Shah Rukn-e-Alam (translating to ‘pillar of the world‘) is a famous Sufi Saint buried within in the Multan Fort. The 700-year-old building, which serves as his shrine, is a phenomenal piece of Islamic architecture. It never ceases to amaze me how these artisans, these architects of the past were able to put in such precise details into their buildings. From the intricate tiling to the exquisite woodwork, this shrine is a must-see attraction when visiting Multan.

Some people believe that saints like the Shah are still around (even after being dead for so long) and have the power to grant them their wishes. You can see people bringing in rose petals in plastic bags to put onto the Shah’s grave as an offering. The empty bags are then tied onto a tree in the yard along with a wish to be fulfilled (think of it as a wishing well of sorts). Similarly, people offer bajra seeds (a.k.a. pearl millet) to the thousands of pigeons all over the mausoleum, so as to please the Shah and get his blessings in return.

Even though I may not agree with this belief system, I have to agree that there is a certain degree of serenity surrounding the shrine. It was almost sunset when I first visited the shrine, but I couldn’t help myself from going back there early next day. Here are some photos of the place and I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I did taking them.

The tree with the plastic bags (and napkins)

The Shah’s final resting place

Arab scriptures carved in wood

A tree in the yard

The Shah’s final resting place

Wood work

Pigeons

Hand-carved Wooden Door

Hand-carved Wooden Door

The Shah’s final resting place

A Rose-petal vendor

No need for bathrooms when you can pee all over the walls

Wooden Ceiling