“In this particular verse, he has been given the title of Shaar (Lion). In Kashmir, we say “Seh”. This became the reason for his popularity as Seh Rishi Baba.”
It has been reflected from the historical records that the peripheries of Srinagar city starting from the northern slopes of the central part of the Zaberwan mountain range up to the upper hills of Dara-Harwan also include the entire area of Elaqafaq (Area from Dara to Nagbal) remained the preferred zone for Sufi saints for meditation. Many Sufi saints connected with the Lineage (Silsila) of Sheikh Hamza Mukdoom (RA) selected the same area for mediation to attain spiritual elevations. Among those Sufi saints, the most prominent figures who made occasional visits to this area are Baba Dawood Khaki (RA), Qari Ishaq Narvari (RA), and Baba Dawood Mushkati (RA).
It has been said that Seh Rishi Baba (RA) who was residing at Dara came under the influence of Qari Ishaq Narvari (RA). He took allegiance to his hand and became his chief disciple forever. So for his earlier life is concerned, there is no concrete evidence about his place of birth or date of birth. But there is an oral tradition famous among the local people that this Sufi saint came from Kabul known by the name Nisha Sahab. Almost, all the well-known historians who compiled the biographies of various Sufi saints from time to time mentioned his name with a brief introduction. Renowned historians like Mohammad Azam Dedmari, and Hassan Shah Khuhama penned down his biographical sketch in their historical accounts- “Waqati Kashmir” Tawariq Hassan” According to these available historical accounts, the authors also endorsed his spiritual relationship with Qari Ishaq Narvari RA who nurtured him, shaped his personality and raised his spiritual status.
Like other Sufi saints, he believed in a simple life, honesty, hard work, humanity, and purity. He led a very virtuous and strict life and followed the teaching of his spiritual mentor (Murshid) with strong commitment. He was earning his livelihood by performing agricultural activities like sowing, hoeing, reaping, etc. Scholars like-Peer Zada Mohammad Touib Hussain Naqshbandi, and Dr. M. Yusuf Bukhara noted down in their writings that Baba Sahab RA had a perfect friendship with Baba Dawood Mushqati (RA). He made occasional visits to meet Baba Sahab at Dara exchanging spiritual thoughts for hours. He used to visit the Khanqhi Mukdoom Sahab (RA). There, he got a chance to meet his contemporaries. He also got spiritual enlightenment from Naseeb-Ul-Din (RA). One day Baba Sahab RA was busy with agronomic activity- Hoeing. In the meantime, his friend arrived there and watched his actions keenly.
Baba Sahab said, “O! My friend, let us do hoeing together” He refused and said, “I am Rishi and can’t kill the living creature as you are doing right now, it is against the Rishi faith.” That particular episode left a deep impression on his psyche. He fainted on the ground. His whole body sweated with fear of Almighty Allah. When his body was revitalized, he left all material assets and adopted complete isolation from worldly affairs, doing long hours of the day and night meditation (Zikri -Azkar) at the foothills of Dara Harwan. His physical death occurred in 1047 Hijri (1637)just after that particular episode. One of his comrades recorded his date of death in the following verse
خرد گفت ازبہر تاریخ او
کہ شیر بیابانِ عُشاق گو ۱۰۴۷ھ
“ Khardi Gufti Az Bahir Tareeq Aw-
Ki Shaari-Biyabani Ushaq Gow.” .
In this particular verse, he has been given the title of Shaar (Lion). In Kashmir, we say “Seh”. This became the reason for his popularity as Seh Rishi Baba. Sufi saint is buried in Dara Harwan at Asthan Mohalla which is almost 26 Km away from Srinagar city. Peer Mohammad Yaseen RA, one of the prime Khalifa’s of Syed Mirak Shah Kashani RA played a key role in the construction of the Shrine. The people of the entire Elaqiphaq area celebrate his annual day-Urs on the 18 th of Har (Kashmiri Calendar) with great fairness and gaiety. Native people of Dara, Chaki-Dara, and Faqeer Gogri, voluntarily arrange a special feast, served Kashmiri tea with traditional maize flour bread on that very day, and welcome each visitor with an open heart.
سگ اصحاب کہف روزے چند
پییئے نیکاں گرفت مردم شد
پسر نوح با بداں بنشست
خاندان نبو تش گم شُد
بگیرایں ہمہ سرمایہ بہار از من
کہ گل بہ دست تواز شاخ تا زہ ترماند
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher and columnist. He can be mailed at minamharoon123@gmail.com.
