Dargah Opening Time
Nagore Dargah FAQ – Nagore Dargah Kalifa. This FAQ page is intended for public educational and informational purposes related to Nagore Dargah traditions, spiritual heritage, Kandhuri Festival, and the hereditary office of the Kalifa. Frequently Asked Questions related to Nagore Dargah, the Kalifa, spiritual traditions, rituals, administration, and visitor information.
Nagore Dargah is a famous Sufi Islamic shrine located in Nagore – 611002, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar).
Nagore Dargah is known for its spiritual heritage, centuries-old traditions, Kandhuri Uroos Grand Festival, and the teachings of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori. Devotees believe that Nagore Andavar spread compassion, humanity, and spiritual guidance among people from different communities across South and Southeast Asia, which continues to attract visitors and devotees from various backgrounds even today.
Nagore Dargah Sharif is located in Nagore town – 611002, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India, on the southeastern coast of India near the Bay of Bengal. The shrine is one of the most well-known sufi spiritual centers in south india.
Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori, popularly known as Nagore Andavar and Hazrat Nagore Nayagam, was a renowned Sufi saint associated with the Qadiriya spiritual tradition. He is respected for spreading humanity, compassion, spiritual harmony, and Islamic teachings among people from different communities across South and Southeast Asia.
The birth name of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori was “Abdul Qadir.” The name is traditionally associated with the blessed name of Ghouse Al Azam Sheikh Muhiyuddin Abdul Qadir Jilani (Raliyallahu Ta’ala Anhu). In Arabic, “Abdul Qadir” means “Servant of the Almighty” or “Servant of the All-Powerful.”
The parents of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori were Syed Hasan Qutbus Sahib Qadiri (Raliyallahu Ta’ala Anhu) and Bibi Fathima (Raliyallahu Ta’ala Anhuma) of Manikpur, Uttar Pradesh, who are respectfully remembered in the spiritual lineage associated with Nagore Dargah traditions.
The Spiritual teacher (Peer Murshid) of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori was Shaikh Shah Muhammad Ghouse Gwalior Shatthari of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (Raliyallahu Ta’ala Anhu), from whom he is traditionally believed to have received spiritual guidance and authorization in 14 Sufi Tariqas.
People from different religions and communities visit Nagore Dargah with devotion, respect, and spiritual faith. Devotees believe that Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori spread humanity, compassion, unity, and spiritual teachings among people from different backgrounds, which continues to inspire visitors even today.
Yes. People from different religions and communities visit Nagore Dargah with devotion, respect, and spiritual faith. Nagore Dargah is widely regarded as a place of religious harmony, humanity, and spiritual unity.
Nagore Dargah is regarded as an important center of the Qadiriya Sufi spiritual tradition, devotion, peace, humanity, and religious harmony. Devotees visit the shrine seeking spiritual blessings, inner peace, and guidance associated with Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar).
Nagore Dargah is traditionally associated with the Qadiriya Sufi order, one of the well-known Sufi spiritual traditions in the Islamic world. The shrine is widely regarded as an important center of the Qadiriya spiritual tradition in India.
Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori is affectionately referred to as “Nagore Andavar” by devotees as a mark of spiritual respect, reverence, and devotion. The title became widely popular among people due to his spiritual teachings, compassion, humanity, and lasting influence associated with Nagore Dargah traditions.
“Nagore Sharif” is a respectful traditional name used by devotees to refer to the sacred Nagore Dargah shrine and its spiritual heritage. The word “Sharif” generally means “honoured,” “noble,” or “respected.”
Learn about the famous Nagore Kandhuri Festival, traditional religious events, sacred rituals, flag hoisting ceremony, sandal procession, and spiritual gatherings held at Nagore Dargah Sharif every year.
The Nagore Kandhuri Festival is the annual grand Islamic religious festival commemorating the Urs (death anniversary) of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar). The festival is celebrated with spiritual gatherings, special prayers, sandal ceremonies, flag hoisting rituals, processions, and devotional activities attended by devotees from different communities.
The Nagore Kandhuri Festival is traditionally celebrated annually according to the Islamic Hijri calendar from the 1st Crescent to the 14th Crescent of the Jamadil Akhir month at Nagore Dargah Sharif, Tamil Nadu, India.
The sacred flag hoisting ceremony marks the official beginning of the Nagore Kandhuri Festival. Devotees consider the ceremony spiritually significant and participate in large numbers during the traditional flag procession and hoisting rituals.
