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India.com
13 hours ago
- India.com
Explore Divinity With These 5 Spiritual Places To Explore Near Agra
This city is famous for its timeless beauty called Taj Mahal. It is a home to many architectural marvels and an entry point into the spiritual world. There are many pilgrimage sites located within its historicity that represent the greatest religious significance and cultural heritage in them. As we move forward in this guide, we will go on a trip to find out the holy sanctuaries around Agra that invite pilgrims and travellers to get insight into spirituality. 1. Mathura Mathura lies about 50 kilometres away from Agra. It is regarded as the birthplace of Lord Krishna who is a reincarnation of Vishnu, one of the main gods in Hindu religion. The pilgrims come here to worship at Janmabhoomi Temple which is believed to stand at his birth place. Devotees from all over the world flock to this city during Janmashtami, Krishna's birthday celebrations where they experience colourful festivities and ancient customs. 2. Vrindavan Vrindavan, which adjoins Mathura, is a town that carries with it remnants of Lord Krishna's childhood adventures. For devotees in search for spiritual peace and enlightenment there are numerous temples, ashrams and ghats in Vrindavan. The Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Raman Temple, and ISKCON Temple stand as exemplars of devotion fuelled by melodious chants and fervent prayers uttered by their devotees only; people make journey on pilgrimages to these temples every year seeking god's blessings; while serene banks of Yamuna River decorated with temples adorned with thick green foliage provide perfect hide outs for meditation or reflection. 3. Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri oozing Mughal grandeur besides historical significance does not just exist as a relic of the past, it is also a place of pilgrimage for Sufism worshipers. The shrine to Salim Chishti, a revered Sufi saint, attracts devotees who come seeking blessings and other things they deeply desire. In the marble chambers of this shrine, where prayers are offered and sacred strands tied in reverence, a spiritual halo hangs. 4. Bateshwar Bateshwar is an ancient pilgrimage site situated along the banks of Yamuna River with over 100 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. During October and November every year the quiet village turns into a colourful gathering of worshippers, merchants and entertainers when Bateshwar fair takes place. The regular beats from conch shells and incense droplets filling the air establish an atmosphere that is timeless; that's why people still visit this temple bearing in mind its old age heritage. 5. Gokul It is known for being Lord Krishna's childhood home oozing mystical charm and sacredness. Gokulnath Temple stands amidst sprawling green landscapes surrounded by pastoral settings depicting how divine presence graced this land of God once upon a time (Dasgupta 123). Pilgrims follow Krishna's footprints when he was growing up as they undertake their journey to know about His miracles thereby immersing themselves into heart rending stories of devotion and love. Conclusion In Agra lies several religious shrines each woven with spiritual threads plus devotion combined with cultural heritage coming together to form them all in one single big tapestry . From Mathura-Vrindavan holy beachheads reaching up to Fatehpur Sikri/Bateshwar's mystic dominions these sanctified enclaves stand like repositories for tired souls searching for reprieve or weary hearts looking for inspiration along their way home . As one embarks on the self-discovery journey that also propels him or her towards transcendentalism, he or she unearths the eternal mysteries of faith and reverence forges a closer connection with the divine essence that soaks the sacred landscapes.
