Syed Lal Hussain Shah a.k.a., Baba Lal Shah Bayabani Qalandar is a well-known Sufi ascetic from history. He was born in 7th February 1904 in Sarosi, tehsil Murree, district Rawalpindi. After his death in 1968, a shrine has been built and thousands of devotees visit every year to pay tribute for his teachings.
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Early years of Baba Lal Shah Surasi:
During his early years he received education from a nearby spiritual school also known as ‘Madrassa’ in local culture. After receiving some education from Madrassa he also received formal education from a school in ‘GhoraGali’. Most of the time he study religious books from Islamic history.
Family History of Baba Lal Shah:
Forefathers of Baba Lal Shah Surasi belong to Iraq and his mother tongue was Arabic. His father Syed Mardan Shah was also a sufi saint of his times. Until 32 years of age Pir Syed Baba Lal Shah Qalandar was doing local harvesting and cultivating crops in his village. He got married and has four sons namely; Syed Barkat Hussain Shah, Syed Mehmood Hussain Shah, Syed Fazal Hussain Shah and Syed Fida Hussain Shah. Only daughter died during his lifetime.
Teachings of Baba Lal Shah Surasi:
Baba Lal Shah Teachings were free of cost and he does not charge money from people seeking advice. Baba Lal Shah was considered psychologist of his time; reading people faces and telling them their problems that why they are here. He use to listen carefully and advise people about solutions and pray for them.
Baba Lal Shah loves to drink milk:
Devotees knowing that Baba Lal Shah does not charge any fee as he usually reject currency notes given to him, they bring fresh Milk in bottles as a gift called ‘Hadiya’ in local culture. Baba Lal Shah sometimes takes the milk bottle and drink directly from it. As per locals the empty bottles use to pile up in big numbers.
Chillagah of Baba Lal Shah Surasi:
Chillagah is the meditation site where the sufi saint Baba Lal Shah Surasi use to spend his time. Sufi ascetic recites holy words in a single position for extended periods of time, usually hours of meditation. Located on main Patriata road, Surasi is a tehsil near Murree; the chillagah of Baba Lal Shah Bayabani qalandar.
Baba Lal Shah Surasi yogic position:
At 32 years of age he started visiting the Chillagah (meditation site) regularly until his death in 1968. He use to sit in a yogic position for long hours and even go to sleep in same position. Baba Lal Shah use to recite some holy words in this position as part of his meditative journey. Locals claim that he even died in sitting yogic position.
Drive from Islamabad to Baba Lal Shah Surasi:
From Islamabad (zero point), it is almost 60 kms drive on main Murree Expressway till Lower Topa and then taking right downhill road going towards Patriata. The drive is smooth on spacious Murree Expressway and only few kms on narrow Patriata road. It takes almost 90 – 120 minutes to reach the chillagah of Baba Lal Shah Sarosi. From the chillagah main darbar of Baba Lal Shah is further 20 minutes drive on the same narrow road. For beginners going out on their first visit, it is recommended to go till the chillagah and return.
Parking at Chillagah of Baba Lal Shah Surasi:
The parking space at the Chillagah of Baba Lal Shah Surasi can accommodate few sedan cars, double-cabin, hi-roof hiace and 10 – 15 bikes parked right at the entrance gate. The parking area had a tuck shop having general snack items and water bottle, juice and soft drinks. On the other hand parking space at main darbar is bigger with more capacity to accommodate cars and bikes with entry fee charged.
Camping spot at Baba Lal Shah Surasi:
From parking area of Baba Lal Shah Sursai , the valley of Patriata open it arms to welcome you in the lush green serenity and tranquility. During the Urs period (11th June till 18th June), people use to camp overnight to pay tribute to Baba Lal Shah Surasi. At main darbar area there are hundreds of camps to be seen in the valley, whereas the chillagah spot having few camps.
Festival (Urs) of Baba Lal Shah Surasi:
Every year the Urs of Baba Lal Shah Surasi starts on 11th June and ends after a whole week on 18th June. Devotees from across the country reach this site and enjoy their stay. Some groups camp overnight during the period. The devotees pouring at the site are served with free green tea and meal called “Langar” usually plain rice, lentils, curry, meat, chicken etc.
Dhamaal and Qawali night during Urs:
Famous qawaal groups and Dhool bands pour in at the site of Baba Lal Shah Surasi. During the festival (Urs) period Qawali night is arranged by caretakers of shrine. People dance and headbang on the beat of “Dhool”. The atmosphere is so electric that it charges you up to go in and enjoy “Dhamaal”. Men, women and young kids move in a whirling circle to enjoy on the upbeat music created by local instrument ‘Dhool’.
Conclusion:
The famous spot of Baba Lal Shah Surasi is such a cool and serene place to enjoy within the district limits of Rawalpindi. With proper planning and coordination your visit to this mystic site would be enriching and soul satisfying. We are here to support your wandering spirit to explore Mother Nature with adequate safety and security concerns being addressed. Feel free to write us for any queries and guidance about the area.