Darbar Hazrat Sultan Bahoo – A Radiant Minaret of Spirituality

The shrine of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo is located in Garh Maharaja near Ahmed Pur Sial in District Jhang, Punjab. It is considered one of the great spiritual centers of the subcontinent. For centuries, this sacred place has remained a source of peace, remembrance (Zikr), and spiritual enlightenment for seekers of truth.

Life of Sultan-ul-Arifeen Hazrat Sultan Bahoo

Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sakhi Sultan Bahoo (RA) was born on 17 January 1630 in Shorkot during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He belonged to the Awan tribe and his spiritual lineage is traced to Hazrat Ali (RA).

His mother, Bibi Rasti (RA), was a spiritually enlightened woman whose upbringing laid the foundation of his mystical path.

Hazrat Sultan Bahoo was the founder of the Sarwari Qadri branch of the Qadri Sufi order, spiritually linked to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani. He authored nearly 140 Persian books and popularized the remembrance of the Divine Name “Ism-e-Zaat Hu” in Punjabi poetry, which continues to inspire devotion and spiritual ecstasy among followers.

Passing and Reconstruction of the Shrine

He passed away on 1 March 1691. Due to changes in the course of the River Chenab, his shrine had to be relocated twice. The current structure in Garh Maharaja was rebuilt in 1918. Today, the shrine attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees annually.

Annual Urs Celebration

The annual Urs of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo is observed on the first Thursday of Jumada al-Thani. Devotees from across Pakistan gather for spiritual gatherings, recitation of Abyat-e-Bahoo, Zikr, and prayers.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

The shrine is not only a spiritual center but also an important part of Punjab’s historical and cultural identity. It represents the Sufi tradition of love, tolerance, and Divine remembrance.

Abyat-e-Bahoo (Roman Punjabi)

Alif
Alif Allah chambe di booti, mere mann wich murshid laee hoo
Nafi asbat da paani milya, har rag rag wich jaee hoo
Andar booti mushk machaaya, jaan phullan te aayee hoo
Jeeve murshid kaamil Bahoo, jehra booti laaee hoo

Alif
Alif parh parh aalim hoya, kadi apne aap nu parhya naee
Ja ja wadda wadde mandar, kadi apne andar wadya naee
Aiven roz shaitaan naal lardaa, kadi nafs apne naal larya naee
Bahoo jehda apne aap nu parh lae, ohna Rab nu parhya naee

Alif
Alif di pehchan na paee, taan duniya wich ki kita
Jinhan ishq naal Rab labhya, ohna sab kujh jeeta
Ishq da rang jehde andar vasya, oh sadaa sukhi rehta
Bahoo ishq bina sab kujh khaali, eh gal samajh laita

Location: Garh Maharaja, Tehsil Ahmed Pur Sial, District Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan.

Distance from Lahore: Approximately 250 km (5–6 hours by road).

Best Time to Visit: During the annual Urs or in winter months for comfortable travel.

The Darbar of Sultan Bahoo stands as a timeless beacon of spiritual light, drawing seekers from all walks of life toward the remembrance of “Hu”.