Pir Syed Imam Ali Shah Gillani darbar a.k.a Ratta Hotar Shareef is approx 40 km from Islamabad International airport, located near Bari Imam close to diplomatic enclave (Red Zone) Islamabad.
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Route to Ratta Hotar Shareef
Through google map one can easily reach the location, but to be precise after reaching main Bari Imam Market take left road from the chowk and drive for around 10 minutes to reach Ratta Hotar Shareef darbar. The road till shrine is in good condition and suitable for cars, bikes and even one can reach by walk starting from Bari Imam Bazaar.
Lush green Ratta Hotar Shareef
The area is quite green and a perfect place for nature photography enthusiasts. Shades of green mountains from peaceful valley surrounding Ratta Hotar Shareef is exquisitely jaw-dropping. Spending few minutes before the shrine is calming and relaxing for your nerves and soothes the mind.
Ratta Hotar track connecting Trail 5 Islamabad
On the way to darbar Ratta Hotar Shareef there is a track that connects with trail 5 Islamabad, Darra Janglan area. 100 meters before shrine on left side of the road one finds a wildlife department board installed, that is the track going towards trail 5 Islamabad. The track is isolated, therefore it is not recommended for families with kids. However regular hikers can do trekking and enjoy the lush green valley of Ratta Hotar.
Pir house of Ratta Hotar Shareef
Pir house is opposite to darbar on main road of Ratta hotar. Usually they are the caretakers and managers of the shrine.
Darbar of Ratta Hotar Shareef
At the shrine’s entrance, a gate is present. A board is also visible for tourists and visitors to know that they reached the correct location of darbar Ratta Hotar Shareef.
Darbar area and Masjid
After entering the gate on left side along the passage is the shrine area and Masjid to facilitate visitors who wants to offer prayers. Usually people pay tribute at the shrine with “Salaam”, also known as Hazri by reciting “Durood Sharif” standing in front of the graves. This is a regular spiritual practice followed by millions of Muslim population around the globe.
Giggle water and Psoriasis treatment
Ratta Hotar shareef is famous for giggle water. As per the local caretaker of the shrine there is water stream flows beneath. This giggle water stream is believed to be the cure for Psoriasis treatment, skin disorders and stomach ailment. The process involves bathing directly from this water regularly for about 3 weeks. Local caretaker of the shrine explains that it depends on the severity of the condition. He explains thousands of devotees across Pakistan get cured from giggle water till date.
Is it safe to drink Giggle water?
Upon your visit devotees are offered giggle water in a small pot to drink. Local caretaker was of the view that this water is safe to drink and it cures stomach ailments, if any. As like other shrines and darbars in Pakistan, it is a religious ritual to drink and eat something from darbar as distributed by caretakers of that shrine. We cannot guarantee of its safety to drink but looking at the devotees drinking it, a sip is enough to go just to satisfy the curiosity.
Bathing from Giggle water
At Ratta Hotar Shareef, one of the local caretakers gives giggle water to bath. There are few washrooms available to go and bath from giggle water. They recommend; avoid using soap and towel while bathing.
Ratta Hotar shrine timings
The shrine of Ratta Hotar Shareef usually opens at 9 in the morning and closes just after sunset. Best time to visit the shrine is before sunset in the evening.
Fee at Ratta Hotar Shrine
There is no fee charged from the visitors, but as a ritual devotees offer “Hadia” and put money in the boxes provided. The act of contributing money to the box is not governed by any strict guidelines on the exact amount that should be given. Each individual contributes to the best of their ability and capacity.
Is it worth visiting Ratta Hotar Shareef?
For wandering spirits, this place does inspire with lush green landscapes and peaceful surrounding. Ratta Hotar Shareef located within the city limits of Islamabad is a good spot for families, women, foreigners and nature lovers.