Bulbul Shah

Hazrat Sharief-ud-din Bulbul Shah visited Kashmir for the first time in 1311 A.D. Later on he visited again in 1318 A.D. On the shores of Jhelum, at wee hours, he offered Fajar Azan. The Palace of King Rinchen Shah was on the other side of the river (where at present a Women’s college stands). When King heard the 1^st Azan Call, which was absolutely new to Kashmir and its people, King thought it was a call of revolution by some rebellion. King along with his Commander in-Chief Rawan Chandra and a large number of soldiers crossed the river and reached the spot where Hazrat Bulbul Shah was offering morning prayers. In spite of the arrival of such powerful King (who had defeated Dulcha Tatari and whose sway extended from Kashmir to Kashgar), Hazrat Bulbul Shah continued to offer his prayers and remained undisturbed. The King was extremely surprised to observe fearlessness of Shah, who was a great Saint and divine glory which was emanating from him during his prayers. He was very impressed and directed Raman Chandra and his soldiers not to disturb the Saint. After completion of his prayers, Hazrat Bulbul Shah received King with esteem and showered blessing on him. He complemented the King for protecting the people of Kashmir from the Savageness of Dulcha Tatari. King invited Hazrat Bulbul Shah to his Durbar and requested him to enlighten him about the prayers which he was offering. Both the King and his Hindu Queen Kota Rani were highly impressed with Hazrat Bulbul Shah and his religion. King adopted Islam and Kota Rani too became the 1^st Muslim queen of Kashmir.

With adoption of Islam by the great and the most popular King of the time, thousands of his subjects also adopted Islam. The stone is still exists near the Holy Shrine of Bulbul Shah where thousands of Dharma threads of those who converted to Islam were burnt. The foundation of Islam in Kashmir was laid both by Hazrat Bulbul Shah and King Rinchen Shah on the basis of mutual brotherhood, respectability and love. It was the first spark of Sufism which flourished in Kashmir along with Kashmiriyat.