The Nagore Kandhuri Festival is generally celebrated for around 14 days with various religious rituals, special prayers, processions, and traditional ceremonies conducted throughout the festival period.
The birth name of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori was “Abdul Qadir.” The name is traditionally associated with the blessed name of Ghouse Al Azam Sheikh Muhiyuddin Abdul Qadir Jilani (Raliyallahu Ta’ala Anhu). In Arabic, “Abdul Qadir” means “Servant of the Almighty” or “Servant of the All-Powerful.”
Sandanakoodu refers to the sacred sandal paste offering procession conducted during the Kandhuri Festival. Devotees prepare and offer sandal paste as a mark of respect and devotion to Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori.
Yes. The Nagore Kandhuri Festival is widely known for religious harmony, and devotees from different religions, communities, states, and countries visit Nagore Dargah during the festival every year.
Special prayers, Quran recitations, sandal offerings, flag ceremonies, spiritual gatherings, Mawlid recitations, Zikr Majlis, Bayan Speech, Sufi Qawwali, food distribution, and devotional processions are traditionally conducted during the Nagore Kandhuri Festival.
Yes. The Nagore Kandhuri Festival is regarded as one of the most prominent and historically significant Sufi Islamic religious festivals in South India and attracts large numbers of devotees annually.
The Nagore Kandhuri Festival is celebrated at Nagore Dargah Sharif located in Nagore – 611002, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India.
The major traditional religious ceremonies and spiritual observances associated with the Nagore Kandhuri Festival are historically conducted under the hereditary spiritual leadership connected to the Nagore Dargah Kalifa – Sajjada Nasheen, which has preserved the longstanding spiritual traditions, rituals, and devotional customs of Nagore Dargah Sharif for centuries.
This section explains the hereditary spiritual leadership, Kalifa lineage, religious traditions, ceremonial responsibilities, spiritual authority, and historical role of the Kalifa associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif. These frequently asked questions provide educational information about the hereditary Kalifa system, Sajjada Nasheen tradition, spiritual succession, Qadiriya customs, and the ceremonial leadership connected with Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar).
The hereditary spiritual office traditionally associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif is known as the “Kalifa.” The office represents the hereditary spiritual leadership connected with the religious customs, ceremonial traditions, and spiritual lineage of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori.
Dr. Kalifa Masthan Sahib Qadri is the current and 11th hereditary Kalifa of Nagore Dargah Sharif. He has served as the hereditary Kalifa since 2012 following the demise of his respected father, the 10th Kalifa, Hazrat Muhammad Kalifa Sahib.
Hazrat Mohammad Kalifa Sahib Qadri served as the 10th hereditary Kalifa of Nagore Dargah Sharif until 2012. He was the father of the present hereditary Kalifa, Dr. Kalifa Masthan Sahib Qadri, and played an important role in preserving the hereditary spiritual traditions, ceremonial customs, and Kalifa lineage of the Dargah.
According to the hereditary succession tradition associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif, Sahib Zada Ahmad Kalifa Sahib, the eldest son of Dr. Kalifa Masthan Sahib Qadri, is recognized as the future and 12th hereditary Kalifa expected to continue the spiritual leadership and hereditary custodianship of the Dargah.
In the Nagore Dargah tradition, the term “Kalifa” refers to the hereditary spiritual successor and representative associated with preserving the spiritual lineage, ceremonial customs, devotional traditions, and religious observances connected with Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar) and Nagore Dargah Sharif.
The word “Kalifa” (also spelled “Khalifa”) originates from Arabic usage and is traditionally associated with succession, leadership, representation, or responsibility. In different Islamic cultures and regions, the term may be used as a personal name, spiritual designation, hereditary title, or leadership-related term.
In the case of Dr. Kalifa Masthan Sahib Qadri, the word “Kalifa” is not used merely as an honorific title. It forms an integral part of his full personal name given at birth and is consistently used in official records, media reports, public references, and court-related documents.
Yes. The Kalifa position traditionally continues through hereditary spiritual succession within the Kalifa lineage associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif, preserving the longstanding spiritual traditions, ceremonial customs, and devotional heritage connected with the Dargah.
The Kalifa traditionally oversees spiritual observances, Kandhuri ceremonies, sandal rituals, ceremonial prayers Dua Fathiha, devotional customs, religious gatherings, and important Islamic observances associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif.
Yes. The Kalifa functions as the hereditary spiritual head associated with preserving and conducting the longstanding religious customs, ceremonial traditions, and spiritual observances of Nagore Dargah Sharif.
