Erwadi Dargah - Tamilnadu
Erwadi Dargah is a famous Islamic shrine located in Erwadi town in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Muslims in South India. Erwadi Dargah is famous for its annual 'Urs' festival, which commemorates the death anniversary of Hazrat Sultan Syed Ibrahim Shaheed Badusha. During this time, people go to the Dargah in large numbers to pay their respects and seek blessings. The festival is celebrated with various rituals, prayers, ceremonies, and cultural programs. The main attraction in this mosque is the tomb of Qutb-us-Sultan Syed Ibrahim Badshah Shaheed,- a 12th-century Sufi saint who came to India from Yemen who is believed to have spiritual power and bring blessings to believers. The architecture of the Dargah is another reason to visit Erwadi Dargah, as it shows a blend of Islamic and Dravidian styles. The Erwadi Dargah is not just a symbol of religious devotion but also a powerful emblem of communal harmony. Every year, during the month of Ramadan, thousands of devotees, irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion, gather at the dargah to offer their prayers and seek blessings. The atmosphere is charged with a spirit of brotherhood and mutual respect as people come together to celebrate their shared humanity. Over the centuries, the dargah has become a revered pilgrimage site for Muslims from all over the country, as well as for people of other faiths. The main shrine of Erwadi Dargah is a whitewashed structure, topped with a green dome and decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy. It houses the grave of Hazrat Qadirwali, which is covered with a green chadar (cloth) and adorned with flowers.
The dargah complex also includes a mosque, a madrasa (Islamic school), a hospital, and several other buildings. The hospital, which is run by the dargah committee, provides free medical care to poor and needy patients, regardless of their religion. It is one of the few institutions in the region that provides such services, and it is widely respected for its commitment to social welfare. The Erwadi Dargah is not just a religious site but also a cultural treasure. It is an important part of Tamil Nadu's rich history and heritage, and it reflects the state's tradition of tolerance and pluralism. Despite the challenges of modernity and globalization, the dargah continues to be a beacon of spirituality and unity, reminding us all of the importance of compassion, empathy, and mutual respect. Visitors to the Erwadi Dargah are struck by its peaceful and serene atmosphere. They are touched by the devotion and piety of the pilgrims who come to the shrine, and they are moved by the spirit of communal harmony that pervades the place. The dargah is a reminder that faith can be a powerful force for good and that it can bring people together in ways that transcend their differences.
In conclusion, the Erwadi Dargah is a symbol of communal harmony, social welfare, and cultural heritage. It is a place where people of all faiths can come together to pray, to learn, and to celebrate their shared humanity. It is a shining example of Tamil Nadu's proud tradition of tolerance and pluralism, and it is a testament to the enduring power of faith and spirituality.
History of Erwadi Dargah
According to legend, the imam of Erwadi Dargah, Mevlevi Seyyad Ismail Siraji, and Seyyad Ali Sultan came to India in 530 during Hijri. “When he reached Erwadi, it was under the rule of Sethupathi Maharaja, the king of Madurai. The king was pleased by the good deeds and miraculous powers possessed by Seyyad Ali Sultan. The king offered him 6,000 acres of land as a token of appreciation, where Seyyad Ali Sultan built Erwadi Dargah.
Speciality of Erwadi Dargah
OneOne of the astounding specialties of Erwadi mosque is that the main shrine of the Dargah is built by mixing the soil of Medina, which makes this mosque the holiest Islamic place in Tamil Nadu.
Visiting time in Erwadi Dargah
Open 24/7
Dress code in Erwadi Dargah
Wear clothes that cover the upper body entirely and your legs below knees.
Nearby sightseeing place in Erwadi Dargah
Kilakarai Light house, Valinokkam beach, Ramanathapuram palace, Ramalinga vilasam palace, Puduvalasai beach.
How to reach Erwadi Dargah?
By Air – Madurai airport is the nearest to reach Erwadi Dargah covering 134 km
By Train- Ramanathapuram has a railway station is the nearest junction to reach Erwadi Dargah covering 27 km.
By Road- Ramanathapuram is well connected to all the roadways in Tamil Nadu through NH 32, NH 87 and NH 49