" Everything you see has its
roots in the unseen world. The forms may change, yet the essence remains the
same . Every wonderful sight will vanish , every sweet word will fade . But
do not be disheartened .
The source they come from is eternal ,
growing , branching out , giving new life and new joy . Why do you weep ?
The source is within you
And this whole world is springing up
from it. "
….Rumi
Islam , is the religion of
peace and submission which leads to ultimate source of One God - Allah , the
compassionate and merciful . Sufism is the mystic and profound tradition of
Islam which teaches tolerant co-existance , harmony and divine love for all
creation . Sufis are detached from the worldly material possessions , false
pride , greed and ego . They revel in the beauty of Allah in complete joy of
surrender and remain focussed on the reward of paradise in the life
hereafter .
The great sufi masters came all the way from Iraq , Iran , Turkey ,
Afghanistan and found high acceptance and devoted followers in the region of
Indian sub-continent from 12th century onwards . Sufis go through constant
and rigorous purification of desires , introspection of soul and heart and
they engage in the deep pursuit of a direct perception of spiritual truth of
Allah , through mystic practices based on sacrifice and renunciation .
This tour of awakening - SUFI JOURNEY , has been designed keeping in
mind the spiritual sensitivity of the traveler who is in search of divine
knowledge . It gives you the time to experience sufi traditions, Islamic way
of life based on high moral values. Beautiful nature , peaceful surroundings
to contemplate and meditate makes this tour a lifetime spiritual experience
.
DELHI
- the capital city of India show cases the rich heritage of Islamic
architecture - grand mosques , tombs , minarets , beautiful gardens and
majestic forts. Some of the bazaars still retain the madieval flavour
presenting Indian art & craft, delicious cusines , spices and herbs.
The Dargah of Hazrat Nizam -Ud-Din & Amir Khusrau is
thronged by devotees and pilgrims everyday. Near by , the magnificiant
Humayuns Tomb hosts an annual International Sufi festival of Jehane- Khusrau
.
AGRA - the home to the spectacular Taj Mahal- a love
story in marble is one of the architectural highlight of this trip .
Strategically located in the heart of India in the rich alluvial plains
between the great Ganga and Yamuna rivers . Agra was a vibrant religious and
commercial center for the last 3,00 years . But it matured and perfected
itself only when the great Mughals chose to make it their home .
FATEHPUR SIKRI - Designated a world heritage site by UNESCO,
Fatehpur Sikari - was built to commemorate the battlefield victory in
Gujarat . It was the capital of the Mughal dynasty under Emperor Akbar
between 1571 and 1585. Legend has it that it was a monument of gratitude to
Sheikh Salim Chisti ,a humble Sufi saint of the 16th century , who had
accurately predicted the birth of Akbar's sons. You can spend some time
marvelling at the jewel of Salim Chisti Tomb set like a white flower in the
midst of a red sand stone . Morning is the time for Qawali devotional
singing that makes the entire atmosphere very soothing.
JAIPUR - Capital of Rajasthan has some marvelous architecture
and history to display including the forts , palaces and museums . The
pottery bazaar , famous jewellery market , colourful textile shops makes it
a shoppers delight .
AJMER - Situated in the green oasis
wrapped in barren hills has been witness to an interesting past of human
synthesis . It is a popular pilgrimage center for muslims and hindus also
hold it in great reverance . The Dargah , at the foot of a barren hill ,
has a splendid tomb of the sufi saint Khhwaja Moin Ud Din Chisti . The mausolem
has a gigantic gate which was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad .
The massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of particular interest and on
the
right side of the courtyard is the Akbari Masjid built in white marble .
There is another mosque in the courtyard built by Shajehan . The shrine
attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Urs - commemorating the death
anniversary of the saint , held from 01st to 06th day of the Islamic month
of Rajab . A vibrant fair that springs up during this time is the major
attraction .
KASHMIR - With the first rays of the sun ,
the melodious Azaan - call for the morning prayers , resonates through the
mountains , a new day of life ushers into hope and joy with fresh fragrance
of the Himalayan blooms and lotuses , of fir and pine trees . The purity of
the mesmerizing beauty of Kashmir transforms any seeking soul into a humble
being . The enchanting natural beauty of the valley with lakes and
waterfalls , mountains and dales , rivers and springs , birds and
butterflies and the peace loving folks all together in harmony magnify the
Oneness of Allah in totality . The mystic atmosphere of Kashmir made this a
suitable place for Rishis , Saints and Sages for time immemorial .
