Alamdar-e-Kashmir
(Flag-Bearer of Kashmir)
Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani was a great Sufi saint of Kashmir. Among the people of Kashmir, he was commonly known as “Alamdar-e-Kashmir” (Flag-Bearer of Kashmir). Hindus lovingly called him Nand Rishi. Both Hindus and Muslims equally revered him. His shrine was located in the town of Charar Sharif (Kashmir), about 20 kilometers from Srinagar. Tragically, this shrine was reduced to ashes in a devastating fire in May 1995.
Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani was a contemporary of Feroz Shah Tughlaq. He was born in 1377 in a village in Kashmir and passed away in 1439 in Charar. In the early 15th century, the then ruler of Kashmir, Zain-ul-Abideen, built a grand mausoleum over his grave. Later, during the 19th century under Pathan rule, the shrine was further expanded, and a mosque was built alongside it.
The shrine at Charar Sharif also contained the graves of eleven other Sufis. In addition, it housed many sacred historical relics—including some attributed to Fatima—all of which were destroyed in the fire.
The Afghan governor Ata Muhammad Khan was profoundly influenced by Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani. As a mark of his respect, he issued a coin in the saint’s honour between 1808-1810. He also helped expand the shrine and built a mosque next to it.
Thanks to the efforts of the renowned Kashmiri spiritual figure, Amir Kabir Ali Hamadani, and his companions, a powerful wave of spiritual revival swept through the region. During that time, many local Sufis and saints emerged, commonly known as Baba Yari Rishis.
These Muslim sages led remarkably simple lives. They were held in high regard by both Hindus and Muslims. Among them, Sheikh Nuruddin Noorani gained the greatest fame. He was as beloved and respected among Hindus as he was among Muslims. (Ab-e-Kausar by Sheikh Muhammad Ikram, p. 381)
The Sufi poet Baba Daud Khaki wrote a Persian poem in praise of Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani. Here are three couplets from that poem:
Sheikh Nooruddin Peshi, Peer-e-Jama’a Rishiyan
Zaahid-e-Khush Bood, Ba Haq Dasht Besyar Ishtighaal
Bood Ba Tajreed-o-Tafreed Ahl-e-Sawm-o-Har
Niz Tarik-e-Kam-o-Basr, Sheer-o-Asl, Besyar Saal
Saahib-e-Kashf-o-Karaamat Bood-o-Naṭq-e-Khoob Dasht
Ham Owaisi Bood, Guft In Daudi Saahib-e-Maqaal
Translation: Sheikh Nooruddin Rishi was the leader of all Rishis. He was a noble ascetic, deeply engaged in acts of devotion. He lived a life of seclusion and detachment, constantly fasting. He gave up meat, onion, garlic, and even honey for many years. He possessed spiritual insight and performed miracles. His words were full of wisdom. Daud Khaki says he was a Sufi of the Owaisi order.
Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani’s early life was filled with hardship. He often felt sorrow upon seeing the condition of worldly people. Eventually, he withdrew to the mountains and lived alone in a cave. It is said he remained in meditation there for two years, even surviving by eating grass. That cave still exists today and is ten feet deep. In his later life, he lived on just one bowl of milk a day. As a result, he became physically weak and passed away at the age of 63, during the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen.
A book named ‘Noor Nama’ preserves many of the saint’s sayings. Compiled in Persian by Baba Naseebuddin Ghazi, this work was completed two centuries after Sheikh Noorani’s death.
The architecture of the shrine at Charar Sharif resembled Buddhist pagodas. This unique style reflected Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani’s open-mindedness. He embraced a vision of universal peace.
Even Emperor Jahangir admired him. Jahangir once remarked that the Rishis, followers of Sheikh Noorani, neither spoke harshly to anyone nor begged from anyone. These two characteristics perfectly reflect the nature of Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani and his disciples.
Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani was a symbol of true Kashmiriyat. He used to say: “If you are wise, then do not consider Hindus and Muslims as separate people—this is the only path to reach God.”
He was also a poet. One of his followers, a Kashmiri poet, compiled his verses in a book titled ‘Rishi Nama.’ From this work, it becomes clear that Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani believed that the only identity of a human being is to love fellow human beings. According to him, loving others is the true way to know God.
Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani was a Sufi saint who valued spirituality, humanity, and love above all. To him, hurting another person or causing harm was the greatest sin. He wanted people to live in harmony with the beauty of nature.
One of his most powerful sayings is:
“I broke the sword and turned it into a sickle.”
This statement encapsulates his worldview. God created iron with strength—not to be used for violence, but to build a better world. The sword is a symbol of destruction; the sickle is a symbol of cultivation and progress.
He also said:
“If there are forests, there will be grain.”
On one level, this highlights the ecological truth—forests bring rain, and rain helps crops grow. On a deeper level, it conveys a moral message: in this world, cooperation is essential. Without mutual support, no constructive result can be achieved.
His sayings, originally in the Kashmiri language, are filled with spiritual wisdom and human values. Here are a few translations:
• Kaam (desire), krodh (anger), lobh (greed), moh (attachment), and ahankaar (ego)—These are enough to send a person to Hell.
• Decorating the body does not remove the dirt of the heart.
• Children of the same parents should hold on to the rope of God—whether Muslim or Hindu. God’s mercy is equal for both.
All India Radio, New Delhi, on 25 May 1995.
