A Look At The Bahishti Darwaza: The Jannati Gate

In Punjab’s city of Pakpattan, you will find the shrine of the famous Sufi Fariduddin Ganjshakar, popularly known as Baba Farid. His lineage can be traced back to that of the second Caliph of Islam Umar ibn al -Khattab.

He was one of the most well-known personalities of the Chisti Order during the 12th century. After years of traveling he returned to Ajodhan, present day Pakpattan where it is said that he converted the entire Sial Tribe to Islam. It also became his final resting place.

At the Shrine of Baba Fareed, one can find two doors. One is the door known as the ‘Nuri Darwaza’ or the ‘Gate of light’ that faces the east and is open year round. The other door that faces the north is called the ‘Bahishti Darwaza’ or “Gate of Paradise’.

The Bahishti Darwaza is only opened during the ‘Urs’ or death anniversary of Baba Farid. It is opened for five days, during the Urs celebrations, beginning on 5th Muharram. The story behind this door is that Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulia says that he saw the Holy Prophet (PBUH) walk through the doors and said that ‘who so ever enters through this door will enter paradise”. This is how this door acquired its name.

Thousands of people will travel to Pakpattan during the first week of Muharram with the desire to pay homage to the Sufi and be able to walk through the Bahishti Darwaza, with the belief that if they do they will be able to enter Paradise.

The door will remain locked and barred to the public for another year as the Urs draws to an end.

Many will take the literal meaning that the gate will open the doors of Paradise for them. While many believe it means, it washes you of your sins.