Nathar Vali
| Nathar Shah | |
|---|---|
| Religion | Sufi Islam |
| Other names | Tabl-e-Aalam Badashah Nathar Auliya |
| Personal | |
| Born | Asia Minor |
| Died | 1039 Tiruchirapalli, India |
| Senior posting | |
| Based in | Tiruchirapalli |
| Title | Qalandar e Barhaq |
| Period in office | 11th century |
| Predecessor | Ali Zuwalqi |
| Successor | Baba Fakruddin |
Nathar Shah (969-1039), also called Nadir Shah or Nathar Wali, was a Muslim saint from the Middle East who migrated to the Tamil country by land through Arabia, Persia and North India and settled down in Tiruchirappalli and among the first Sufis to bring Islam to South India and Sri Lanka. He came to Trichy in the 11th century; his shrine is located in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, which according to legend is atop the grave of the three-headed Hindu demon Tiriasuran whom Natha killed.
Nathar Vali's origin is unclear, though various legends describe him as a Byzantine nobleman, who left his comfortable life in search of murshid (spiritual preceptor). It si said that he had a dream in Islamic Prophet Muhammed guided him to spread Islam in India. He was a qalandar (unmarried saint) came to India along with 900 qalandars to spread Sufi Islam. During this time, he is said to have performed miracles. Along with his qalandars, he came to Tiruchirapuram, which is now known as Tiruchirappalli, and led a religious life with his qalandars in a flower garden there.
He died in Tiruchirappalli in 1039 and was buried in the city and a mosque constructed at the spot. The Hindus converted by his preaching are known as "Ravuttans". Long after his death, Tiruchirappalli is still referred to by his followers as "Natharnagar". Nathar Vali died on the 15th of the month of Ramadan. This date is commemorated as his urs (death-day), and the first 17 days of Ramadan are celebrated in his honor, by Muslims, Christians, and Hindus, one the eve of the Kanduri festival, where they seek his blessings.
Nathar Vali's name and title is variously rendered as Nathar Wali, Natharuddin, Baba-e-Nathar Sarmast Tabl-e-Aalam Dhool Samandar and Syed Sha Mutaheruddin Suhrawardy".
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