Hans India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Time for Kashmiris to say a decisive no to Pakistan's agenda
The April 22 Pahalgam massacre wasn't just an act of terrorism -- it was a calculated punishment. Pakistan struck back at Kashmiris for choosing peace, prosperity, and stability after the abrogation of Article 370. Pakistan believes that it has avenged Kashmiris for making a conscious choice after the abrogation of Article 370 -- choosing the path of prosperity and stability. The April 22 Pahalgam massacre was not only an attempt to stoke religious tensions in the country but also a punishment for Kashmiris who have rejected the path Pakistan tried to chart for them in furthering the two-nation theory. For over three decades, Pakistan has played a deadly game in the Valley. Initially, it succeeded. The wave of terrorism unleashed a reign of tyranny. Kashmiri society -- once known for its secular, harmonious, and conservative values with Sufism at its core -- was torn apart and divided into Hindus and Muslims, pro- and anti-India, hardline and religiously radicalised. Cloaked in religious rhetoric, the assertion of a unique Kashmiri identity was converted into a so-called movement for 'Azadi'. The real plot was clear -- the radicalisation of the Valley was designed to align Kashmir with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which has always regarded it as its "jugular vein." Pakistan's agents in this 'mission' were the Hurriyat Conference and various terrorist outfits. At one point, nearly a dozen terrorist groups were operating in the Valley, with Pakistan encouraging competition among them to be the most extreme. Over the years, thousands of Kashmiris have lost their lives to terror, most killed by terrorists. Hundreds of schools and educational institutions were burned down. The Hurriyat, working under Pakistan's directives, ran a parallel system. They issued calendars for protests, enforced diktats, and maintained a vast network of stone pelters ready to act on command. Tourism, the backbone of Kashmir's economy, collapsed. Even during periods of elected government, the situation remained unstable. Elections were boycotted, and most political leaders refrained from criticising the Hurriyat or the terrorist outfits. Massacres and killings continued unabated. Meanwhile, Pakistan-backed groups ensured that fear reigned in the Valley. Another weapon in its arsenal was narco-terrorism -- pushing drugs into Kashmir and ruining thousands of young lives. Then came August 5, 2019. The Modi-led government at the Centre abrogated Article 370, dividing the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Pakistan was shaken. It had expected chaos. It had hoped its proxies would light fires across the Valley. But nothing happened. Strong action followed. Hurriyat leaders were jailed. Terrorists were neutralised. Ordinary Kashmiris -- long subjugated by the fear of guns -- began to believe that peace was possible. Diktats stopped. Protest calendars vanished. Stone pelting ceased. Youth turned to education, sports, and employment. Tourism flourished again. Filmmakers returned. Over the past few years, the Valley has welcomed more than a crore of tourists, including foreigners. Locals have opened businesses and taken loans to expand in response to the tourism boom and growing handicraft demand. Education is flourishing. Many Kashmiris are now cracking the country's toughest exams. Sports culture is taking root. A new sense of opportunity has emerged. But as Kashmiris embrace peace and progress, Pakistan is desperately trying to reignite its failed agenda. Trained terrorists still infiltrate through treacherous terrain and find support among a small group of overground and underground workers. However, the widespread support for 'Azadi' that existed in the 1980s and 1990s has largely evaporated. People now understand Pakistan's real motive -- to destabilise Kashmir through terror and drugs. This growing awareness has unnerved Pakistan. In April, Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir -- now elevated to Field Marshal -- delivered a frustrated speech at the Pakistan Military Academy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He emphasised the two-nation theory, claiming that "Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one" and that Muslims differ in religion, customs, traditions, thinking, and aspirations. A few days later, the Pahalgam massacre took place. India has retaliated diplomatically and militarily. But in Kashmir, the damage was immediate. Tourists disappeared, and the tourism season, which had the potential to generate hundreds of crores in revenue, collapsed. This was exactly what Pakistan wanted -- to snatch away the livelihoods of ordinary Kashmiris. The Pakistani establishment, perhaps jealous of Kashmir's booming tourism industry and rapid infrastructure growth, decided to strike at the heart of its progress. Pakistan may feel it has derailed Kashmir's momentum. But this disruption can be overcome by Kashmiris themselves. The people have experienced the horrors of terrorism. They have also tasted the fruits of peace. Now is the time to make a firm decision. Pakistan is a failed state. Its Army is more interested in profiting from chaos than serving its people. Every region under its control is in turmoil. It is high time for Kashmiris to rise and say two powerful words -- No means no. Let the Pakistani establishment feel the wrath of the Kashmiris who have chosen peace.
