombers blew themselves up at the shrine. At least 50 people died and 200 others were hurt in the blasts.[1][2][3] This was the biggest attack on a Sufi shrine in Pakistan since 2001.[2]


Contents

Gallery

  • Closeup of the Mazar-e-Data

  • View of the tomb

  • Ceiling of the tomb

  • People pay their respects

  • People at Data Durbar

  • View of Jamia Hajveria and pigeons

  • View of Jamia Hajveria

  • View of Jamia Hajveria

  • Minaret of Jamia Hajveria

  • View of the tomb enclosure

See also

References

  1. ^ "Explosions at famous shrine in Pakistan kill dozens". CNN. 2 July 2010. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/07/02/pakistan.explosions/index.html. Retrieved 3 July 2010. 
  2. ^ a b "Deadly blasts hit Sufi shrine in Lahore". BBC. 1 July 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/10483453.stm. Retrieved 1 July 2010. 
  3. ^ Tavernise, Sabrina (1 July 2010). "Blasts at Sufi Shrine in Pakistan Kill at Least 35". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/02/world/asia/02pstan.html. Retrieved 1 July 2010. 

External links

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