Nathar Vali
| Nathar Vali | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | Sufi Islam |
| Other names | Tabl-e-Aalam Badashah Nathar Auliya |
| Personal | |
| Born | Asia Minor |
| Died |
1225 Tiruchirapalli, India |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Tiruchirapalli |
| Title | Qalandar e Barhaq |
| Period in office | 11th century |
| Predecessor | Ali Zuwalqi |
| Successor | Baba Fakruddin |
Nathar Vali (died 1225 CE) was a Sufi saint and among the first Sufis to bring Islam to South India and Sri Lanka.[1] He came to Trichy in the 11th century; his shrine is located in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu,[2][3] which according to legend is atop the grave of the three-headed Hindu demon Tiriasuran whom Natha killed.[2]
Nathar Vali's origin is unclear, though various legends describe him as a Byzantine nobleman, who left his comfortable life in search of murshid (spiritual preceptor).[2][2] He was commanded by Mohammed Rasoolallah to spread Islam in India. He was a qalandar (unmarried saint) came to India along with 900 qalandars to spread Sufi Islam.
During this time, he is said to have performed miracles. Along with his qalandars, he came to Tiruchirapuram, which is now known as Tiruchirappalli, and led a religious life with his qalandars in a flower garden there. Nathar Vali died on the 15th of the month of Ramdan in Hijiri 417. This date is commemorated as his urs (death-day), and the first 17 days of Ramadan are celebrated in his honor, by Muslims, Christians, and Hindus, one the eve of the Kanduri festival, where they seek his blessings.
Alternate names
Nathar Vali's name and title is variously rendered as Nathar Wali, Natharuddin, Baba-e-Nathar Sarmast Tabl-e-Aalam Dhool Samandar and Syed Sha Mutaheruddin Suhrawardy".
References
- ↑ Shafique Ali Khan (1985). Two Nation Theory: As a Concept, Strategy and Ideology. Royal Book Company. p. 70. Retrieved 15 September 2013. - Nathar Wali (died in 1225) is supposed to be the earliest Muslim Sufi who dedicated his life to Islam in the south.
- 1 2 3 4 Susan Bayly (22 April 2004). Saints, Goddesses and Kings: Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society, 1700-1900. Cambridge University Press. pp. 137–. ISBN 978-0-521-89103-5. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
- ↑ Numismatic Society of India (1962). The journal of the Numismatic Society of India. Numismatic Society of India, P.O. Hindu University. Retrieved 4 May 2011.