Hazrat Seh Rishi Baba: From Farmer to Sufi Saint: A Journey of Spiritual Awakening

By Altamash Ali, New Age Islam

18 December 2025          

Hazrat Seh Rishi Baba "Sher-e-Bayaban-e-Ushshaq" (Seh in Kashmiri), was a revered Sufi saint whose shrine stands in peaceful Dara Harwan. A disciple of Qari Ishaq Narwari, he renounced the world after a profound incident,

Main points

·         known as "Sher-e-Bayaban-e-Ushshaq" (Lion of the Wilderness of Lovers of God; in Kashmiri, "lion" is "Seh", which made him famous as Seh Rishi Baba.

·         His shrine is in Dara Harwan (26 km from Srinagar), a peaceful area in the Zabarwan mountains favored by Sufi saints.

·         Chief disciple of Qari Ishaq Narwari (RA); had a deep friendship with Baba Dawood Mushkati (RA).

·         While weeding in the field, his friend refused to join saying it kills insects, against Rishi faith; this caused fear of Allah, he fainted, and renounced the world.

·         Passed away in 1047 Hijri (1637 AD); annual Urs celebrated on the 18th of Har (Kashmiri calendar) with feasts and devotion.

The valleys of Kashmir have been a land of meditation for Sufi saints and Rishis for centuries. One prominent name among them is Hazrat Seh Rishi Baba, who was called "Sher-e-Bayaban-e-Ushshaq" – meaning the Lion of the Wilderness of Lovers (of God). In Kashmiri language, "lion" is called "Seh", and this is how he became famous as Seh Rishi Baba. Even today, his shrine in Dara Harwan remains a major centre of faith for people.

The eastern part of Srinagar city, with the northern slopes of the Zabarwan mountain range and the high hills of Dara-Harwan, has always been a favourite spot for Sufi saints. The entire Elaqafaq area – from Dara to Nagbal – was a base for saints connected to the Sufi lineage (Silsila) of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdum. Great saints like Hazrat Baba Dawood Khaki, Qari Ishaq Narwari, and Hazrat Baba Dawood Mishkati used to come here for meditation and spiritual practices. This place is known for its peace and seclusion

There is not much solid information about the early life of Hazrat Seh Rishi Baba. According to local folklore, he came from Kabul, and his original name was Nisha Sahab. While living in Dara, he came under the influence of Hazrat Qari Ishaq Narwari, took Bai'at from him, and became his chief disciple. Famous historians like Mohammad Azam Dedmari in his book "Waqi'at-e-Kashmir" and Hassan Shah Khuhami in "Tawarikh Hasan" have mentioned him. These writers confirm that Hazrat Qari Ishaq nurtured him spiritually and elevated his status.

Scholars like Peer Zada Mohammad Touib Hussain Naqshbandi and Dr. M. Yusuf Bukhari have written the Hazrat Seh Rishi Baba had a deep friendship with Hazrat Baba Dawood Mushkati. They would spend hours discussing spiritual matters. He also visited Khanqah-e-Makhdum Sahib and received enlightenment from Hazrat Naseeb-ul-Din ghazi.

Hazrat Seh Rishi Baba lived a very simple life. Honesty, hard work, and humanity were the foundations of his character. He earned his livelihood through farming – sowing, weeding, and harvesting with his own hands.

One incident completely changed his life. One day, while he was weeding in the field, his Rishi friend arrived. Baba said, "Friend, come and weed with me." The friend refused, saying, "I am a Rishi and cannot kill living creatures. Killing insects goes against the Rishi faith.

This had a profound impact on Hazrat seh rishi Baba. Out of fear of Allah, he fainted, and his whole body broke into sweat. When he regained consciousness, he renounced the world, adopted complete seclusion in the foothills of Dara Harwan, and immersed himself in Zikr (remembrance of God) day and night.

Shortly after this incident, in 1047 Hijri (1637 AD) he passed away. One of his companions recorded the date of his death in this verse:

"Khurd guft az bahar tareekh aw

Ki Sher-e-Bayaban-e-Ushshaq go"

The word "Sher" in this verse gives the chronogram for the year, and this became his title.

Today, his shrine is located in Asthan Mohalla, Dara Harwan, about 26 kilometres from Srinagar city. Peer Mohammad Yaseen, a chief Khalifa of Syed Mirak Shah Kashani, played a key role in constructing the shrine.

Every year, on the 18th of Har according to the Kashmiri calendar, his Urs is celebrated with great devotion. People from Dara, Chaki-Dara, and Faqeer Gogri voluntarily arrange feasts, serving traditional maize bread, Kashmiri tea, and other dishes. Every visitor is welcomed warmly.

The life of Seh Rishi Baba teaches us that true righteousness lies in simplicity and the fear of Allah. A single small realisation detached him from the world and took him to great spiritual heights. Even today, his shrine provides peace and solace to people.

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Altamash Ali is a Sufi writter and a student at IFTM University.

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-seh-rishi-sufi-saint/d/138041

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