Sheikh Abdul Aziz Gulmargi (RA)

Name and Titles

Sheikh Nuruddin Nurani (RA), also known as Nund Rishi and Alamdar-e-Kashmir (Standard-Bearer of Kashmir)

Dates and Places

Born c 1050 AH / 1640 CE at Gulmarg, Baramulla; died 1130 AH / 1718 CE; buried at Kulmarg.

Order and Lineage

Saint of the Qadiriyya order, spiritual successor of Sheikh Ismail Qadiri (RA)

Biography

Sheikh Abd al-Aziz Gulmargi (RA) hailed from a respected family of scholars in Baramulla. He studied the Quran and theology in Srinagar before receiving initiation into the Qadiriyya order. His piety, generosity, and commitment to public welfare made him a beloved figure throughout north Kashmir.

He established a Khanqah at Kulmarg, which served as a centre for spiritual instruction, hospitality, and charity. He was known for maintaining a public kitchen (langar) that fed the poor daily – a custom his followers continued for generations.

Teachings and Themes

Service to humanity as a form of worship
Emphasis on moderation, humility, and sincerity
Rejection of sectarianism and material ambition
Promotion of zikr and charity as dual paths to divine nearness

Legacy and Shrine

After his death, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Gulmargi’s Khanqah became an important spiritual institution in north Kashmir. His shrine remains an active site of pilgrimage, with annual Urs commemorations celebrating his life of compassion and service.

Legends and Oral Tradition

Local oral accounts attribute to him miraculous acts of healing and divine foresight, particularly his ability to predict natural calamities. These traditions serve to express his spiritual influence in Kashmiri collective memory.