Exploring the Heart of Sufism: Multan

Introduction:

Multan is city in Punjab, Pakistan. It is located on the bank of river Chenab. It is one of the large cities of Pakistan. It contains population of about 1.872million (2017).

Multan is known as ‘City if Pirs and Shrines’. It was called Kashtpur, Hanspur etc. Multan was constituted a municipality in 1867. Multan is one of the subcontinent’s oldest cities. Multan derives its name from an idol in the temple of the sun god, a shrine of the pre-Muslim period.

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History:

Multan was subdued by Alexander the Great in 326 BC. It was brought under Umayyad rule about 712 CE. For three centuries it remained the outpost of Islam in India.

Delhi-Multan road, an ancient route had existed since the time of king Ashoka or earlier, was rebuilted by the Sur Empire ruler Sher Shah Suri (1486-1545) in order to improve transit in the areas between Delhi and Multan, leading to Kandahar and Herat in Afghanistan.

Arab invader Muhammad-Bin-Qasim called Multan as ‘The City of Gold’ for its large and wealthy temples.

In the 19th century, the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh with his capital at Lahore occupied Multan. Sikh armies under General Hari Singh Nalwa defeated the ruler of Multan, Muzaffar Khan Saddizai. The death of Muzaffar khan was in fact the death of Muslim rule in Multan.

How to get there!

Transportation:

The Multan Metrobus is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system in the city of Multan in Pakistan. The route is 18.5 km long, with a 12.5 km long elevated section.

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The road network consists of narrow streets and a few motor ways and major arterials. Motorcycle are the city’s dominant mode of travel, 25% cars and a few bus routes, like Faisal Movers, Silk Line bus service, General bus stand vehari chock multan, Mangat transports. Etc.

Multan International Airport is located 4km west of Multan, Pakistan. This airport is South Punjab’s largest and busiest airport. Multan airport offers flights throughout Pakistan, as well as direct flights to Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

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Multan Cantonment Railway Station is the principal railway station in the city of Multan. It is major railway station of Pakistan Railways located on Karachi-Peshawar Railway Line. Some other Railway stations include City Railway Station, New Multan City Railway Station.

Travel Tips:

The best months for good weather in Multan are January, February, March, April, October, November, December. As the other months are warmest month in Multan. From May to August climate is very unfavourable.

Multan has a moderate crime rate, with occasional instances of petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and small-scale thefts. It is advisable for solo female travels to stay alert in crowded areas and secure their personal belongings at all times.

Places to visit:

As Multan is a famous city of Pakistan it has many attractive places you can visit.

Tomb Shah Rukne Alam:

The Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam is the mausoleum of the 14th century Punjabi Sufi saint Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abdul Fateh. The shrine is considered to be the earliest examples of Tughulq architectures, and is one of the most impressive shrines in Asia.

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The United Mall:

It is the largest Mall in Multan city. It contains all the necessary things you need in life. It has well decorated and neat, awesome environment. If you have to upgrade your wardrope and need to grab daily life accessories then United Mall is the best place by having all the well known brands under one roof.

Price ranging from medium to higher side but justified by the kind of quality and experience offered here.

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Tomb of Bahaudin Zakaria:

The shrine of Bahauddin Zakaria is a 13th century shrine locates in Multan. The tomb is dedicated to the Muslim mystic Bahauddin Zakariya, founder of the Suhrawardiyya order of Sufism.

He was a Sunni Muslim scholar saint and poet who established the Suhrawardiyya order of Baghdad in medieval South Asia, later becoming one of the most influential spiritual leaders of his era.

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Mausoleum of Bibi Pak Daman:

Bibi Pak Daman, also known as Bibi Rasti, was the mother of the eminent Sufi saint Rukn-e-Alam and was also a discipline of Bahauddin Zakariya.

She died in 1295 and was buried quite near where the temple of Mai Tola (one of Multan three pre-Islamic deities) once stood.

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Shrine of Shah Yusuf Garadezi:

Shah Yousuf Gardez was an Islamic Sufi saint who came to Multan in 1088 AD. He is said to have restore the city of Multan, converted many people to the Islamic religion, and performed numerous miracles. He came from Gardez in the present-day Paktia Province of Afghanistan.

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Yadgar-e-Shuhada Park:

Yadgar-e-Shuhada Park is located on Shershah road Multan cantt. It is a very beautiful little park made in the memory of the soldiers myrtyred in the Battles of Pakistan.

It is a nice and beautiful place to visit so you can pay respect to all those martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this country.

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Tomb Shah Shams Sabzwari Tabrez:

Shamsuddin Sabzwari was a Muslim saint from Sabzewar in present-day Iran who arrived in Multan in Punjab, Pakistan in the early 1200 C.E. He established a dargah there and preached Islam to the local population.

Shamsuddin Sabzwari died in 1276 in Multan, where his mausoleum is located. The Urs of Shamsuddin Sabzwari takes place in June of each year.

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Fort Kohna:

Multan Fort or Old Fort (also called Qila Kohna) was built about 2600 years ago on a high mound in the center of the city, on the bank of River Chenab to defend the city against invaders from west and north. It was destroyed and rebuilt time and again. The last fort was built 1100 years ago.

The site of this mostly destroyed fortress is now a park with a museum, scenic views and shrines. Fort Kohna Qasim Garden holds great historical significance as it dates back to the ancient era of the Indus Valley Civilization.

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Multan Garrison Mess:

Nawab Bahawalpur who was Turk accent, constructed this building on Turkish architecture and by making clay bricks from Chenab River. It was constructed in 1880.

