Darbar of Sakhi Saidan Shah Sherazi
The Artist visited the shrine of the Darbar Sakhi Saidan Shah situated
in the Choa Saidan Shah Tehsil of Chakwal on Saturday, 21 January 2023.
The distance of the tehsil from the main city is about 26km, the road
was in good condition so it hardly took 45 minutes to reach there. The
name of this town was inspired by the saint Saidan Shah Shirazi. According
to mythology, the region was a desert until the holy man arrived and hit
the earth with his staff, causing pure water to spring out. The shrine
is in a courtyard away from the main market, and the annual urs is held
in April. Choa Saidan Shah is located in a valley surrounded by mountains.
The Darbar had a scenic view despite being in the middle of the city and
with great hustle and bustle. The Sakhi Saidan Shah Darbar at Choa Saidan
Shah is a major Sufi shrine in Pakistan's Punjab province's Chakwal District.
It honors Hazrat Sakhi Saidan Shah, a prominent Sufi saint. Many believers
and tourists see this shrine as religious and spiritually significant.
As per the caretaker of the Shrine, whose family has taken care of the
shrine from hundreds of years. Hazrat Sakhi Saidan Shah was a Sufi saint.
For his spiritual teachings and piety, he was highly regarded and venerated
by people of all religions in this area. He was revered as a spiritual
icon who devoted his life to God and mankind. He belonged to the Sufi
tradition, which emphasizes a profound, intimate relationship with the
divine as well as the search for inner spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.
His teachings usually centered on love, compassion, humility, and dedication
to God. Sufi saints, such as Hazrat Sakhi Saidan Shah, frequently employ
poetry and storytelling to express spiritual lessons.
The precise date of the Sakhi Saidan Shah Darbar's establishment remained
unknown, although it was said to have been built in efforts to promote
interfaith cooperation and tolerance. They were regarded as symbols of
peace and tolerance. Sufi saints such as Hazrat Sakhi Saidan Shah are
noted for emphasizing universal principles like love and peace, making
their teachings applicable to individuals of many origins and religions.
The shrine is culturally significant because it holds a variety of activities
and meetings throughout the year, including yearly Urs (death anniversary)
ceremonies, where devotees from all over Pakistan come to pay their respects
and seek blessings. The Sakhi Saidan Shah Darbar's architecture frequently
shows a combination of traditional and regional architectural forms, with
a particular spiritual aura. Ultimately, the origins of the Sakhi Saidan
Shah Darbar are connected with Hazrat Sakhi Saidan Shah's spiritual heritage
and the Sufi tradition. It is still a site of worship and cultural significance
in Pakistan's Chakwal area.
Choa Saidan Shah is famous for its roses and scents and is bordered by
woodlands and orchards. This area is famous for its Rose Water. The terrain
is mountainous. The prominent tribes are the Arrian, Janjua Rajput, Mirza,
and different friendly gesture families. The Pakistan Army employs the
vast majority of the residents. They are inherently bold people. Some
well-known Janjua villages are Dandot, Ghar Makhiala, Khajula, Mohra Rajgan,
Ratoocha, Dalwal and Saloi.
“Choa Darbar Fusion” is a mesmerizing artwork (Image.2) that
captures the essence of the sacred place. This artwork is a captivating
portrayal of the revered place, showcasing its architectural grandeur
and spiritual significance. It's a visual representation that evokes a
sense of reverence. The use of vibrant colors adds to the vibrancy and
liveliness of the artwork, creating a visual feast for the eyes. The composition
is well-balanced, with the focal point placed on the darbar, drawing the
viewer's attention to its majesty. The craftsmanship and skill demonstrated
in this artwork are commendable, reflecting the artist's deep understanding
and appreciation of the cultural heritage associated with Choa Darbar
Sakhi Saidan Shah. It is a masterful piece that deserves recognition and
praise for its artistic excellence and ability to evoke a profound emotional
response. It celebrates the cultural heritage of Choa Darbar Sakhi Saidan
Shah in a captivating and meaningful way.