THE PEER BABA OF ZAMINDARKHAN GALI: SAYEED KALANDAR SAHIB

Kashmir is known for its beautiful mountains, picturesque valleys and rich cultural history. This paradise on earth is home to many mystical places. One such revered place is located enroute to Machhal Valley. On the scenic mountain road from Kupwara to Machhal Valley, three kilometers short of the pass of Zamindarkhan Gali on the mighty Shamshabari lies the Dargah of Baba Sayeed Kalandar Sahib. Popularly known as the Peer Baba, the Dargah exudes a spiritual aura and is considered sacred by locals.

Baba Sayeed Kalandar is believed to have travelled from Baghdad to Machhal during the British times. He fell in love with the Machhal valley and settled at the location of the Dargah. During his lifetime, Baba acted as a protector of the people travelling to and from Machhal.

The Dargah was established in the year 1965 and taken care by Baba Aji Ali Mohammed of Kalaroos. After him, Mr Asaddin Dedar was the caretaker of Peer Baba Dargah for 55 long years. Since the year 1998, Mr Sudarddin Dedar is taking care of the Dargah. In the year 1985 a BSF Company occupied the area adjacent to the Dargah and looks after the shine. Army has constructed a small Sarva Dharma Sthal in vicinity of the Dargah, adding to its spiritual essence and giving it a pluralistic colour.

A popular legend regarding the power of the Peer Baba as narrated by Sudarddin Dedar pertains to the time when the road to Machhal was being constructed over the pass of Zamindarkhan Gali. The original alignment of the road was very close to the Dargah and would have involved some damage to the dargah. The legend has it that the dozers were unable to carve the alignment and three dozers were irretrievably lost in the process. The caretaker then suggested changing the alignment and the road bypassing the dargah. The road was successfully made thereafter as per the new alignment. The old cutting of the road is still visible near the Dargah.

The popular belief is that one must seek blessing of the Peer Baba for a successful journey to and from Machhal. Devotees mark their ‘mannats’ at the Dargah with trinkets and have firm belief that baba fulfills wishes of all those who seek his blessings with a pure heart. The Peer Baba Dargah is now a popular and revered place visited by people from all over and is an integral and significant part of the history of the area.
Peer Baba ki Jai.

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