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Un-Islamic or intolerance? Debate on Sufi songs hits discordant notes
KOZHIKODE: A Salafi group has lashed out at the growing popularity of Sufi songs in Kerala, branding them un-Islamic and the major source of moral degeneration among the youth. 'Sufi songs that destroy the religion' was the most recent topic of discussion on Proof Point, the online platform of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, where Salafi scholars talk on current issues. The scholars asserted that many un-Islamic ideas are being smuggled into Sufi songs in the name of artistic expression. 'Organisations such as the Samastha and the Jama'at-e-Islami are promoting it by arranging special sessions at their programmes,' Shuraih Salafi said during the discussion. He said Sufism is the tool developed by Shias to destroy Islam from within. They are promoting a spirituality that is prohibited in Islam and the Sufi claim that there is no difference between Allah and the individual amounts to 'shirk' (polytheism). 'The popularity of Sufi songs has seen the emergence of new musicians. They are being promoted as representatives of Islam because they appear in Islamic attire,' Salafi said. 'On the other side, youths are running after rappers. Thousands are jostling to listen to people who do gimmicks on stage, without even proper dress,' he said. 'They don't get the beauty...' Speaking to TNIE, Sufi musician Nazar Malik said Salafis cannot understand the beauty of Islam because they practice a dry religion. 'I think the Wisdom group started their attack on Sufi music by playing one of my songs at their conference in 2022, without my consent. The song was on Imam Hussain, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Salafis are intolerant even to the family of the Prophet,' Malik said. 'Karbala, where Imam Hussain was murdered, was the theme of many songs of the Muslim families of Kerala. Many virtues of traditional Islam have disappeared with the advent of the Salafis,' he said. Malik said his music is his spiritual expression and no one has the right to oppose it. 'The Salafis attack us ideologically in places where they have no majority and no power. They would have done something else if they had power in Kerala. Even without power, they destroyed a dargah at Nadukani in Malappuram.' He said Sufi musicians have done nothing harmful, unlike the Salafi preachers, whose irresponsible speeches have become an easy tool for those attacking Islam. 'On the one hand, you see the Sangh parivar coming out against Vedan, the rapper. Here, Salafis are jumping on us,' Malik added.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
lKalaburagi cherishes the enduring legacy of Banda Nawaz
Two revered saints of the Chishti order -- Hazrath Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Hazrath Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraaz -- spread Sufism in India, one in the north and the other in the south, respectively. It was at the fag end of 14th Century that Bahmani ruler Firuz Shah invited Banda Nawaz to his capital Kalaburagi and requested to settle down here. For 22 years, the Sufi saint was engaged in a wide range of religious activities here, often blending mainstream Islamic practices with those of spiritual practices, to the people across Kalaburagi and the Deccan region. The Sufi saint passed away on November 1, 1422. Today his resting place in Kalaburagi is not just a relic of the past, but a shrine of peace and reverence. Besides spreading Sufism, his greatest contribution was the introduction of the Dakhani language in the Deccan, which later became Dakhni Urdu. Birth and migration The Sufi Saint Mohammad Gesu Daraaz, also known as Hazrath Khwaja Banda Nawaz, was a disciple of Hazrath Nasiruddin Chirag Dehlavi in Delhi, who eventually took over as his successor. His patronymic name was Abul-fatah and Gesu Daraz was the title given to him by his mentor. Among the scholars and theologians he was Shaikh Abul-Fatah Sadr Uddin Muhammad Dehlavi but popularly he was known as Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz. Banda Nawaz was born to Syed Walshareef Muhamad bin Yousuf Al Husaini in Delhi on July 13, 1321. Though he spent his childhood days in Delhi, his family was forced to migrate to Daulatabad following the then Sultan of Delhi Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's decision of changing his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. Banda Nawaz lost his father when he was 10. After knowing about Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya from various Sufis, his eagerness of becoming his disciple brought him back to Delhi. But Auliya had already left and his place was occupied by his successor Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag Dehlavi, of whom Banda Nawaz became disciple in 1336. After 20 years, in 1356 Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag Dehlavi bestowed on Banda Nawaz the permission to maintain his own circle of disciples and passed away the same year. Banda Nawaz took charge of his preceptor's monastery and stayed at Delhi for the next 44 years teaching at the Khanqah - where he carried out the act of Da'wah- religious discourses. Before the Timur invaded Delhi Sultanate in 1398, the 80-year-old Banda Nawaz along with his family and few disciples, embarked on a journey to Daulatabad again, where he paid homage to his father's grave and intended to settle down there. On knowing of his arrival to Daulatabad, the Bahmani ruler Firuz Shah invited him to Kalaburagi. Since then, his name is firmly associated with Kalaburagi. Literary contributions The Sufi Saint significantly contributed to the world of poetry and Islamic literature. He authored several books on Sufism and other subjects in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. His