Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Delhi lies a shrine of profound spiritual significance - the resting place of Bibi Zulekha, the mother of the revered 14th century Sufi saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Known among devotees as the "Mai Sahiba Ki Dargah," this humble yet hallowed site has long been a beacon of faith and pilgrimage for those seeking the blessings of a deeply pious woman. Bibi Zulekha's journey to Delhi began in the aftermath of the Mongol invasions that devastated her ancestral hometown of Bukhara in Central Asia. Along with her parents, she found refuge in the town of Badaun, some 150 miles northwest of the capital. It was here that she met and married Khwaja Syed Ahmad, with whom she had a daughter and a son. Tragically, Bibi Zulekha's husband passed away when their son was just two years old. Undaunted, the resilient matriarch made the decision to relocate her young family to Delhi, where she would raise them amidst the vibrant spiritual atmosphere of the city. It was in Delhi that Bibi Zulekha's son, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, would go on to become one of the most renowned Sufi saints in the subcontinent's history. Yet, it is Bibi Zulekha's own legacy that continues to draw crowds to her shrine, known for its Tughlaq-style architecture. Every Wednesday, the courtyard of the Mai Sahiba Ki Dargah becomes a hive of activity, as devotees flock to the site to seek the blessings of this revered woman. It is believed that the auspiciousness of this day holds the key to granting their deepest wishes. The shrine's crowning moment, however, comes during the annual Urs celebrations, held from March 9 to 11 to commemorate the anniversary of Bibi Zulekha's passing. During this time, the dargah is adorned with a sea of rose petals, and qawwals from across the world arrive to offer their prayers in an overnight recital, honoring the legacy of this remarkable woman. In a city that often moves at a frenetic pace, the Mai Sahiba Ki Dargah stands as a quiet oasis, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the profound impact of a mother's love. It is a place where the present and the past converge, where the faithful can find solace in the shadow of a life well-lived and a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
