A Kashmiri Photo Story (2): Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar

Hazratbal Shrine srinagar devotees — Devotees resting by the gardens of the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar

According to Wiki, the Hazratbal Shrine which contains a relic, the Moi-e-Muqqadas, believed by many Muslims of Kashmir to be a hair of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The name of the shrine comes from the Arabic word Hazrat, meaning holy or majestic, and the Kashmiri word bal,meaning hair. The shrine is considered to be Kashmir‘s holiest Muslim shrine.

I’ve been to several places of worship in India, and my experience visiting the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar is very different. I can’t explain it in words. You’ve got to be there to feel it. Like some holy places in India, women are required to cover their heads upon entering. It’s a must to keep one’s arms and legs covered too.

Hazrabat Shrine Kashmir — Hazrabat Shrine in Srinagar

Hazratbal Shrine Srinagar — Not sure what’s on the signage, just thought it was interesting : ) It probably means entrance.

The holy gates of Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar

Hazratbal shrine srinagar kashmir chinar tree — Place of rest near the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar. That should be a Chinar tree.

Hazratbal shrine dal lake — Hazratbal Shrine overlooks the Dal Lake

Hazratbal shrine srinagar chinar trees — I’m very in awed of the Chinar trees. Read that devotees do climb on the trees during special festivals

Rainbow in kashmir chinar tree — A Special Rainbow for you : )

Watch this space for the next post on traversing the Botanical Gardens in Kashmir!

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