Introduction
Barashahid Dargah is one of the most revered Islamic pilgrimage sites in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. It holds deep religious and spiritual significance, attracting devotees from various communities. The dargah commemorates twelve martyrs who died in battle more than 1, 200 years ago in the cause of peace and communal harmony. Over the centuries, the shrine has become a beacon of faith, drawing millions of believers seeking blessings, relief from difficulties, and fulfillment of their wishes.
History of Barashahid Dargah
During Muharram, people celebrate Rottela Panduga or Rotiyon Ki Eid at Barashahid Dargah. This dargah uniquely holds a Sandal celebration on the 11th and 12th days of Muharram. Hundreds of devotees visit the shrine to seek relief from health issues, financial troubles, work-related concerns, and marriage delays. After receiving blessings, they place bread (roti) in the nearby tank as a gesture of gratitude.
Also Read: Andhra’s Temple Trail: Tirupati to Amaravati – Spiritual Itineraries for 2025
Grand Muharram Celebrations & Sandal Festival
During Muharram, people celebrate Rottela Panduga or Rotiyon Ki Eid at Barashahid Dargah. Devotees gather to pray for good health, financial stability, job success, and marriage. After receiving blessings, they place bread (roti) in the nearby tank as a gesture of gratitude. The dargah also hosts a Sandal celebration on the 11th and 12th days of Muharram.
Rottela Panduga – The Festival of Breads
During Rottela Panduga at Bara Shaheed Dargah, devotees offer bread as a symbol of answered prayers. Those who receive blessings return each year and drop rotis into the pond, while others collect them, hoping for similar blessings. This festival celebrates faith and divine intervention, uniting people from all religions.
Types of Roti and Their Significance
Different types of wishes are associated with different types of rotis. Some of the well-known ones include:
- Rozi Ki Roti – Bread offered for employment
- Rizq Ki Roti – Bread offered for financial stability and food
- Shadi Ki Roti – Bread offered for marriage
- Sehat Ki Roti – Bread offered for good health
Many more types of rotis are offered based on the specific needs of devotees. The one who makes a wish this year returns next year to offer the same type of roti to another person, continuing the cycle of faith and blessings.
The Power of Faith
Faith is the central aspect of this festival. Devotees believe that the blessings of the twelve martyrs fulfill their wishes. People trust that their prayers will be answered, whether for a job, stability in money, good health, or marriage. This sacred tradition has continued for generations, drawing millions of devotees every year to Bara Shaheed Dargah.
Eid Gah at Barashahid Dargah
The Eid Gah at Barashahid Dargah is an open prayer place where huge congregational prayers occur, especially during Eid and Muharram. It serves as a place where thousands of devotees gather for religious prayers and ceremonies. The site plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and devotion among believers.
Religious and Spiritual Importance
Barashahid Dargah is a symbol of faith, communal harmony, and spiritual healing. People from different religious backgrounds visit the dargah, seeking blessings for health, marriage, employment, and prosperity. The traditions followed here highlight the unity and devotion among devotees.
Also Read: Tupilipalem Beach – A hidden gem with pristine waters
Architecture and Structure
The dargah features traditional Islamic architecture with a white dome and intricate carvings. The structure includes:
- Main Shrine: The resting place of the twelve martyrs, where devotees offer prayers.
- Large Pond: A place where rotis are exchanged during the Rottela Panduga celebration..
- Prayer Halls: Spacious areas for congregational prayers and gatherings.
- Sandalwood Platform: Used during the Sandal festival as part of religious rituals.
Location and Accessibility
Barashahid Dargah is situated in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. It is well-linked via road, rail, and air:
- By Road: Easily accessible by bus and private vehicles from all parts of Nellore and nearby cities.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Nellore Railway Station, about 5 km away.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, approximately 130 km away.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Barashahid Dargah is during the Urs Festival or the Roti Festival, as the celebrations are grand and spiritually uplifting. The months of October to March are also ideal due to pleasant weather. However, devotees visit the dargah throughout the year to seek blessings.
Conclusion
Barashahid Dargah is not just a place of worship but a sacred site where faith, traditions, and communal harmony thrive. The annual Rottela Panduga festival, the dargah’s deep-rooted history, and its architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for those seeking divine blessings and spiritual fulfillment. Whether you seek prayers for health, prosperity, or personal wishes, the dargah stands as a beacon of hope and faith for millions of devotees.
If you ever visit Nellore during Muharram, don’t miss the chance to witness this unique and spiritually uplifting festival at Bara Shaheed Dargah!
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Bara Shaheed Dargah is located in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, near the banks of a large tank.
A: The dargah is dedicated to twelve martyrs who fought for peace and communal harmony over 1,200 years ago.
A: Different types of roti are offered for different purposes, such as Rozi Ki Roti for employment, Rizq Ki Roti for financial stability, Shadi Ki Roti for marriage, and Sehat Ki Roti for good health.
A: No, entry to the dargah is free for all visitors.
A: Yes, the dargah welcomes people from all religions and backgrounds who come to seek blessings.
