Dargah Hazratbal Shrine - Srinagar's Sacred Lakeside Sanctuary

The site's history began in the 17th century when Sadiq Khan, Emperor Shah Jahan's subedar, built a pleasure house called Ishrat Mahal here. In 1634, Shah Jahan ordered it converted into a prayer hall. The sacred relic, Moi-e-Muqqadas, arrived in Kashmir around 1699 and was initially kept elsewhere before being moved to this location. The original 17th-century building was replaced by the current magnificent white marble structure, the construction of which began in 1968 and was completed in 1979. It remains the most important religious site for Muslims in Kashmir.

Hazratbal Shrine is the most revered Muslim shrine in Kashmir, primarily because it contains a relic believed to be a hair of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. This makes it a major pilgrimage destination. Its unique domed architecture, constructed entirely of white marble, is a standout landmark in Srinagar. The shrine's location on the banks of Dal Lake adds to its cultural and aesthetic importance, making it a focal point for religious festivals and daily prayers, drawing thousands of devotees, especially on Fridays and special occasions.