Shrine of Mian Mir

The Shrine of Mian Mir (Punjabi and Urdu: میاں میر درگاہ) is a 17th-century shrine located in Lahore, Pakistan, that is dedicated to the Sufi mystic Mian Mir. It stands as one of the most celebrated places in Lahore, drawing visitors for centuries. People from different backgrounds, including both Muslims and Sikhs, have historically honored this shrine and its teachings. The shrine remains an important part of the city's cultural and spiritual history.

Location

The tomb is found in the Alam Ganj neighbourhood of the Dharampura area, about 3 kilometres west of Lahore’s Walled City.

History

Mian Mir wanted to be buried next to his friend Syed Muhammad Natha Shah Gilani. The tomb was built by order of Dara Shikoh and finished in 1640.

After Dara Shikoh died, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb took materials meant for Mian Mir's tomb and used them to build Lahore's grand Badshahi Mosque. Later, Ranjit Singh added beautiful floral paintings inside the shrine and visited it often.

Architecture

The tomb is a beautiful building with a dome made of gray granite. It sits on a raised square plinth made of white marble, measuring 54 feet on each side. Around the tomb is a courtyard made of red sandstone, and you can enter the tomb through a set of white marble steps.

The tomb is in the middle of a large quadrangle that measures 200 feet on each side. High walls surround the area, with small rooms used by dervishes and visitors. On one side, there is a mosque made of pink sandstone with five small domes. A gateway made of pink sandstone leads to the shrine.

Associated shrines

Next to Mian Mir's tomb is the tomb of his nephew Muhammed Sharif, who was the first caretaker of the shrine. Another tomb inside the complex belongs to Haji Muhammed Saleh. The shrine is also close to the tomb of Nadira Begum, wife of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, and the shrine of Mullah Shah.

Urs festival

Each year, people gather at the shrine to celebrate the anniversary of Mian Mir's passing, called an urs. This special event brings together many visitors who honor his memory.

Influence

The area near Lahore Cantonment was once called "Mian Mir Cantonment" because of this shrine. People of different faiths, including Muslims and Sikhs, have gathered here to respect the saint. Some believe this shrine inspired the design of the Golden Temple in nearby Amritsar.

Shrine administration

The shrine is cared for by a special group called an Awqaf committee. This group includes important people like judges and politicians. They also work together with a Sikh organization called the Guru Nanak Ji Mission.