Dargah Haider Sheikh

Dargah Haider Sheikh is a prominent Sufi shrine located in Malerkotla, Punjab, dedicated to Sheikh Sadr-ud-Din Sadar-i-Jahan, known as Haider Sheikh. Situated in the heart of Malerkotla town, the dargah marks the origins of the former princely state founded by the saint in the 15th century. The white-domed complex with its tomb, mosque and courtyard is revered by visitors of all faiths and is known for its annual Urs festival and association with communal harmony.

Visitors can expect a white-domed shrine complex with a central tomb chamber, courtyard, and adjacent mosque in central Malerkotla. The site is active for prayers and ziyarat, with devotees offering chadars and flowers. The surroundings include narrow lanes, small shops selling offerings, and a generally calm devotional atmosphere that becomes crowded during the annual Urs festival.

The dargah is the tomb of Sheikh Sadr-ud-Din Sadar-i-Jahan (Haider Sheikh), a 15th-century Sufi saint who settled in the area around 1445-1446. He is regarded as the founder of Malerkotla town and the Malerkotla State. The shrine marks the historical origin of the town and has been a centre of reverence for centuries.

The shrine is an important Sufi pilgrimage centre in Punjab, visited by devotees of all faiths. It is noted for its tradition of communal harmony and is the focal point of the annual Urs celebration commemorating the saint, featuring prayers, offerings and qawwali.