writings, particularly his poetry, convey the core philosophy of Islam and mysticism. The library of the dargah in Kalaburagi is a repository of rare collections on books, manuscripts, farmaans, holy Quranic inscriptions and literary works of Khwaja Banda Nawaz. Collection includes Tasawwuf (Sufism), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and Ilm-e-Kalam (discourse). The history of Sufis and a commentary of the holy Quran titled Tafsir-e-Multaqit, written by Banda Nawaz, in Arabic language, however the library has got only its photocopy and the original copy of which were in London Library and Kutubkhana Asifia in Lucknow. The library also preserves rare collections of other great Sufis such as the original volume of Awariful Maarif, the famous Persian treatise on Sufism written by 12 th century Sufi Shahab al-Din Abu Hafs Umar al-Suhrawardi. Tafseer-e-Azeezi - a translation and commentary on the holy Quran, written on silk pages by 18 th century scholar Shah Abdul Aziz, is another treasure by the library. Though the calligraphy was done 200 years ago, the text retains the original texture. The Urdu translation runs underneath every line of the Arabic text. The Quran sharif weighs 20 kg consisting of 1,151 pages An imperial firmaan (Decree) written in 1578, by Hasan Shah Wali (former Sajjada nasheen of Banda Nawaz) in Khat-E Shikasta, in Persian language; and the writings of the firmaan run in the pattern of a sword. The collection has also got Shajra (Genealogy) from Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad, inscripted on the cloth. This historic library is visited by research scholars from American and British universities. To preserve these literary treasures for future generations and make them accessible online to benefit researchers, scholars and the common public, the former Sajjada Nasheen Dr. Syed Shah Khusro Hussain and the present Sajjada Nasheen Syed Shah Muhammad Ali Al-Hussain took a proactive role in digitizing manuscripts and restoration and rebinding of the old books. Architectural features The grandeur of the historical dargah with a mausoleum of a 14th century Sufi saint beckons every visitor to step into a world where history and devotion intertwine. The interior was subjected to renovation in the 90s with mirror work that obscured the original Deccani motifs. Certain details such as the five-faceted mihrab, the fluted trefoil squinches, the sprawling dome designs, and arches echo the Indo-Islamic and Persian style of architecture creating a unique blend with the Quranic inscriptions and litany of holy names. The very entrance of the mausoleum features intricate geometric and floral designs, a hallmark of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The mausoleum of the Banda Nawaz built by the then Bahmani rulers Firuz Shah and Ahmed Shah, is said to be the largest among all the Sufi saints' tombs, explains Mohammad Ismail, a numismatist and researcher who extensively studied Bahmani architecture. Researchers Ismail and Mohammad Ayazuddin Patel narrate the historical background of each tomb and the structures scattered within and around the main tomb in the shrine. Another marvelous monumental structure in black stones in dargah premises is said to have been built for Chand Bibi, wife of Ali Adil Shah I. However, she was not buried here and the monument is called as Khali gumbad. Towards south, facing the Khaja Banda, Nawaz's tomb is the old main entrance gate of the dargah, which remains closed now. The grandiose arch is framed by two square towers with openings on four levels and overhanging balconies. A gallery over this arch is decorated with leaf-shaped merlons. The Spandrels of arch and roundels depicting elephants carrying lions, below the arch a small chamber with a curved vaulted roof structure at the centre recalls the Mughal architectural elements. This ceremonial arch opens to a courtyard consisting of rooms for pilgrims, a small mosque and a library-with overhanging balconies on brackets are assigned to the Adil Shahi period, claims the researchers. The Khanqah –a Sufi's abode located to the southeast of the court yard was a residence of Banda Nawaz , where he lived for 22 years conducting spiritual activities. Preserving the legacy The present Sajjada Nasheen Syed Shah Muhammad Ali Al-Hussaini has continued the legacy with enthusiasm. Sajjada Nasheen's grandfather Padmasri Hazrath Syed Shah Muhammad Al Hussaini Saheb was instrumental in establishing schools and colleges for Girls under Khaja Education Society in 1958, which was a pioneering step towards women empowerment and set a precedent for girl's education in the community. The Philanthropist has built a veritable educational empire, having 24 institutions. In 2007, former Sajjada Nasheen Dr Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini succeeded him. He established Khaja Banda Nawaz University (KBNU) in 2018 bringing all the higher educational institutions run by Khaja Education Society under one umbrella. Today the University has thousands of scholars' and graduates every year. Now, the present Sajjada Nasheen Syed Shah Muhammad Ali Al Hussaini has continued this tradition. Annual Urs The annual Urs-e-Sharief (death anniversary) of Banda Nawaz is observed on 15,16,17 Dhu al-Qadah (11th month of Islamic calendar) with the flag hoisting ceremony (Parcham Kushai) marking its beginning. The Sajjada Nasheen of Dargah performs the traditional ritual and ceremonial observances during three-days. Devotees cutting across religious boundaries participate in the Sandal procession followed by the fortnight long Urs. The city transforms into vibrant, festive space during this period, streets get decorated with lights. Qawwali maestros from across the country throng at the dargah during the Urs and perform at Sufi shrine to honor saint and engage in devotional practice.
