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The shrine’s mosque was rebuilt in the 1980s utilizing a modernist architectural style. By Meemjee – Own work,

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Ali Hajvery’s Tomb     

The shrine was originally established as a simple grave next to the mosque which Ali Hujwiri had built on the outskirts of Lahore in the 11th century. By the 13th century, the belief that the spiritual powers of great Sufi saints were attached to their burial sites was widespread in the Muslim world, and so a larger shrine was built to commemorate the burial site of Hujwiri during the Mughal period . The shrine complex was expanded in the 19th century, and Hujwiri’s mosque rebuilt.

People claim that Ali Hajveri was a renowned Sufi saint of the subcontinent who lived in Lahore until the 11th century. He had several Muslim and non-Muslim followers. There are many things to do in Lahore. Every day hundreds of people visit the tomb and offer prayers, give money, and put flowers next to the tomb.

However this article entail the top 10 amazing facts about Ali Hajvey’s tomb that you should consider knowing, in case you are planning to visit Lahore. Since the shrine is located near the Bha’tee Gate into Lahore’s Walled City. The facts include the following;

1.It is the largest Sufi Shrine 

The shrine was greatly expanded in the 1980s under the rule of military dictator Zia ul-Haq, during which time the shrine became the largest in South Asia. The belief that the spiritual powers of great Sufi saints were attached to their burial sites was widespread in the Muslim world, and so a larger shrine was built to commemorate the burial site of Hujwiri during the Mughal period.

2  It was built to house the remains of Ali Hujwiri

Ali Hajvey is commonly known as Data Ganj Baksh, a Sufi saint from Ghazni in present-day Afghanistan, who is believed to have lived on the site in the 11th century CE. He is said to have lived on the site in the 11th Century. He is one of the most well known and revered of the subcontinent’s Muslim saints. He had several Muslim and non-Muslim followers.

3.Its  attracts up to one million visitors 

The shrine attracts thousands of devotees on a daily basis. By Meemjee – Own work,

During it annual celebration of Urs Festival it attracts almost one million visitors. The Urs is the death anniversary of a Sufi saint, it is usually held at the saint’s dargah (shrine or tomb). Urs rituals are generally performed by the custodians of the shrine or the existing Shaikh of the silsila. The celebration of Urs ranges from Hamd to Naat and in many cases includes the singing of religious music such as qawwali. The celebration also features food samples, bazaar, and various kinds of shops. Its therefore attracts more than 400,000 devotees each year and is regarded as one of the most famous Urs festivals around the world. Pakistan’s main opposition leader Nawaz Sharif is a frequent visitor.

4.It is under Pakistani government 

The shrine came under Pakistani government control as part of the Auquf Ordinance of 1960, with the official aim of preventing shrine caretakers throughout the country from financially exploiting devotees.

5.It was rebuilt using the modern architecture style 

The shrine’s mosque was rebuilt in the 1980s utilizing a modernist architectural style. By Meemjee – Own work,

The shrine of Hujwiri is housed in a Mughal era tomb crafted of carved white marble. The tomb is surrounded by a massive marble courtyard, while a new educational institution at the shrine complex utilizes modernist architecture.

6.It was considered as the most sacred place

The site is considered to be the most sacred place in Lahore. It is believed among devotees that the saint interred at the shrine is the supreme authority over all Sufi saints in the Indian subcontinent, and that no new Sufi saint could immigrate to the subcontinent without obtaining permission from the spirit of Hujwiri. The tomb was visited by Muslims and non-Muslims in search of his blessings.

7.The Qawwali performance take place at the tomb

Qawwali performances are regularly held at the shrine. On special occasions, the shrine is decorated with lights, dinner is prepared for thousands of visitors, who also partake in dance while musicians play Sufi music for hours. At the boundary of the shrine, Muslim faithful recite the Qur’an, and pay tributes to the Prophet Muhammad.

8.It is the Centre of all shrines

Ali Hajveri Tomb at night, By King Eliot – Own work,

Ali Hajveri Tomb was considered to be the Centre of all shrines in Punjab, religious practices and sermons are subject to more government regulation than at other shrines in Pakistan.

9.It is also called Data Darbar

Ali Hajvey ‘S tomb is commonly known as ‘Data Darbar’ or ‘Dargah Hazrat Data Ganj Baksh’ , this is the old and venerable shrine and mosque of the early Sufi saint Hazrat Ali Usman al-Hajvery , better known as ‘Hazrat Data Ganj Baksh’ . It houses the remains of a Sufi saint, Abul Hassan Ali Hajvery, who is said to have lived on the site in the 11th Century. The tomb  is one of the oldest Muslim shrines on the subcontinent.

10.It safe space for everyone 

This is a photo of a monument in Pakistan identified as the Ali Harjvey’s Tomb
By Usman.pg – Own work,

The shrine has emerged a major economic, political, and social Centre in Lahore and is one of the only places in Lahore where the extremely rich and extremely poor share space together. For centuries his tomb was visited by Muslims and Hindus in search of his blessings but since partition, most visitors have been Muslim, although people of all religions are welcome.