Kashmir Valley is an ideal refuge for a contemplative mind that gives
you space to cultivate virtues towards leading a meaningful and content life
. Long walks into the forests and boat cruising in the backwaters of Dal
Lake during the day and quite evenings observing the stars awakens ones
senses to understand the mystery of the universe .
The most
dominant influence on the Kashmiri muslims , in terms of their Kashmiryat is
that of the Rishi order of the Sufis . Rishis are the indigenous brand of
suifs who have been influenced by many mystic beliefs and rituals over the
centuries . Rishis are highly realized souls , who do not have the tounge of
desire and do not seek to obtain worldly objects . They plant fruit bearing
trees in order that people may obtain benefit from these . They involve
themselves in type of jobs that offers help to others as well . Generally
they abstain from meat eating and often do not marry . They practice
simplicity in spirit of service without pretence .
Desire is like the knotted wood of the forest , It can not be made
into planks , beams or into cradles ; He who cut and felled it ,
Will
burn it into ashes .
Sheikh Nur - Ud- din ( Nund Rishi )
This tour flows through the Imperial cities , desert citadels , rural
villages and finally finds the solitude in the vale of Kashmir - the
paradise on Earth .
Duration : 15 Days
Best
Time : Mid October to April
Focus : Spiritual experience ,
Sufi traditions ,Islamic heritage , Grand monuments ,Lovely bazaars ,
Colourful people , Composite culture & Pristine nature .
Route
: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Ajmer - Delhi - Srinagar - Delhi
Outline Itinerary Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi from your home country . Upon arrival in Delhi , traditional
garland welcome ,assistance and transfer to your pre booked hotel . Morning
free . Afternoon visit Old Delhi , Shah Jahan founded the city of
Shahjahanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. The famous Red Fort in
the heart of Old Delhi was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire
and it boasts the Diwan-I-Am, Hall of Private Audience. Opposite the fort is
the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah
Jahan to dominate his city. Later in the evening join or witness evening
prayer at Fatehpuri Mosque . O/n Hotel
Day 2 : Delhi
Morning after breakfast visit Humayun's Tomb , Lodhi Gardens , India Gate
and President house . Evening visit Nizam - Ud- Din Dargah , join or witness
prayers and listen to the healing divine songs " Qawali - Praises of
Allah " . You will see people , men & women of different faiths and
religions paying respect to this Sufi master - Hazrat Khwaja Nizam - Ud -
Din . O/n Hotel
Hazrat Khwaja Nizam - Ud - Din He
was born in Badaun - North of India in 1238 AD , into a family whose
genealogy raced back to the prophet Muhammed ( P. b. u . h ) , and whose
ancestors had originated from Bukhara . He settled near Delhi and
established his sufi sanctuary which became a focal point for the spiritual
renewal of the lives of the people of Delhi . He personally led a life of
celibacy and asceticism . He and his close follower subsisted on unasked for
charity which they distributed every day to the neighbouring poor , so that
by the end of each day they had nothing stored up for the next day . Hazrat
Nizam - Ud - Din died in the year 1325 AD.One of his disciples - and a
famous poet Hazrat Amir Khusrau became his main companion and contributed
greatly in spreading his spiritual message through poetry , philosophy and
heart rendring ragas , gazals , Khyal and Qawalis .
Day
3 : Delhi - Agra Morning after breakfast we drive to Agra ( about
210kms / 5hrs) , enroute visit the Sikadra to see the Tomb of Great Mughal
Emperor Akbar . Further proceed to Agra and check into the hotel . Afternoon
visit the Tomb of Itmad - Ud - Duala known as the baby Taj and later on to
Red Fort, Akbar began Agra Fort in 1565, with additions of the citadel being
made through to the time of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan . The forts have
fine views of the Taj across the River Yamuna, and consists of Deewani -
Aam(hall of public ordinances) and Deewan- Khass (the hall of Private
ordinances), it also has a beautiful fountain ways. O/n Hotel
Day
4 : Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur Early morning visit India's
most celebrated monument the Taj Mahal, built as a monument of eternal love
by Shah Jahan to the bride Mumtaz . The Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful
from almost any angle. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000
laborers and craftsmen and displays superb craftsmanship. The close up
details of the Taj Mahal is as exquisite as the overall architectural
design, with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble
surface . Back to hotel for breakfast and then continue our journey to
Jaipur - the pink city of Rajasthan .
