Tomb of Salim Chishti

4.4

Location: Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour.

Built during the years 1580 and 1581, the Tomb of Salim Chishti is famed as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, within the quadrangle of the Jama Masjid which measures 350 ft. by 440 ft, along with the imperial complex at Fatehpur Sikri near Zenana Rauza and facing south towards Buland Darwaza. The burial place of the Sufi saint, Salim Chisti (1478 – 1572), a descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer, who lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri is enshrined by it. For the Sufi saint, who foretold the birth of Akbar‘s son, the mausoleum, constructed by Akbar as a mark of his respect, was named Prince Salim after the Sufi Saint and later Jahangir succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire.

Attraction

One of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India is the beautiful square marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti. The marble building has an ivory-like appearance and is beautifully carved. With mosaics of black and yellow marble arranged in geometric patterns, the plinth is ornamented. Usually covered by a green cloth, an ebony “chhaparkhat” enclosure surrounds the marble cenotaph. With arabesque patterns and bears inscriptions from the Quran, the door to the main chamber is intricately carved. While the relief panels – with the Quran verses – have a blue background, brown marble borders the interior bays. Inlaid with multicolored stones, the carved and painted tomb chamber has a white marble floor.

History

A hallway with beautiful intricate lattice windows in the central white marble tomb of Salim Chishti in the main courtyard at Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, India

One of the famous Sufi saints of the Chishti Order in India was Shaikh Salim Chisti (1418-1572). He was believed to perform miracles and was considered to be a great and extraordinary Sufi Mystic. Salim Chisti, whose tomb is in Ajmer, Rajasthan, was the descendant of the famous Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti. The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti is one of the most significant Sufi shrines, and one of the finest and most famous examples of marble work masterpieces in India. In the north half of the great courtyard of the ‘Jami Masjid’ (Royal Mosque), it is placed in the city of ‘Fatehpur Sikri’. Where the renowned Sufi mystic Sheikh Salim Chisti had his hermitage and had sat in meditation, the tomb was built there.

Inside/Outside Views

People standing in front of Tomb of Salim Chishti in the courtyard of Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, India. The tomb is famed as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India.

On a platform that is about 1 m. high, the tomb has been constructed, a flight of five steps leading to the entrance portico. The tomb is located in the center of the main hall, which has a single semi-circular dome, and the main tomb building is enclosed by delicate marble screens on all sides.

Opening Hours

Sunday 6 AM–5:30 PM
Monday 6 AM–5:30 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–5:30 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–5:30 PM
Thursday 6 AM–5:30 PM
Friday 6 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday 6 AM–5:30 PM

Entry & Others Fees

No entry fee is needed for the tomb.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: The Agra Airport or the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport is the nearest airport to the monument, it is at a distance of about 38 kilometers.

By Train: The Agra Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the monument, at a distance of about 37 kilometers. Although the nearest railway station is Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station, which is only 800 meters away, is a small station and only a few passenger trains stop there.

By Bus: Idgah Bus Stand is the nearest bus stand to Buland Darwaza, it is at a distance of about 35 kilometers and the other one is nearby Agra Fort Bus Stand at a distance of about 38 kilometers away from the monument.

Tips for Travellers

You must carry your water bottle,and also some snacks. Be polite and make sure that you are not disturbing other visitors. It is advisable to leave the footwear outside.