The profound life of Hazrat Baba Ji Sahib Larvi RA, born into prophecy and destined for spiritual greatness. From his early solitude to establishing a global following, his journey is a testament to devotion and piety.
By Rayees Ahmad Kumar
Hazrat Baba Ji Sahib Larvi RA, originally named Ubaidullah, was born in 1920 AH at Sanjoda Sharif in Balakote tehsil of Hazara district, now located in present-day Pakistan. His birth was foretold by many saints and devout individuals of the time, who prophesied the arrival of a noble, devoted, reverent, and God-fearing soul in the Bijran family—a soul destined to illuminate the lives of thousands. Among these prophetic voices was Hazrat Mian Noor Mohammad ra.
Before Baba Ji Sahib’s birth, his mother fell ill, causing concern for his father, Mian Fazal Gull. Seeking solace and prayers for his wife’s recovery, Mian Fazal Gull approached Hazrat Hafiz Mian Gull, a revered saint of the era. In a profound revelation, Hafiz Mian foresaw the coming of a virtuous and God-fearing presence into their lives, who would become a beacon of light among the saints. Shortly thereafter, Baba Ji Sahib Larvi was born. Tragically, at the tender age of four, Baba Ji Sahib lost his father, Mian Fazal Gull, leaving him orphaned.
From his earliest days, Baba Ji Sahib displayed a disinterest in frivolous activities such as games and amusements. Instead, he preferred solitude, minimal speech, and austerity in his habits—eating sparingly, speaking little, and sleeping less. His days were dedicated to hard work, while his nights were spent in worship and contemplation of the Divine—a testament to his unwavering devotion and piety.
Baba Ji Sahib received spiritual guidance from Molvi Dada Sahib, who advised his mother to raise him with patience and restraint, recognizing his destined path. Under the mentorship of Baba Nizamuddin Kiyanvi ra, a revered saint of great stature affiliated with the Naqshbandi and Mijadadi Sufi orders, Baba Ji Sahib underwent spiritual training.
At the age of thirty, in 1892, Baba Ji Sahib’s spiritual mentor directed him to Babanagri Wangat in the Kangan area of Kashmir—a sacred center that became a spiritual focal point for thousands of believers. Throughout his life, Baba Ji Sahib garnered a following of millions across the globe. Upon receiving permission from his spiritual guide, Mian Nizamuddin Kiyanvi, Baba Ji Sahib established the tradition of celebrating his Urs annually on June 7th—a tradition that continues to draw countless devotees from the Pir Panjal region and beyond.
Beyond his spiritual leadership, Baba Ji Sahib was a prolific author, known for his poetic collections. “Malfozati Nizamia” and “Asrari Kabeeri” stand as masterpieces in mysticism, offering profound guidance and teachings to seekers of spiritual enlightenment. His life exemplified the virtues of a God-fearing saint, dedicated not to personal fame, but to illuminating and touching the hearts and minds of people with divine grace.
At the age of sixty-three, Baba ji Sahib departed from this mortal world on Shabi Bharat day, an event foretold in his own poetry. He had a multitude of disciples, numbering in the hundreds, with Hazrat Haji Nooran Shah RA as his first disciple and his beloved son, Hazrat Mian Nizamuddin Larvi RA, as the last. Fathering three sons and an equal number of daughters, Baba ji saw tragedy strike early with the loss of two daughters in their youth. His son, Hazrat Mian Nizamuddin Larvi, born on March 25th, 1896, in Babanagri Wangat, also departed this world on August 10th, 1972.
Baba ji Sahib’s spiritual journey led him to Kashmir, where he received permission from his guide to visit several shrines. Arriving at present-day Babanagri Wangat, he prayed Asr on a large rock by the stream’s right bank. While engaged in remembrance with his rosary, he noticed a stubborn stain on his chadar, a traditional Kashmiri woolen cloak. Despite attempts to wash it away, he sought guidance from his spiritual mentor, who revealed that this was his final destination—where he would spend his remaining years in devotion and preaching.
Initially hesitant due to the region’s diverse linguistic and cultural identities, Baba ji ultimately accepted his mentor’s insistence. Foretold that people from all corners would converge, sharing languages and transforming it into a major spiritual center, today pilgrims, especially from Pir Panchal areas, visit Baba ji’s shrine at Babanagri Wangat year-round. During Urs celebrations, the gathering is so vast that vehicles line up from Preng area of Kangan to the main shrine.
After Baba ji’s passing, the stewardship of the Khanqah passed to Mian Nizamuddin, who later entrusted it to Mian Bashir Ahmad Larvi RA. Presently, Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi serves as the Sajadah Nishin of the revered Dargah. The Dargah is renowned for its continuous langar service throughout the year, drawing widespread acclaim across the state.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author can be reached at [email protected]
Blurbs
Baba ji Sahib’s spiritual journey led him to Kashmir, where he received permission from his guide to visit several shrines. Arriving at present-day Babanagri Wangat, he prayed Asr on a large rock by the stream’s right bank.
At the age of thirty, in 1892, Baba Ji Sahib’s spiritual mentor directed him to Babanagri Wangat in the Kangan area of Kashmir—a sacred center that became a spiritual focal point for thousands of believers. Throughout his life, Baba Ji Sahib garnered a following of millions across the globe.
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