Masjid Baba Dawood Khaki, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir -The King of Poets !

Atanu Das , Sr. Journalist, Ex-PTI
New Delhi, 26 October, How about a date amidst nature surrounded by the serene landscape of Anantnag with someone who is regarded as ‘King of the poets’? Situated in the bustling Reshi Bazar of Anantnag town resides the shrine of Baba Dawood Khaki, the chief disciple of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom Sahib. In the backdrop lie lofty mountains, numerous springs and streams, the meandering Jhelum, fragrant flowers and mouth watering fruits and the indelible cultural heritage of the place, an intoxicating combination that is bound to lure you here once you get a whiff.
The Historical Legacy
Masjid Baba Dawood Khaki is one of the oldest mosques in the Anantnag region. It was built over 600 years ago by Hazrat Sheikh Baba Dawoodi Khaki. Besides being a saint, Baba Dawood Khaki was a noted scholar and is known for his command on Islamic literature. He was the chief Qazi of Kashmir. He was a calligrapher, a writer, and a great poet hence he is regarded as the ‘King of Poets. He is also fondly remembered as ‘Imam-e-Azam Sani’ in Kashmir.
To his credit, include many works of repute, like Virdul Murideen, Dastoorul Salikeen, Qasida Jalalia, Qasida Lamhiya. The first one is recited in the holy places of Kashmir till date and the verses were written in honour of his spiritual mentor Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom.
The Path of Royalty to Spirituality
According to historical records, Baba Dawood Khaki was born in 1521 A.D in Srinagar. He was named Daulat Dawood by his parents and ‘Khaki’ was his pen name. He was engaged in the royal services, which he chose to give up becoming a disciple of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom for a more spiritual pursuit.
There is an interesting story that made him renounce his comfortable life to follow the path of spirituality. It is through his chance meeting with Sheikh Hamza that took him down this path. In one of his travels, Baba Khaki was introduced to Sheikh Hamza. It is believed that Sheikh Hamza made Baba Khaki question his conscience made him realise that a conscious choice had to be made between materialistic worldly pursuits and religion, between luxury and austerity. His conscience responded and the solution dawned on him and he chose the path of truth. He prepared himself for self mortification and he became a disciple of Sheikh Hamza. A new journey began for Dawood Khaki… the journey of spirituality. He gave up his titles of ‘Mullah’ and ‘Daulat’ and suffixed ‘Khaki’ to his name.
The Site of the Mosque
It is said that Shah Hamdan, the revered saint of Hamadan in western Iran had visited Kashmir around 600 years back and offered prayers at a platform which is the site of the present mosque. His son Mir Mohammed Hamdani erected the ground floor of the mosque in 1397 CE. The above two floors were constructed under the supervision of Baba Dawood Khaki himself in 1579 A.D and 1582 A.D respectively. The mosque is constructed in the typical Indo-Islamic style of architecture with beautiful carvings on the interior walls. One thing to notice once you are inside the mosque is to look up at the ceiling – the dome is carved with the exquisite abstract patterns.
Baba Khaki travelled across Kashmir and helped people steer away from evils and myths. He also built several other mosques in Anantnag to propagate Islam, and these mosques are also named after him. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this place when you visit Kashmir.
Atithi Devo Bhava, all are welcome!
Eid is one of the most popular festivals celebrated here. Riot of colours and enthusiasm in people is a delightful sight. Followers of Islam gather here for offering Namaaz. But not just that – both Muslims and non-Muslims visit Masjid Baba Dawood Khaki in large numbers. On the birth and death anniversary of Baba Dawood Khaki, numerous pilgrims throng to the site.
Other Gems of Anantnag
Anantnag is famous for its religious as well as nature tourism. One must not miss the Martand Sun Temple, one of the three major sun temples in India, which today lies in ruins.