Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Delhi: History, Timings, How to Visit

In the abode of India’s capital, in the embrace of the hustling city, lies the beautiful Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah where one can reconnect with the lost peace of their inner self. Delhi is one of the most happening yet historic cities in the country. While you have places to party all night; you also have attractions and forts that enchant the tourists. In that regard, the Hazrat Nizamuddin is a classic example of the latter.

Walls coloured in the hues of brick red with white domes sitting at the peak, this place welcomes a thousand visitors every week. Irrespective of what religion you follow, the Hazrat Nizamuddin is a must-visit place where you are in Delhi.

History of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah

Hazrat Nizamuddin is a mausoleum that is dedicated to the Sufi saint Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya who lived in the early eras of 1238-1325 CE. He was a saint of the Chishti order and a firm believer of God who believed in spreading humanity and love all across the region. It is also known as the Nizamuddin Auliya Mazar in Delhi and is one of the most divine places in the city. The mausoleum is in Nizamuddin which lies in the South Delhi region. It was constructed in 1325 by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq of the Tughlaq dynasty who was an avid follower of Khawaja Sahib. Later, Firuz Shah Tughlaq renovated the structure and suspended four golden cups from the recess of the dome. The present dome that one can see is about six metres in diameter and was constructed in 1562 by Faridun Khan; the structure has undergone a lot many additions over the years that just kept enhancing the beauty of this Dargah in Delhi.

Being a renowned Dargah, many emperors and rulers have gifted various items present in the mausoleum as a tribute to Khawaja Nizamuddin Sahib. For example, the marble balustrade that surrounds the grave was gifted by Khurshid Jah of Hyderabad. The complex is surrounded by a patio that is built with marbles and is covered with intricate trellis walls that are known as jaalis. Adding to this, the complex of the Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi also houses a washbasin, which is known as a wazookhana. According to the tradition of the Dargah, female devotees are not allowed to go beyond the veranda of the complex. However, they can peak through the jaalis to see the grave of Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya that sits inside a dark chamber, wrapped in chaddar, and decorated with flowers.

More about this Famous Dargah in Delhi

The Dargah is very well-maintained by the descendants of Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya who look after the management and maintenance of the Dargah Sharif. It is said that if you make a wish from the heart at the Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya, Delhi, it will be granted regardless of the creed you follow. This belief makes the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah not only one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city but also a crowded one. The Dargah Sharif is quite popular for the devotional Qawwali music sessions; attending this will ascend you to the world of spirituality, bridging the gap between humans and the almighty, giving you mental and emotional peace that you have always been waiting for. In fact, in the Bollywood movie ‘Rockstar’, the Dargah was featured and the soulful song ‘Kun Faya Kun’ was shot here. A whole lot of people, from businessman to government officials, to celebrities, sportsperson, and so on – everyone bows down their head at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Mazar in Delhi.

Besides the mausoleum of Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya, you will find the tombs of Mughal Princess Inayat Khan, Jehan Ara Begum (Shah Jahan’s daughter), and the well-known poet, Amir Khusro. Ziauddin Barani and Muhammad Shah are also buried here and the complex houses more than 70 graves. Though the Dargah complex was renovated by the Aga Khan Trust somewhere around 2010; the Sufi aura, the ancientness of the mausoleum remains intact.

Opening Timings of the Nizamuddin Dargah

You can visit Nizamuddin Sahib ki Dargah from 5:00 AM till 10:30 PM in the night. However, if you want to witness the magical Qawwali session, then you can visit the mausoleum between 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM on Thursdays. You don’t have to pay any entry fee to visit the Dargah.

How to Visit the Dargah

Reaching the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is pretty easy. Here are some of the ways that you can opt;

Bus

There are frequent buses running from the bus depot to the West Delhi area. In case you want to travel in the DTC buses, look out for numbers 970B, 410CL, 408CL, 181A, 166, 894CL, 429CL, 429, 411, and 410 that run on the same route as that of the Dargah.

Metro

One of the most convenient ways of travelling in Delhi- it is easier and faster to reach the Dargah if you take the metro. The nearest metro stations to the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah are Pragati Maidan Metro Station and Indraprastha Metro Station on the blue line. From the metro stations, you can take an auto to reach the Dargah complex.

Cabs

Yet another way to visit the Dargah is booking a cab via mobile apps. The rate can be a little higher depending on the distance and the traffic but it will be a more comfortable way of reaching the Dargah.

Also Read - Ajmer Sharif Dargah: An Evening at Khwājā Moinuddin Chishti’s Dargah

Things to Know/Instructions to Keep in Mind

The Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is a holy place and here are some important things that you need to know while visiting the Dargah Sharif: –

• The Dargah complex is open for all devotees irrespective of their religion on all days of the week.
• There is no entry fee to visit the Dargah.
• Reach the place at the given timings of the Nizamuddin Dargah to avoid any inconvenience.
• Thursdays are special because of the Qawwali that is being sung in the open courtyard within the Dargah, which devotees can witness.
• When you enter the Dargah, your head must be covered. For men, you can carry a piece of cloth while women can carry a stole or dupatta to cover their head while offering prayers.
• Do not carry food inside the Dargah.
• There are a lot of eateries situated in the lanes that lead to the mausoleum; you can relish on some good street food after paying your tributes to Khawaja Sahib.
• The Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is not included in the service route of the Ho-Ho bus. So, if you have to take a cab or the metro to reach the Nizamuddin Dargahfrom your location.

The Hazrat Nizamuddin is one of Delhi’s famous Dargah where tourists from all over the country visit to pay their tributes to Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya Sahib. The divine ambience accompanied by the soulful Qawwali songs lets you take a sigh of tranquillity, allowing you to connect with the almighty. Make sure you don’t skip including this place in your Delhi tour package. Explore the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah for a heavenly experience like no other!