Dargah History
The Nagore Dargah, also known as the Nagore Dargah Shareef, the Nagoor Dargah, the Syed Shahul Hamid Dargah, or the Nagore Andavar dargah, is a dargah complex built over the tomb of the Sufi saint Nagore Syed Abdul Qadir Shahul Hamid,[a] located in Nagore, a coastal town in the Nagapattinam district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
Shahul Hamid is believed to have performed many miracles in Nagore, and cured the physical affliction of king Achuthappa Nayak, a 16th-century Hindu ruler of Thanjavur. He is locally referred to as Nagore Andavar, meaning the “Ruler of Nagore” and Qadir wali baba. Nagore dargah as it stands now, is believed to have been built by ardent devotees of Shahul Hamid, with major contribution from Hindus. There are five minarets in the dargah, with the Hindu Maratha ruler of Thanjavur Pratap Singh (1739–1763 CE), building the tallest minaret. The dargah is a major pilgrimage centre that attracts pilgrims from both sufi Islam and Hinduism, symbolizing peaceful coexistence between the two religions.
The most prominent event celebrated at Nagore Dargah is the Kanduri festival (Urus Mubarak), a fourteen-day commemoration of the death anniversary of Shahul Hamid. Common worship practices at Nagore dargah include the presentation of offerings, accompanied by the playing of musical instruments like nadaswaram, typical of Hindu religious tradition. The Shifa Gunta, a pool within the precincts of the dargah, is considered sacred; pilgrims take a holy dip in it. The hereditary Kalifa performs all the official and duties of the dargah. The governance and upkeep of the dargah are overseen by an 8-member board of trustees, which operates under a court-decreed scheme established by the Madras High Court.
Kalifa History
Who is the Kalifa of Nagore Dargah?
The Kalifa of Nagore Dargah is the Hereditary Spiritual Head, Leading Priest, and First Trustee of the sacred Nagore Dargah Sharif.
The Kalifa represents the lineage of the Saint Hazarath Syed Shahul Hameed Qadiri Nagori (Nagore Andavar) and preserves the 500-year-old Qadiri traditions, rituals, and spiritual leadership of the Dargah.
The current and official Kalifa is:
Dr.Kalifa Masthan Sahib Qadri, 11th Hereditary Kalifa & Hereditary First Trustee of Nagore Dargah
Date of Birth : May 13, 1982, Nagore, Tamil Nadu, India.
He is the leading priest, the spiritual head, and the custodian of rituals, heritage, and traditions of the Nagore Dargah.
How Many Members Are in the Kalifa Lineage?
The Kalifa lineage consists of hereditary family members tracing directly to the Silsila of Kalifas who have served Nagore Dargah across centuries.
It is a single hereditary line—only one Kalifa serves at a time, supported by the hereditary family and dargah officials.
There are no multiple Kalifas at the same time; there is always only one reigning Kalifa.
What is the Meaning of Kalifa?
Meaning of “Kalifa” (Arabic Word)
Kalifa” (Khalifah / خَليفَة) means:
Successor • Representative • Custodian • Spiritual Leader
It comes from the Arabic root “Khalafa”, which means to succeed, to take over responsibility, or to lead.
Who Appoints the Kalifa?
The Kalifa is not elected and not appointed by any committee or government body.
The Kalifa is appointed by hereditary succession,
following the Qadiri Sufi tradition and the family lineage approved historically by the Dargah’s founders and the court-recognized hereditary rights.
The appointment follows:
1.Father to Son (Hereditary Line)
2.The eldest eligible male heir continues the spiritual leadership.
3.The future Kalifa (12th Kalifa) is Ahmad Kalifa Sahib, eldest son of the current Kalifa.
Role & Responsibilities of the Nagore Dargah Kalifa
The Kalifa holds the highest spiritual and hereditary authority in the Dargah.
His duties include:
- Religious & Ritual Duties
- Leading all major rituals of Nagore Dargah.
- Conducting the Kanduri (Urus) Festival, including flag post hoisting.
- Performing daily prayers, blessings, and special Dargah ceremonies.
- Maintaining the Qadiri Sufi traditions.
- Ensuring preservation of 500+ years of Dargah customs.
Titles Associated with the Kalifa
Sajjada Nasheen, Gaddi Nasheen, and Spiritual Head of Nagore Dargah are respected designations that together describe his hereditary spiritual authority, sacred lineage, and leadership roles within the Dargah.
Kalifa Lineage (Silsila of Nagore Dargah Kalifas)
10th Kalifa – Muhalli.Muthavalli Mohamed Kalifa Sahib Qadri (Father) (Held the position from 1981 to 2012.)
11th Kalifa – Dr. Kalifa Masthan Sahib Qadri (Held the position from 2012)
12th Kalifa (Future) – Sahib Zada Ahmad Kalifa Sahib