Chisti: Muslims observe Sheikh Salim's Urs

          Fatehpur Sikri (UP): The Muslims thronged the mausoleum of the 16th century Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti on the occasion of his 436th death anniversary or Urs. The gathering of Muslims at the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra is considered to be the second largest congregation of Muslims at one place after Mecca. Believers from across India, Pakistan and other nations visit Sheikh Salim Chisti's shrine every year in the expectation of fulfilling their wishes for children, grooms and jobs. Childless women of all religions come to pray at the Sheikh's tomb and evoke his blessings, as they believe that Mughal Emperor Akbar was successful in fathering three sons after Sheikh Salim Chisti granted him a boon. "Muslims have gathered here on the occasion of the 436th death anniversary of Sheikh Salim Chisti. People from across India and other foreign countries visit this place every year. Whatever the wishes, they are fulfilled by his blessings," said Peerzada Ayazuddin Chisti, President, Dargah Committee. "Believers come to offer prayers for children, jobs and marriages," said Bobby Qureshi, a devout. The Urs or the "death anniversary" of Sheikh Salim Chisti which began on October 14 will continue till November 2 in Fatehpur Sikri, which is said to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour carved out in red sandstone and has a blend of both Islamic and Hindu designs. Fathehpur city was founded in Sikri village, 40 kms from Agra by Mughal Emperor Akbar, who went there in search of Sheikh Salim Chisti to seek his blessings for a son when all else had failed. The Sufi saint, who was Emperor Akbar's advisor and teacher, predicted that the king would have three sons. The prediction came true, and Akbar's son Jahangir was named as Salim after the saint, and raised by the Sufi holy man. The saint passed away in 1571. To perpetuate the memory of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Akbar built a mosque. To mark the occasion, the saint's mausoleum is given a special rose water bath. "Zairins" or clerics then perform prayers to mark the start of the Urs. Devotees visiting the shrine offer fresh flowers as a symbol of their devotion. Some even go to the extent of offering large amounts of money and expensive jewels. The annual event culminates with readings from the holy Quran and special prayers.
Oct 27, 2006

Ram Navami celebrated

          New Delhi/Kolkata: The Hindus thronged the temples across the country on Sunday to offer prayers on the occasion of Ram Navami. Prayers were offered at homes and temples on the occasion of Ram Navami. Jagrans (full night worship of Goddess Vaishno) were also organised in which large number of devotees participated singing hymns and songs glorifying the divine Mother. Navami is the ninth day of the nine-day Navratri festival when the ninth image of Goddess Durga is worshipped. "During Navratris, the nine images of Mother Goddess are worshipped. If we do not worship on the ninth day (Navami) then it remains incomplete," said Uma Shankar, a priest. Meanwhile, Kolkata abuzz with people visiting several community puja pandals offered prayers since morning. Several pandals have been decorated based on different themes. A pandal in Kolkata has been decorated with 7500 bells of different sizes and shapes. "It is actually a very great feeling since sound is the source of all creation. From Om , everything is born and this sense is being recreated out here," Sushmita Chatterjee, a visitor said.
Oct 1, 2006

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