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Tucked away in the peaceful village of Mandhali, Punjab, lies the revered Rauza Mandhali Sharif, a site so spiritually significant that it is lovingly known as Makkah-e-Mandhali. This sacred Sufi shrine is the resting place of Sayed ul Shaikh Hazrat Baba Abdullah Shah Qadri Ji, a saint who journeyed from the heart of Saudi Arabia to settle in the rich soils of Punjab, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, peace, and spiritual awakening. At the heart of this Darbar is Baba Abdullah Shah Qadri's tomb, a space where pilgrims from across the globe come to seek blessings, solace, and divine intervention. For centuries, this darbar has drawn the spiritually inclined, offering a haven where time seems to stand still, allowing for moments of deep connection with the Divine. The history of Mandhali Sharif is one intertwined with the trials of time. Before the Partition of India in 1947, the darbar was lovingly tended by its sewadars (caretakers), Sai Kaly Shah Ji and Data Ali Ahmed Ji, who nurtured the spiritual flame for all who came. Though Sai Kaly Shah Ji later settled in Pakistan, where a twin darbar now stands, Data Ali Ahmed Ji remained in Mandhali, faithfully caring for the shrine until his unexpected passing. In 1985, Sai Bhajan Shah Qadri Ji took on the mantle of gaddi nashin (spiritual successor), and under his guidance, the darbar’s influence spread far and wide. Known as Sher-ul-Hind, the lion of India, Sai Bhajan Shah Qadri Ji was not only a spiritual leader but also a cherished artist. His rendition of Sajna Ve Sajna, a favorite song of Data Ji, alongside famed Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan, became legendary, with other luminaries like Hans Raj Hans and Sardool Sikander frequenting the darbar to bask in the divine atmosphere. The darbar comes alive during its annual melas, two grand fairs that see a confluence of faith and music. These melas are celebrated with a rich tapestry of Qawwali performances by world-renowned artists such as Munawar Ali Qawwal, Shafi Taqi Mohammad Qawwal, Shaukat Ali Matoi Qawwal, and the beloved Nooran Sisters, filling the air with the soulful sounds of devotion. The darbar’s courtyards reverberate with the echoes of qawwali, drawing in not just the devout but also lovers of traditional Sufi MusicRauza Mandhali Sharif is more than just a pilgrimage; it is a journey into the heart of Punjab’s Sufi traditions, where devotion, music, and spiritual wonders come together in perfect harmony. For those seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply looking to experience the soul-stirring power of Sufi music, this darbar offers an unforgettable, divine experience that transcends time.