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Sufism, Seduction, And Pak ISI: The Double Life Of Diplomat Madhuri Gupta
New Delhi: Long before YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's arrest for allegedly leaking military secrets to Pakistan, India had witnessed a similar betrayal. Fifteen years ago, another woman, from within the system, was caught at the centre of a shocking espionage scandal. Madhuri Gupta, a mid-level diplomat stationed in Islamabad, was accused of secretly serving the interests of Pakistan's notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). A Spy It was early 2010, barely a year and a half after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when word of a mole in India's High Commission in Islamabad travelled to then-Intelligence Bureau chief Rajiv Mathur. At a time when tensions between India and Pakistan were still simmering, another intelligence failure was a risk India couldn't afford. The name that surfaced in the internal alerts was that of Madhuri Gupta, a Grade B Indian Foreign Service officer and Second Secretary (Press & Information) in Islamabad. Known for her scholarship in Urdu and deep interest in Sufism and poetry, Gupta's profile hardly matched that of a double agent. But the trail of leaks told a different story. When initial intelligence inputs "signalled" Gupta's suspicious activities, Rajiv Mathur informed Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief KC Verma and Home Secretary GK Pillai. Despite concerns, the decision was made to extend surveillance for two more weeks. During this period, she was reportedly false-fed with planted information, which, when leaked, was traced back to her. Gupta, unaware of the net closing in, was summoned to Delhi on the pretext of helping with media relations for the SAARC Summit to be held in Bhutan later that year. She arrived in the national capital on 21 April 2010, spent the night at her West Delhi residence, and reported to the MEA office the next morning. There, at South Block, the Special Cell of Delhi Police, already tipped off, was called in. In minutes, Gupta, a Grade B Indian Foreign Service Officer, was taken into custody for leaking classified defence information to Pakistan's ISI. The Arrest She was arrested on April 22, 2010, under the Official Secrets Act. Reports quoting "official sources" named RK Sharma, R&AW Station Chief in Islamabad, as under investigation, effectively blowing his cover. He had operated under diplomatic cover as a counsellor. As a 2012 Caravan article said, "Sharma's official cover in Islamabad had been blown by his own country, a move that seemed certain to damage R&AW operations in Pakistan and bring his assignment to a swift and ignominious end." The Honeytrap What made Madhuri Gupta fall? Investigators concluded she was a victim of a honeytrap. "They threw a young man at her and she got trapped," said investigating officer Pankaj Sood, speaking to The Caravan. That young man was Jamshed, alias Jim, a Pakistani operative in his 30s, half her age, who had been tasked with seducing Gupta and extracting sensitive information. Another handler, Mudassar Raza Rana, a batchmate of then Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik, coordinated the operation. They first contacted her through a woman journalist and won her trust by helping her locate a rare book by Maulana Masood Azhar, chief of terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed. Using a computer installed in her Islamabad residence and a Blackberry phone, Gupta reportedly stayed in constant touch with both men. The probe also revealed that Gupta, infatuated with Jamshed, expressed desires to convert to Islam, marry him, and travel to Istanbul. Her correspondence often revolved around Sufism, Rumi, and Urdu, interests that Jamshed exploited. Gupta had allegedly travelled to Jammu and Kashmir in March 2010 on Rana's instructions. There, she was believed to have attempted to procure the Annual Plan Report of the state and details about a proposed 310 MW hydro-electric power project. According to the chargesheet, investigators retrieved around 73 emails exchanged via two email addresses allegedly created by the Pakistani agents for Gupta: **lastrao@ and **arao@ "She had blown the covers of all the Indian intelligence officials in Pakistan, disclosed biographical details for every employee at the High Commission, and also mentioned the existence of 'some secret routes to India'," said investigating officer Pankaj Sood. Aftermath Madhuri Gupta was first charged in 2012 under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, which carried a maximum sentence of 14 years. Initially, she spent 21 months in Tihar Jail before securing bail. In 2018, a city court found her guilty and finally convicted her of spying for Pakistan. She lived in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, awaiting her trial and died in October 2021 at the age of 64. Her appeal against the conviction was pending in the Delhi High Court at the time of her death.
