Tag Archives: Imam Hussain

How Imam Hussain’s Blessed Cap reached Jaipur’s historic mansion

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Jaipur, RAJASTHAN:

Inside the Salim Manzil, Jaipur

In the bustling streets of Jaipur at Haldio Ka Rasta, Johari Bazar, time suddenly seems to stand still. Amidst ancient stone walls, arched doorways and the stillness of history, stands the Salim Manzil, a majestic building which is a living legacy of more than two centuries.

The mansion houses a relic – a cap of Imam Hussain, the grandson and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad; it adds to its importance.

The story behind the ‘blessed cap’ reaching the haveli is interesting and part of its rich history.

The entrance to Salim Manzil

In the early 17th century, an ancestor of today’s inmates of Salim Manzil treated an Iranian king. The King wanted to reward him with gold, silver and valuable gifts, but he declined the offer and instead requested the cap of Hazrat Imam Hussain.

The King presented the relic and a certificate with the royal seal to him as a reward.

Since 1876, this blessed hat has been preserved in Saleem Manzil in a special glass-framed box kept in a hall called “Kala-e-Mubaraq”.

Every year on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, it is opened to the public. In those days, Salim Manzil is turned into a pilgrimage centre, and its air filled with spirituality.

People viewing the Blessed Cap of Hazrat Imam Ali

Today, Moinuddin Khan, 33 and his younger brother, Hussamuddin Khan, 27, are living in the mansion. The two brothers are not only maintaining this legacy, but also modernising its upkeep and display of artefacts.

Moinuddin Khan says that his ancestors came to Jaipur from Delhi around 1812 AD. At that time, Maharaja Jagat Singh of Jaipur State granted them a fiefdom and honour to his elder brother, Hakim Wasil Ali Khan.

This honour was for Wasil Ali Khan’s academic and medical expertise, and he was admitted to the Royal Court.  One of the ancestors was the head of the intelligence department of Jaipur State, a sensitive position. He was responsible for the State’s security, political activities and gathering information needed for administration.

Bharion Singh Shekhawat with the inmates of Salim Manzil

Later, his son, Salim Ali Khan, worked in the same position.

The construction of Saleem Manzil began in 1867, and it was completed within three years. Spread over an area of ​​about a bigha, the building was gifted by the Maharaja of Jaipur. Even today, the haveli’s traditional Rajasthani carvings, arches, high ceilings and lattice windows are a testimony to the architectural craftsmanship of that era.

Over time, many havelis were converted into commercial hotels, but Saleem Manzil retained its original identity. The family also received offers to convert it into a hotel, but they preferred to preserve the spirit of the heritage rather than market it. 

Visitors inside the Salim Manzil

The mansion has been used as a set by many filmmakers for movies and web series. Moinuddin says he acted for the role of Sri Krishna in one of the web series. “We have a strong foundation in religion, but we also remain connected with art and dialogue.”

A large hall is decorated, the rooms are filled with the fragrance of perfume and roses, and the pilgrimage begins with Milad Sharif.

Devotees from Gujarat, Maharashtra and other parts of the country also arrive here. In those days, Shia Muslims read prayers and distribute Tabarak.

Moinuddin says that we consider it more of a trust than an inheritance. It is both an honour and a responsibility for us.

Many important persons have visited Salim Manzil. They include President Giani Zail Singh, Chief Ministers Haridev Joshi and Shiv Charan Mathur, Bhairav ​​Singh Shekhawat (Vice President), Natwar Singh (Minister), Najma Haibabullah (Rajya Sabha Chairperson), and Supreme Court Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra.

Head of the family, late Naseemuddin Khan, popularly known as Pyare Mian, founded the All-India Hakeem Ajmal Khan Memorial Society to perpetuate his family’s legacy of Unani medicine and social service.

Today, Moinuddin and Husamuddin Khan are trying to connect this heritage with modern dialogue. They are planning to build a new hall for better management of the pilgrimage during Muharram.

They are sharing information about this heritage with the world through social media and digital means for transparency.

Amid myriad historic monuments of Jaipur, Salim Manzil is unique since it not only preserves the relics of history but is also a pilgrimage centre.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Farhan Israeli, Jaipur / February 21st, 2026

Fort lends historical backdrop to retell Husain’s sacrifice

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Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Mahmudabad  :

The pallid, smudgy walls of Mahmudabad fort glistened in yellow lights as hundreds of followers of Imam Husain (Prophet Mohammad’s grandson and martyr of Karbala) walked barefoot on the rugged path from the outer gate to its interiors, beating drums and reciting ‘nauha’ (elegy) that filled the air with a tradition that has been part of the cross cultural commemoration of Muharram at the royal estate. For centuries, locals have been an important aspect of the Muharram legacy and on Saturday, Mahmudabad offered a special experience for many first-timers from Lucknow and other cities of India as well as foreign nationals from different religious backgrounds, who took part in the tradition, showcasing the synergistic nature of Awadh’s heritage.

A joint effort of Waqf-e-Maharaja and a citizen-driven initiative working for communal harmony- Shoulder to Shoulder (S2S), ‘Karbala: Beyond Religious Boundaries’ served opportune time for people from different cultures to gather and watch closely what Muharram signifies. An eye-opener to Awadh’s culture, the initiative served also as a platform for breaking several myths about Islam and Shia faith.

“I thought there would be a ‘tamasha’ of people striking their bodies with blades but instead I came to know about the sacrifice of Imam Husain and could feel the pain during the sermon,” said Amit Kumar, part of the entourage from Lucknow.

Visitors witnessed several traditional arts that are part of ‘azadaari’ (mourning) at this Sitapur town and the intangible heritage of Awadh, from melancholic classical Indian ragas on shehnai like Khamaj and Bhairavi , to the recitation of ‘sozkhwani’ and ‘marsiya’ in English and Urdu  and experiencing the age old tradition of Nassari-a dying narrative art.

“In most part of the world, I had met only Sunnis from Asia but here is an example of how much more there is to India than just one culture,” said Philipp Jeun from Switzerland.

When the maulana (priest) began his speech on Karbala with: “Dar-e-Husain pe milte hain har khayal ke log/yeh ittehaad ka markaz hai aadmi ke liye (At Husain’s threshold meet people of all ideologies/this is the hub of unity of mankind),” all agreed in unison.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City News> Lucknow / by Yusra Hussain / TNN / October 11th, 2016