Bari Imam (1617–1705), whose real name was Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, was born in 1026 Hijra (1617 AD) in Chakwal. His father, Syed Mehmood Shah, shifted his family from Chakwal District(Village Karsal) to Baghan village,
presently called Aabpara. At that time, it was a barren land. Soon after the arrival of Bari Imam’s family, his father started farming and
also kept some animals. Shah Latif helped his father in grazing the animals, but left his father at 12 and came to Nurpur Shahan. He is the first cousin from his father's side of Shah Chan Charagh.
Nurpur Shahan, the village was initially called churpur Shahan since it was infested by thieves, robbers and people of dubious character in those days. Bari Imam while spreading the message of peace converted them to Islam and convinced them to become law abiding citizens.
From Nurpur Shahan, Bari Imam went to Ghorghushti in Campbellpur (now known as Attock) where he stayed for two years to learning fiqh, hadith, logic, and other disciplines related to Islam, because at that time Ghorghushti was a great seat of learning.
To get spiritual knowledge and satiate his love for Islam, Bari Imam visited many places, including Kashmir, Badakhshan, Bukhara, Mashhad, Baghdad and Damascus. He not only received spiritual knowledge in these places but also held discussions with scholars belonging to different schools of thought on various subjects. Later, he went to Hejaz to perform Hajj.
Bari Imam received spiritual knowledge from Hayat-al-Mir (Zinda Pir). His Pir (Sufi Mentor) gave him the title of Bari Imam (The leader of the earth). Bari Imam converted thousands of Hindus into Muslims through the teachings of Islam at Nurpur Shahan. It is stated that once Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir himself came there to pay respects to Bari Imam.
BARI IMAM'S MEDITATION AT NEELAAN BHOTOU
The lush green surroundings; The mountains with violet hue; Where the winds blow majestically; The chirping of the birds; The stone frozen in time; Is the place where the illuminated spirit; Lied submerged in the depth of clear running stream; No wonder why the fish ate the flesh; The place still resonates the calm of perfect unification; When the wisdom of Abu Tahir graced the purity of Abu Turab!
THE SHRINE
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was devoted to spreading his empire, originally built the silver-mirrored shrine of Bari Imam. It has been renovated since and is now maintained by the Government of Pakistan. Inside the mausoleum, where the great saint rests, only men are permitted, a steady stream of believers enter and exit, most bending to kiss and strew rose petals on the green cloth covering the grave of Bari Imam.
Every year at the Urs (Birth celebration) of the saint, who spread Islam in this part of the world, gains momentum; devotees in their thousands set out for the Margalla foothills and gather at Nurpur Shahan to pay their respect. Although many swarm the shrine all year round, only last year the number exceeded a head count of 1.2 million people.
LOH E DANDI (TREK)
The Bari Imam used to live in a cave, where he was visited by wild animals and jinns. A rock in the cave which resembles a cave is said to be a real snake turned into stone by the holy man. There is a fire burning in the cave for some 300 years now, and a tree in front of the cave is said to bee also 300 years old. According to legend Bari Imam lived a hermits life in this cave for twelve years.
WHAT IS AROUND
- Barakahu Market
- Quaid e Azam University
- President House
- Priminister House
- Diplomatic Enclave
- Murree Road
- Supreme Court
- Parliment House
NEARBY TOURIST SITES
- Lake View Park
- Rock Pools Treck (Brooti Trail)
- Loh e Dandi Treck
- Shahdara Picnic Point
WHEN TO GO
At 620 metres (1700 feet) above sea level, Islamabad is at its best from October to April, when the days are crisp and cool, and the nights are cold. Spring is short, but the flowers in March are a riot of colour. The hottest months are May and June, before the monsoon, but even then the climate is usually not oppressive, and you can always escape to the hills. 2250 metres (7400 feet) above sea level.
HOW TO REACH
Islamabad and Rawapindi share an airport, the rawapindi City and Rawalpindi Cantonment railway stand, General Bus Stand, Pir Wadhi, Faizabad Bus Stand, Daewoo Bus stand Motorway Chowk, Faisal Mover Motorway Chowk and G-9 Karachi company Bus Stand.
It is 292.9 kilometres (182 miles) from Lahore (6 hours 30min) and 172.8 kilometres (108 Miles) from Peshawar (3 Hours 30min) on the Grand Trunk Road (Nation Highway G.T. Road) and 382.6 kilometres (287.7 miles) from Lahore (4Hours 30min) and 185.7 Kilometres (116 Miles) from Peshawar (2 Hours 30min) on the Motorway/AH1.
FROM OUTSIDE
Skyways, Niazi Express, Faisal Mover, Daewoo, Airport, Train
WITHIN THE CITY
Taxi, Car, Mini Busses
ON BOOKED TRANSPORT
Click here to see the lists of transporters to book any kind of vehicle
WHERE TO SHOP
MARKETS
Bari Imam Bazar, Barakahu
MALLS
Nills
WHERE TO EAT / STAY
Hotels / Motels / Resorts / Restaurants
Click here to see List of hotels
| HOSPITALS: | ||||
| PIMS, Islamabad: | G-8, 051-9261170 | |||
| Poly Clinic: | Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Islamabad. 051-9218300 | |||
| AMBULANCE: | ||||
| Rescue 1122: | 1122, 0344 9597384 | |||
| Edhi Foundation: | 115, (051) 2353374 | |||
| USEFUL ADDRESSES | ||||
| Tourist Information Centre: | Sports Complex Islamabad. 051-9208949 | |||
| AP Tourist Information Center: | F-10 Markaz, Islamabad. 0322-2881992, 051-8732529 | |||
| CDA: | Khayeban-e-Suhrwardy, Islamabad. 051-9253001 | |||
| MCI: | Islamabad. 051-9211555 | |||
| Passport Office: | Mauve Road, G-8/1, Islamabad. 051-9107220 |
MAP:
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