Historical Dastgeer Sahib shrine in Srinagar gutted in blaze

Srinagar: A fire has broken out at the more than 100-year-old shrine of Dastgeer Sahib in the Khanyar area of Srinagar. Fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to bring the blaze under control at the shrine that is mostly made up of wood. However ancient relics of the saint, housed in the Shrine have been saved and retrieved. Officials say since they were kept in a fire-proof safe they remained unharmed.  

The fire started this morning around 6.30 am after prayers and eyewitnesses say that within a few minutes it had spread to the entire complex. 

Scores of locals gathered at the shrine weeping and wailing while they watched the blaze.


The shrine of the 11th century saint is highly revered across religions in Kashmir. While Muslims call the saint Ghaus-e-Azam, the Hindus revere the saint as Kahnoow.