UNDERSTANDING THE SUHARWARDIYA SILSILA IN MULTAN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RITUAL PRACTICES AT THE SHRINES OF SHEIKH BAHAUDDIN ZAKARIYA AND SHAH RUKN-E-ALAM

Abstract

The Shrines of Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya (d.1262) and Shah Rukn-e-Alam (d.1335) are the two of the most prominent Suhrawardiya shrines in Multan, Pakistan. The devotees in large numbers come to these shrines on daily basis and engage in ritual activities. This thesis explored the ritual practices in both shrines through participant observation, and informal conversations with the caretakers and visitors of the shrines. The thesis employs comparative analysis to understand the similarities and differences between the ritual practices at the shrines of Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya and Shah Rukn-e-Alam. There are distinctions to be found in the practices of both shrines despite sharing the same Sufi Silsila. While the practice of vocal recitation is peculiar to the shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya, the lighting of lamp after the fulfillment of mannat to express gratitude, the prostration at the feet of deceased Sufis grave to express submission, the rubbing of the head on the certain spots at the tomb as per belief in healing from physical and psychological ailments; were distinct to the shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam. The thesis further argued that the visitors who perform these rituals at the shrines of Bahauddin Zakariya and Shah Rukn-e-Alam manifest significance beyond only spiritual dimension. The visitors have certain objectives which, they believe, will be achieved through these performances. The thesis builds on Catherine Bell's ritual model to understand the organization of these rituals, while Clifford Geertz's ritual theory to comprehend the symbolic aspects of these rituals, and how these rituals bridge gap between idealistic concepts and actual behaviors. Stanley Tambiah's ritual model is also applied to elucidate how these rituals are performative in nature, serving as a means for individuals to communicate and establish relationships, particularly with the shrine itself. The findings from these interviews revealed a complex interplay of motivations. These encompassed social aspirations, psychological well-being, the pursuit of broader success, and a profound belief in the spiritual power of the Sufis. These motivations collectively drive a majority of devotees to actively engage in the ritual performances at these shrines. For the data collection, Interviews with devotees were conducted at the shrines.