Enroute visit Fatehpur
Sikri - The Palace complex built to commemorate the birth of Mughal Emperor
Akbar's first child . Visit the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti ,a humble Sufi
saint of the 16th century , who had accurately predicted the birth of
Akbar's son. Spend some time for Qawali devotional singing that makes the
entire atmosphere very soothing and further drive to Jaipur ( About 240 kms
/ 4hrs ) . Arrive and check into the hotel . O/n Hotel
Day 5 :
Jaipur Morning after breakfast visit City Palace, still inhabited
by Jai Singh's descendants is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal
architecture. A city within a city, it includes the Govind Deo Temple, the
Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory and the Maharaja's museum with his
personal collection of weaponry, miniature paintings, royal attire and
jewellery. On the periphery of the Palace stands the Hawa Mahal, the Palace
of Winds, an elaborate pink sandstone façade behind which the ladies
of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below.
Afternoon drive to nearby Amber, ascending by elephant to see the 16th
century hilltop fortress - Palace and its richly decorated apartments . O/ n
Hotel
Day 6 : Jaipur - Ajmer Morning after breakfast
drive to Ajmer ( About 130kms / 3hrs ) . Arrive and check into the hotel.
Situated in the green oasis wrapped in barren hills , Ajmer is a popular
pilgrimage center for muslims . Afternoon visit the tomb of the Sufi Saint
Khhwaja Moin Ud Din Chisti to offer respect and prayers . O/n Hotel
Hazrat
Khhwaja Moin Ud Din Chisti Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, was born in
Seistan (East Persia) also known as Sajistan, around 533 Hijri (1138-39
A.D.) in a well respected family. His father and motherwere the descendants
of Hazrat Ali. He lost both his father and mother at an early age of sixteen
years. After achieving the light of wisdom and knowledge at the young age ,
he disposed of all of his worldly belongings and distributed the money
amongst the poor. Then he set off for Samarkand and Bokhara then the great
centres of learning for religious education and knowledge. Khwaja Muinuddin
Chishti, arrived in Ajmer at the age of 52 years around 587 A.H. (1190
A.D.), on his divine mission, unique in the annals of Islam. He settled on a
hill close to Ana Sagar lake now known as the Chillah Kwajah Sahib . People
were so much inspired by his divine teachings and simplicity that they began
to embrace Islam. Many became his disciples. After achieving the objectives
of his mission he died on the 6th of Raja 633 A.H. / 16th March 1236 at the
age of 97. He was buried in the same cell (Hurrah) which was the center of
his divine activities, throughout his stay at Ajmer. Today his tomb is
popularly known as "Dugrah Khwaja Saheb, Ajmer". People of all
walks of life and faith from all over the world, irrespective of their
caste, creed and beliefs visit this great shrine to offer flowers of there
esteem and devotion
Pushkar Fair : Pushkar is famous for the
annual camel fair which will be held from November 02nd to 05th of 2006 and
21st to 24th of 2007 . Here one extra night can be added during the
colourful pushkar camel festival Day 7 : Ajmer - Delhi
Early morning prayers in the Dargah . Later explore the city of
Pushkar , famous for the cattle fair and in the late afternoon transfer to
railway station for express train to Delhi ( 17.00 / 22.00 hrs ) . Arrive
Delhi and transfer to the hotel near airport for overnight .
Day
8 : Delhi - Srinagar Morning transfer to the domestic airport for
flight to Srinagar . Arrive Srinagar , welcome with Kashmiri flowers on
arrival at airport and transfer to Houseboat Lotus Retreat in the famous Dal
Lake . The Mughals aptly called Kashmir, Paradise, and they journeyed across
the tortuously hot plains of India,to summer in the cool environs of
Srinagar. And here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar's many
formal, water-front gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens.