Services Club Multan, also known as MGM (Multan Garrison Mess), is a true architectural masterpiece and a unique example of its kind. Constructed in 1880, this magnificent building boasts 13 domes of varying sizes, each adding to its grandeur.

Multan Garrison Mess (MGM) is an exclusive club whose membership comprises Army officers, Civil Gazetted Officers and the elite of Multan.

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Tomb Shah Ali Akbar:

The Tomb of Shah Ali Akbar is a tomb in Suraj Miani Multan, in Punjab province, Pakistan. According to an inscription, the mausoleum was designed and executed by Ibrahim and Rajab, son of Musa Lahore. It was built in 1585 on the same principles adopted in the tomb of Shah Rukn-e- Alam.

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Delhi Gate:

An enterance gate of old Multan city which led a way straight towards Delhi. It was created in Mughal Period for King and their state guest, whenever they come to Multan they pass through this gate. Now Delhi gate has a market and stalls.

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CSD Park:

This park is situated near askari lake at the end of Multan cantt area which is the most beautiful area of Multan. It is a nice place to sit and eat snacks. It is lush green and has shops all around. It is good for shopping as well.

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Monument of Van Alexander Agnew:

This Monument was created by British East India Company in honor of Patrick Alexander Van Agnew (1822-1848) and Lieutenant W.A. This monument is located inside Qasim bagh which in turn located inside Kohna Fort Multan.

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Head Muhammad Wala:

Head Muhammad Wala is located near the Chenab River. Head Muhammad Wala bridge is historical and beautiful. Its 1 km bridge is connecting two cities Muzaffarghar and Multan. It has clear water and is a nice spot for picnic.

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Shrine Khawaja Awais Kagha:

The Khawaja Awais Kagha tomb is located in a cemetery in Dera Basti, Multan, about 1.6 kilometers southwest of the old city center. It was nearly built around the year 1300, corresponding with the death of Khawaja Awais Kagha, a Sufi wali.

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Ibne Qasim Cricket Stadium:

The Ibn-e-Qasim Bagh Stadium, originally known as the Old Fort Stadium, is a multi-use stadium in Multan, Pakistan. It is currently used for cricket and football. It hosted one Test match in 1980. The stadium can accommodate 18,000 spectators and opened in 1975.

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There are many more places to visit in Multan which include shrines to modern visitation places like, St Mary Cathedral, Haram Gate, Khuni Burj, Shah shams Park, Multan Arts Council, Char Minar Masjid, Chaman Zar Askari Lake Park, Ahmad Shah Abdali’s Birth Place Monument, Chenab River Bank, Dolat gate, Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh Stadium, Tomb Hafiz Jamal, Chase Up Mall, Multan Art Gallery, Metro Plaza, Tomb Hamid Shah Gillani, ChenOne Tower, Azan travel and tourism service, Khayam Cinema.

Famous Food:

Multan is a city steeped in history and heritage, boasts a culinary landscape that is as diverse as its flavorful.

Top famous Food to eat in Multan are:

?Savoury:? Multani Chaat, Multani Saji, Dahi Bhallay, Pakoras.

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?Sweet: ???Sohan Halwa (most famous), Shahi Tukray, Rabri Falooda, Gajar ka Halwa.

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?Meat Dish:? Sutar Murgah, Malai Boti, Peshawari Chapli Kebab, Chicken Karahi, Mutton Pulao, Beef Seekh Kebab.

Hotel Recommendations:

1 Hotel One Tariq Road Multan:

It is located in Multan. It is a 4-star hotel and has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, with a private bathroom.

One night stay package start from PKR 15,300.

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2 Hotel SR Lounge Multan:

Hotel SR Lounge Multan is offering accommodation in Multan. Each accommodation at the 2-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace.

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One night stay package starts from PKR 4,500.

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3 Avari Boutique Multan:

It is a 4-star property located in Multan. Among? the facilities of this property are a restaurant, free shuttle service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFI throughout the property.

At the hotel each room has air-conditioning system, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, private bathroom etc.

One night stay package start from PKR 21,165.

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4 Hotel Decent Lodge:

Hotel Decent Lodge is located in Multan, with free WiFi, this 2-star hotel offers shared kitchen and room service.

One night stay package starts from PKR 3,899.

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5 Faletti,s Grand Hotel Multan:

This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, a terrace and restaurant in Multan. This 4-star hotel offers room service, an ATM and free WiFi.

One night stay package starts from PKR 21,000.

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6 Here is the list of hotels where you can enjoy your stay, with rating.

The Signature Hotel Multan (9.1/10 points),Faletti’s Grand Hotel (8.5/10 points), Ramada By Wyndham (8.4/10 points), Hotel One Tariq Road Multan (7.8/10 points), City Center Suites (7.2/10 points),? Avari Boutique Multan (8.1/10 points), Five Mounts Hotel and Restaurant (6.0/10 points), S Chalet Multan (7.9/10 points), Hotel New Mid City (5.4/10 points), The Grand Hotel Multan (6.3/10 points), Hotel Shelton Palace (6.1/10 points), The King Hotel (6.5/10 points).

Languages:

The languages spoken in Multan are Seraiki, Punjabi, English and Urdu as their first language. Mostly people in bazaars and at home speak Seraiki and Punjabi.

Conclusion:

As discussed Multan is a famous city of Pakistan due its decent and long history. The Tombs and Shrines are of worth watching as they are designed according to ancient periods and old architecture. Different expensive and luxury hotels are designed beautifully and gave nice experience. As of food in Multan it has varieties, You can enjoy many things to eat there.

Self opinion:

In my opinion you should visit this Old city and embrace your self in its charm and beauty. You will definitely enjoy the Historical architecture and amazing environment there.

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