Deva Sharif

Deva Sharif, also known as Dewa Sharif, is a prominent Sufi shrine located in the town of Dewa in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, about 26 km from Lucknow. It is the dargah of the 19th-century Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah. Revered by visitors of all faiths, the shrine complex is known for its white marble mausoleum, syncretic traditions, and the large annual Urs festival and Dewa Mela held in October-November.

Visitors can expect a large white marble dargah complex with the main mausoleum of Haji Waris Ali Shah, courtyards, prayer halls, and surrounding bazaar lanes selling flowers, chadars, and offerings. The setting is a busy pilgrimage town with shops, food stalls, and devotees offering prayers. Areas to explore include the main shrine, mosque within the complex, and the mela ground used during the annual Urs festival. The atmosphere is devotional and crowded, especially during festival days.

The shrine is dedicated to Haji Waris Ali Shah (1819-1905), a renowned Sufi saint of the Warsi order born in Dewa. He travelled widely and had followers across India. After his death on 7 April 1905, his mausoleum was built in Dewa and became a major pilgrimage centre. The complex reflects late 19th to early 20th century Sufi shrine architecture.

Deva Sharif is an important centre of Sufi culture and syncretic tradition, revered by both Muslims and Hindus. The annual Urs commemorating the saint's death anniversary and the associated Dewa Mela, held in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November), attracts large numbers of pilgrims and features qawwali, poetry, and a rural fair, reflecting composite culture of Awadh.