Hazrat Roup Reshi (RA)
Kashmir, often hailed as the “Paradise on Earth,” is a land where nature’s grandeur intertwines seamlessly with profound spiritual heritage. Its snow-capped peaks, serpentine rivers, and lush valleys are not merely a feast for the eyes but also sacred grounds sanctified by the footsteps of saints whose lives radiated divine love and wisdom. Among the constellation of spiritual giants who have graced this valley, figures like Hazrat Amir Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani Nund Reshi (RA), Baba Naseebuddin Ghazi (RA), Baba Shakuruddin (RA), Baba Reshi (RA), and Hazrat Zainuddin Wali (RA) shine brightly. Yet, in this luminous galaxy, the name of Hazrat Roup Reshi (RA) stands out with a unique brilliance, his life a testament to piety, humility, and an unwavering connection with the Divine. His legacy, etched in the hearts of Kashmiris and the serene village of Kuchmulla in Tral, continues to inspire millions, drawing devotees to his sacred shrine where miracles and spiritual solace abound.
A Life of Divine Devotion
Hazrat Roup Reshi (RA) was born in the quaint village of Largam, a mere two kilometers from Kuchmulla, in the heart of Kashmir’s Tral region. From his earliest days, he displayed an extraordinary inclination toward spirituality, shunning worldly pleasures for a life immersed in the remembrance of Allah. As a shepherd by trade, his true vocation was the ceaseless zikr (remembrance of God), which he practiced day and night. His proximity to the Almighty was so profound that legends recount a lion guarding his flock, a miracle that elders in Kuchmulla still narrate with awe. This divine intervention was no mere tale but a reflection of his spiritual stature, a sign that even nature bowed to his sanctity.
Following the Owaisi path, Hazrat Roup Reshi (RA) was guided directly by divine wisdom, without the mediation of an earthly teacher—a rare blessing reserved for the purest of souls. As a member of the revered Rishi fraternity, a Sufi order unique to Kashmir, he embraced austerity, renouncing meat, fish, and eggs throughout his life. This practice of self-denial became a hallmark of his spiritual discipline, one that the people of Kuchmulla honor to this day during his annual Urs, abstaining from these foods to emulate his selfless dedication.
The Shrine of Serenity in Kuchmulla
The sacred shrine of Hazrat Roup Reshi (RA) in Kuchmulla is a spiritual oasis, nestled amidst an ancient graveyard and a mosque that silently bear witness to his enduring presence. The village, steeped in the fragrance of his memory, attracts devotees from across Kashmir and beyond, their hearts brimming with hope and their lips whispering prayers. As a resident of a nearby village, I have witnessed the transformative power of this sacred site. Visitors arrive burdened with worldly woes, only to leave enveloped in an ineffable peace, their souls touched by the saint’s lingering aura. The shrine is not merely a physical space but a portal to divine connection, where the whispers of Hazrat Roup Reshi’s blessings still resonate in every gust of wind.
Historical records, such as *Tarikh-i-Hassan*, document two saints named Roup Reshi, one enshrined in Habbah Kadlah, Srinagar, and the other in Kuchmulla, both contemporaries of Baba Naseebuddin Ghazi (RA) and revered figures of their time. While both saints shared a name and spiritual eminence, the Roup Reshi of Kuchmulla holds a special place in the hearts of Tral’s people, his life and miracles deeply woven into the region’s cultural and spiritual fabric.
Miracles That Echo Through Time
Hazrat Roup Reshi’s life was marked by miracles that continue to inspire faith. One of the most celebrated stories involves the Sheikh family of Kuchmulla, whose ancestor, Ziyon, a blind Hindu, sought the saint’s intercession. Hazrat Roup Reshi (RA) instructed Ziyon’s mother that her son’s sight would be restored if he embraced Islam. With faith in the saint’s words, she consented, and through the will of Allah, Ziyon regained his vision, adopted the name Sheikh Inayatullah, and settled in Kuchmulla. His descendants, now a prominent family in the village, proudly trace their lineage to this miraculous event, their forefather’s conversion a testament to the saint’s divine favor. The Sheikh family later rose to prominence as Zaldars, influential landlords and respected leaders, further cementing Hazrat Roup Reshi’s impact on the community.
Another enduring tale speaks of his ascetic practices in the Kali Paadin forest near Largam, where he retreated for intense worship and prolonged fasting. Historical accounts note that he would fast for months, sometimes eating only every three days, subsisting on the barest necessities while immersed in divine contemplation. His love for Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA) was profound; he memorized and recited the saint’s poetry, using it as a medium to spread divine love and wisdom. These acts of devotion not only elevated his spiritual stature but also left an indelible mark on Kashmir’s collective memory.
The Urs and Living Traditions
The annual Urs of Hazrat Roup Reshi (RA), celebrated on the 26th of Safar, is a time of deep reverence in Kuchmulla. Devotees flock to his shrine, their hearts alight with faith, to commemorate his life and seek his intercession. A remarkable tradition during the Urs is the abstention from cooking meat, fish, or eggs, a practice rooted in the saint’s own asceticism. Local lore recounts a cautionary tale of a family who disregarded this custom, only to witness their kitchen mysteriously catch fire—a story that underscores the saint’s spiritual authority and the community’s unwavering respect for his legacy.
Even more astonishing is the legend of a lion that visits the shrine on Thursday nights, bowing in reverence as if in worship. This recurring miracle, whispered among the villagers, serves as a living testament to Hazrat Roup Reshi’s spiritual might, bridging the natural and divine realms in a way that continues to captivate believers.
A Legacy of Knowledge and Compassion
In 1983, the Roup Islamia High School was established in Kuchmulla, a fitting tribute to the saint’s enduring influence. The institution stands as a beacon of knowledge, imparting education to generations while keeping Hazrat Roup Reshi’s name alive with dignity. His life exemplified selflessness, humility, and an unshakable devotion to Allah, teaching that true greatness lies not in wealth or power but in sincerity and service to humanity. His teachings resonate as a clarion call in an era consumed by materialism, urging us to cleanse our hearts of hatred, embrace love and humility, and live in faith.
A Beacon for the Modern World
In today’s world, where materialism and spiritual disconnection often prevail, the life and teachings of Hazrat Roup Reshi (RA) shine like a guiding lamp. His shrine remains a sanctuary where weary souls find solace, prayers are answered, and hearts are warmed by the glow of divine love. His legacy reminds us that the path to true success lies in devotion to Allah and service to mankind. The very air of Kashmir carries the fragrance of his grace, and as long as this valley endures, his name will continue to illuminate the hearts of believers, a beacon of hope and righteousness.
Hazrat Roup Reshi (RA) is more than a historical figure; he is a living presence in Kashmir’s spiritual landscape. His life, miracles, and teachings continue to inspire, offering a timeless reminder that the pursuit of divine love and humility is the ultimate journey. As devotees gather at his shrine, they are reminded that in a world of fleeting pleasures, the eternal light of faith endures, guiding lost hearts toward the divine embrace of Allah.