Today's Srinagar is a pleasure resort for the tourist who can experience, at
first hand, the peculiar beauty of the valley that has attracted the
Chinese, the Mughals and the British to it. Afternoon Shikara boat ride in
Dal Lake visiting floating/vegetable gardens
Day 9 : Srinagar Today morning after breakfast
visit the Nishat Bagh ( Garden of Gladness ) and Shalimar Bagh gardens built
on a symmetrical plan of a central waterway with fountains dividing a series
of gardened terraces . Nishat Bagh ( about 11kms from Srinagar ) on the
shores of the lake was laid out in 1633. It is the largest of all the Royal
gardens . The gardens on either side of the water course are planted with
tall Chinar trees, which you can see at their best in Autumn.
Two
Kilometers further on is the Shalimar Bagh garden built for Nur Jahan by her
husband , the Mughal Emperor Jahangir . The central black marble pavilion in
the Zenana or Ladies' garden is surrounded by water and looks out in four
directions . Below in the Diwan -i - Am , the hall of Public Audiences the
Emperor used to sit on a black marble throne above the water . Afternoon
visit the Sufi Dargah of highly respected Pir- Mirak Sahib . Offer spiritual
prayer here . O/n Houseboat
Day 10 : Srinagar
Morning excursion trip to Gulmarg (the meadow of flowers) 2730 metres, above
sea level. The distance of 56 kms will be covered in about 2 ½ hrs.
Gulmarg has one of the best ski slopes in the world, and one of the highest
golf courses in the world with 18 holes. You can also enjoy a view of Nanga
Parbat if the weather permits. The view en route from Tangmarg to Gulmarg is
fascinating. Afternoon visit the shrine of Great mystic Baba Rishi . The
place is no less than the supreme paradise because the shrine of Hazrat
Payam Uddin stands here. The shrine and tomb are built in the pagoda style
and placed amid wondrous scenic beauty. It has the Jama Majid on one side
and a market on the other. One reaches the shrine through a flight of
stairs. The langar (public, free eating place) adjoins the tomb. Return back
to Srinagar for overnight . O/n Houseboat
Day 11 : Srinagar
Morning after breakfast excursion to Pahalgam (the valley of
Shepherds) . The total distance of about 96 kms. Will be covered in about 3
hrs. Drive through the pine forest. Explore Pahalgam by walk along pony
trails with a magnificent view of the mountains. Afternoon visit the shrine
of Aishmukam belongs to Great Rishi Baba Zanshah Sahib . Later drive back to
Srinagar . O/n Houseboat
Day 12 : Srinagar Today we
will visit the Khankah of Shah Hamadan in the madival setting of old town,
one of the important and first mosque ever built in Srinagar . O/n Houseboat
Khanqah
of Shah Hamadan - Kashmir Situated on the banks of river Jhelum ,
between the third and fourth bridge . It is the first mosque ever built in
Srinagar . The original structure was built in 1395 A.D . The great Sufi
Saint Shah Hamadan's full name was Mir Syed Ali Hamadani , the sir name
being derived from the city of Hamadan in Persia ( Iran ) . He is the
instrument of spreading Islam in Kashmir through his Sufi order . After
staying in Kashmir for many years , he left for Central Asia via Ladakh . A
mosque was established by him at Shey near Leh .
The Khankah in
Srinagar is a wooden structure whose chief aesthetic feature is its
beautifully carved leaves and hanging bells . The interiors are richly
carved and painted , and the antique chandeliers give it an air opulence .
Offer respect and prayers here at Noon .
Day 13 :
Srinagar Morning after breakfast drive to CHARARE - SHARIEF,
beautiful village and Dargah about 30 kms from Srinagar to visit the shrine
of Nundrishi . Both Hindus and Muslims go to this shrine to offer flowers.
Nunda Rishi ( Sheikh Nur - Ud - Din ) : Endearingly and in
Veneration called Nunda Rishi , has left an indelible marks on the thinking
and culture of Kashmiris . The great sage was one of the twin stars of
medieval Kashmir along with Lalleshwari ( Lal Ded ) with whom he shared the
intensity of mystic experience whose profoundity remains unrivalled to this
day.
