Piran Kaliyar

Situated at a distance of 20 km Haridwar and only 10 km from Roorkee on the banks of the river Ganga, Piran Kaliyar Shareef is a wonderful symbol of unity. Ibrahim Lodhi (16th Century AD) built the tomb of this dargah. It is situated towards the south of Haridwar. Famed for its mystical powers that fulfill the desires if the devout, the Dargah is visited by millions of devotees from all over the world.

Piran Kaliyar, also known as Kaliyar Sharif, which is the burial place of Sufi saint named Allauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir. It is only a half hour drive from Haridwar, and the Islamic touch makes the feel of the place completely different.

One can see some of the detail work on the sides of the tomb. The sidewalls have open grillwork, which allows one to peep in side and also allows the breeze to move through in the summer.

The veneration of saints in Islam is based on the belief that their piety brought them close to Allah, and that they can thereforeact as channels of Allah's grace. Not only people visit the saints to ask favours, but also some strive to be buried near them. The tomb compound at Piran Kaliyar contains the graves of his numerous followers, whereas the smaller tomb is built outside the shrine.

The Shrine of Piran Kaliyar is the anchor and raison d'etre for the town of kaliyar, which is little more than a collection of shops around the saint's tomb for selling merchandise , souvenirs, food and offerings for the saint such as roses and sugar. The only time things get really busy is during the annual 'Urs', the festival celebrating the saint's death anniversary.