Important Shia Religious Centers in Kashmir

Khanqah-e-Mir Shaamsdin Araqi (R.A) in Zadibal
Mir Syed Shamsuddin Iraqi (RA) Shrine is located in Zadibal is of historical importance. As a Sufi missionary Mir Syed Shamsuddin got many non-Muslims reverted to religion of Islam. Pertinently, the work of Shrine was started in 909 Hijri and completed in 910 Hijri. Initially it was two storied shrine and its overall length was 30 feet and upper corridor was about 24 feet long. On doors was written the inscriptions of builders of shrine and the personality to whom it is dedicated. When Mir ShamsDin Iraqi (RA) died he was buried in the Shrine.Just after 45 years of completion of this shrine Mirza Hyder Kashgari plundered this shrine and martyred the entire shrine took away the precious stones to Inderkot.
Pertinently, Daulat Chak who remained Minister of Ismali Sultante from 1551 to 1554 ( 958 Hijri to 961Hijri) and also got soon the reins of power was able to rebuild the historical shrine once again. Daulat Chak also got Mir Daniyal, the son of Mir ShamsDin Iraqi (RA) buried very close to his father.
As things later on turned once again ugly and in unprecedented display of sectarian hatred Zaffar Khan Chak son of Shams Chak Kupwara in 1585 ( 994 Hijri) burnt down the entire shrine of Mir ShamsDin Iraqi (RA) and also completely vandalized the shrine.
Later on when Mughal Emperor Jehangir was on tour to Kashmir in 1612/ 1029Hijri) Raiesulmulk Malik Haider Jadoora sought permission to rebuild the shrine of Mir ShamsDin Iraqi (RA) at and when the permission was granted with his father Malik Hassan they rebuild the shrine once again. A couplet was inscribed in shrine to honour Mir ShamsDin Iraqi (RA).
In 1719 (1132 Hijri) during the rule of the Mughal Subedar the shrine was once again burnt down during sectarian clashes and was never rebuilt. Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman e Share Shian is the result of illuminating preaching and practice of Mir ShamsDin Iraqi (RA). Since 600 years despite turbulent situations the children of Mir ShamsDin Iraqi (RA) under Mosavi family are keeping the flame alive. After the death of the founder of ANJUMAN-E-SHARIE SHIAN Aga Syed Yousaf Mosavi the charge of Anjuman was taken over by Aga syed Mustafa al Mosavi al Safavi and after that leading scholar of Islam, Aga Syed Hassan Mossavi al Safvi , a prominent Islamic jurisprudent have taken the charge as President of ANJUMAN-E-SHARIE SHIAN and got the Shrine renovated once again which is still going on. Muharram Procession culminates at this Shrine and mourning assemblies, processions also take place here.

Imam Bara Budgam
In the year 1857 A.D, Grand Ayatollah Aga Syed Mehdi Mosavi al Safvi (r.a) constructed a splendid Masjid and Imambara at Budgam. When more and more people began to throng Imambara in order to remember Ahl al-Bayt (as), the need of more space was felt so the beloved son of Grand Ayatollah Aga Syed Mehdi namely esteemed late Aga Syed Ahmad al Mosavi Al Safvi accordingly got the entire Imambara reconstructed so as to widen its space in 1924 A.D. When with time, need of more space was felt another extension was carried by the brother of Late Aga Syed,Aga Syed Yousuf Mosavi Al Safvi to with further undertook construction and widened the Imambara Budam space. Inside the building was designed by Asgar Ali of Mirgund, Budgam. Pertinently, Imambara Budgam is the biggest Imambara of Jammu and Kashmir. Hajj Aga Syed Yousuf Mosavi al Safvi got a mosque constructed near the Imambara premises. Every Friday and on other occasions congregational prayers are offered here and Ulama from the Mosavi family deliver sermons.
Boasting of a magnificent architectural acumen, Imambara Budgam comprises of five entry points each of 12 feet width one of which is specially made for the women followers. Imambara Budgam can be seen in the shape of an octagon. Influence of the Indo-Iranian construction skill is quite evident in the interior premises of Imambara Budgam.
Shia Muslims from Srinagar and adjoining areas visit Imambara Budgam to offer prayers. After the demise of Aga Syed Yousuf Mosavi the son of late esteemed late Aga Syed Ahmad Al Mosavi Al Safvi namely Aga Syed Mustafa al Mosavi Al Safvi, an Authority on Islam , looked after the Budgam Imambara and got it renovated.
ANJUMAN-E-SHARIE SHIAN also manages the Budgam Imambara, the Chairmanship of which is currently held by Aga Syed al Hassan al Mosavi Al Safvi, an Authority on Islam. Throughout the year a number of mourning assemblies are held in this Imambara and lakhs of Muslims participate in these gatherings. On the day of Ashura, the main mourning procession of Budgam culminates here. The mosque construction and catering is done with utmost care. It is noteworthy that interiors of Budgam Imambara present a splendid look and is a paragon of excellent wooden work.
Among those eminent personalities who had visited Budgam Imambara in 1982 was Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei(representative of Imam Khomeini),late Ayatollah Mehdavi Kani, Ayatollah Gulzadeh Ghafoori, Ayatollah Gulsurkhi, Imam Baha-ud-din (Imam of Bohras) etc. and several great personalities delivered historical sermons and speeches at Budgam Imambara.

Imam Bara Hassanabad
The early foundation of Imambara Hassanabd was laid down by Mirza Mohammad Ali, a Srinagar based businessman. Later, it was reconstructed by Aga Syed Ahmad. During the period of Aga Syed Yousuf Mosavi Alsafvi the large scale construction was carried out. Imambara Hassanabad was built in 1857,is the second oldest shrine and is a world famous place of mourning and worship of one million Shia population of Jammu and Kashmir is situated in south west of Srinagar city at Lal Chowk. The Imambara is surrounded by world famous Hazratbal shrine on one side, temple of Mata Sharka Devi and Gurdawara Chatti Padshahi on other side.
Hasanabad Imambara was a developed city during the Mughal period and the Imambara is surrounded by Mughal graveyard called “Baba Mazar” which is the resting place of a number of Kashmir luminaries like Baba Ali, Syed Mirza Shah , the great Persian poet of 17th century “Mulah Abdul Ghani” and famous poet of Kashmiri Marsia “Hab Saheb Mullah”. Boasting of a magnificent architectural acumen, Imambara Hasanabad comprises of three entry points one of which is specially made for the women.Imambara Hassanabad is considered as one of the important religious places in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.