He lived from 1378 to 1430 A . D. He started a normal life ,
married and had two children . During the turbulent times in medieval
Kashmir , what he saw going around him made him intensely sad and he lost
interest in Surpurflous life . So , he took to caves and solitary places for
severe penance and meditation . At the height of his spiritual realization
the saint sustained only on drinking water alone . Throughout his life he
made all efforts to preach co - operation & Co - existence and advised
any confrontation . Kashmir's precious heritage was dear to his heart . It
was for these views of humanistic philosophy that he was called ALAMDAR -
the standard bearer of Kashmir .
Later back to Srinagar where a
special farewell is waiting you with Sufi folk songs and music followed by
elaborate Kashmir dinner - Wazwan . O/n Houseboat
Day 14 :
Srinagar - Delhi Morning after breakfast transfer to the airport
to board flight back to Delhi . Met upon arrival in Delhi , transfer to the
hotel for overnight . O/n Hotel
Day 15 : Delhi - Europe
Early morning transfer to the International airport to board flight
back to your home country .
End of Service….
Additional tips Classical music of the Indian sub
-continent has a rich history of being one of the most developed expressions
of our cultural heritage . Its foundations precede 5000 years , going back
to the ancient Indus civilization . Many instruments such as harps , flutes
and percussion instruments were found during the excavations at Harappa and
Mohenjo Daro.
Indian music underwent several innovative changes
after the advent of Muslim rule beginning from the 11th century . Islamic
influence brought in its wake a changed perspective in the style and
structure of Indian music , which over the course of time evolved to become
a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions .
This unique
synthesis resulted in the creation of new ragas and musical genres such as
qawaali , tarana , khayal and thumri . Instruments such as the rebab , sarod
, sitar , tabla , santoor and naqara were developed and introduced into the
Indian fold . The fist encounter of Indian music with muslims was through
Sufi saints who were attracted by traditional Hindu temple music - sensing
that music was an essential feature of the daily lives of the local
inhabitants , Sufis used music to spread the message of Islam across to the
populace of India . Sufi saints held regular sessions of sama or qawwali at
their khanqahs to propagate Islam to the masses .
The name of
Hazrat Amir Khusrau stands at the forefront of muslim contribution towards
the culture of the subcontinent . He was a strong patriot and highly praised
Indian culture , customs and its people . He popularized the sufi devotional
music qawwali , said to have created new genres like the tarana , Khayal ,
naqsh and qalbana .
Extension Tour to Lucknow
Day 1 : Delhi to Lucknow Morning flight to Lucknow
. Arrive at Lucknow, transfer to hotel. Afternoon free , evening explore the
bazaars of Lucknow famous for its gold and silver brocades, silverware, clay
figurines and pottery . O/n Hotel
Lucknow : Known as the "Shiraz of Awadh" and "Constantinople
of India", as it is metaphorically called, rose to prominence as the
capital city of Uttarpradesh during the era of the Nawabs of Awadh. These
Nawabs ruled the northern region of India for about a century after the
decline of Mughal empire and most interesting monuments in Lucknow date from
the period
Day 2 : Lucknow A full day to visit
Lucknow .Visit Rumi Darwaza : Also known as the Turkish Gateway, the Rumi
Darwaza leads into the outer ward of the Bara Imambara . Bara Imambara :
Built in the year 1784 by the champion of charity Nawab Asaf-ud- daulah it
provided food to the famine stricken subjects of the Nawab. Chhota Imambara
: Known also as the Hussainabad Imambara, it was built by Mohammad Ali Shah
as a mausoleum for himself. The interior is lavishly decorated with huge
chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colorful stucco and Tazia in sandalwood wax and
zari. Later on visit Jama Masjid- the construction of this mosque was
started in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah but it was finally completed by his
wife Begum Malika Jahan after his death. Also visit Clock Tower- Rising 221
ft. above the ground, this is the tallest Clock Tower in India. O/n Hotel
Day 3 : Lucknow - Delhi Morning free to relax .
Afternoon transfer to the domestic airport to board flight back to Delhi .
Upon arrival in Delhi , transfer to the hotel near International airport for
overnight . O/n Hotel
Day 4 : Delhi - Onward Destination
Early morning transfer to the International airport to board flight to
your onward destination .
" I thought of You so often ,
that I completely became You .
Little Little by little You drew
near ,
And slowly but slowly I passed away .
Rumi
