Shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam (R.A): Study of Shrine in Cultural Context (original) (raw)

Abstract: Culture is a complex whole, comprises knowledge, belief, ethics, law, arts, traditions, and any other capabilities and behaviour obtained by man as a member of society (Tylor, 1889). A unique culture is observed in various holy places of the world including Mosques, Hindu Temples (Mandir), Churches and in shrines. Muslim saints and shrines, known as dargahs attract diverse range of pilgrims religiously. Some religious beliefs have more resilience and are retained or culturally transmitted by humans (Scupin and DeCorse, 2009). The major purpose of the present research is to explore, which sort of culture is practiced at Shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam or which and how these beliefs and practices culturally transmitted to adjacent areas of shrine. A sample of 100 devotees was randomly interviewed with the help of structured questionnaire from Noor Pur Shahan village of Capital Territory Islamabad. Culture is an important feature of spiritual and religious events. In spirituality, there are number of rituals organised and performed by the follower and they feel comfortable and get inner peace during these ritual. According to the study respondents shrines is a place of peace and comfort along with the place where their prayer get accepted with the reference of Holly soul. Key words: Spiritual culture, cultural rituals and practices, Bari Imam, Auliya Allah, Mannat, Dargah, spiritual practices