The Kalifa lineage preserves Qadiriya Sufi traditions, Kandhuri ceremonies, sandal rituals, devotional customs, ceremonial prayers, spiritual gatherings, and hereditary Islamic observances associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif.
Devotees respect the hereditary office of the Kalifa because it represents the continuation of centuries-old spiritual traditions, hereditary religious leadership, ceremonial customs, and the devotional heritage associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif. Within the Nagore Dargah tradition, the Kalifa is also regarded as the hereditary spiritual representative associated with preserving the customs and spiritual lineage connected with Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar).
The hereditary Kalifa position associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif has traditionally continued through the spiritual lineage connected with Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar). According to longstanding hereditary tradition, the spiritual responsibility and custodianship continued through his descendants and successive hereditary Kalifas over generations, preserving the religious customs, ceremonial observances, devotional traditions, and spiritual heritage associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif for centuries.
In the context of Nagore Dargah Sharif and Sufi traditions, the terms “Kalifa,” “Sajjada Nasheen,” and “Gaddi Nasheen” are associated with hereditary spiritual succession and custodianship connected with the Dargah’s spiritual lineage and traditions. Although the terminology may differ according to language, regional usage, or traditional practice, these terms are associated with the hereditary spiritual successor responsible for preserving the religious customs, ceremonial observances, devotional traditions, and spiritual heritage connected with Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar) and Nagore Dargah Sharif. In the Nagore Dargah tradition, the serving hereditary Kalifa is also associated with the role traditionally described as the Sajjada Nasheen or Gaddi Nasheen.
This section explains the traditional administrative structure, hereditary trustee system, Advisory Board structure, managerial administration, shareholder representation system, and court-approved scheme framework associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif.
(Scheme Clauses: 3, 4, 17–35 & 52)
The administration of Nagore Dargah is traditionally carried out through the hereditary Board of Trustees and the Managing Trustee functioning under the court-approved administrative scheme associated with the Dargah.
The Advisory Board (Budget Committee) mainly functions as a financial review and consultative body connected with budget-related matters under the scheme structure.
The hereditary Kalifa is traditionally associated with the spiritual leadership and hereditary customs connected with Nagore Dargah Sharif.
(Scheme Clause: 3)
Traditionally, Nagore Dargah has a Board of 8 hereditary trustees connected with the historical trustee lineage associated with the Dargah administration.
The traditional 8th hereditary trustee position is presently associated with a temporary rotational arrangement following succession-related legal proceedings connected with the Dargah administration.
(Scheme Clause: 3)
Yes. The trustee system traditionally continues through hereditary succession within the recognized hereditary trustee families associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif.
(Scheme Clause: 4)
The Managing Trustee functions as the executive administrative head among the trustees and supervises administration, meetings, accounts, records, implementation of resolutions, and day-to-day management connected with the Dargah administration.
The Managing Trustee is traditionally elected from among the Board of Trustees for a fixed 3-year term under the administrative scheme.
(Scheme Clauses: 17–26)
The Advisory Board (Budget Committee) mainly functions as a financial review and consultative body connected with budget-related matters under the scheme structure.
The Advisory Board consists of 11 members who traditionally serve for a fixed 3-year term under the scheme structure.
(Scheme Clauses: 17–26)
The Advisory Board traditionally consists of:
Members traditionally serve for a 3-year period under the administrative structure.
(Scheme Clauses: 17–26)
The Advisory Board President is elected from among the Advisory Board members and functions as the head of the Advisory Board meetings and related committee proceedings.
The President traditionally serves for a 3-year term under the scheme structure.
The position of Advisory Board President is separate from the hereditary trustee structure, and hereditary trustees do not traditionally function as the Advisory Board President under the administrative system associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif.
(Scheme Structure Clarification)
No. The traditional administrative and spiritual structure associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif does not contain a separate official post titled “President of Nagore Dargah.”
Under the scheme structure, there is an “Advisory Board President” position connected specifically with the Advisory Board administration.
The hereditary spiritual head associated with the longstanding spiritual traditions and ceremonial customs of Nagore Dargah is the Kalifa.
(Scheme Clauses: 26–35)
The Manager supervises the day-to-day administration of the Dargah, including office administration, records, staff supervision, accounts, operational procedures, and implementation of administrative decisions under the supervision of the Managing Trustee and Board structure.
The Kalifa represents the hereditary spiritual leadership, ceremonial traditions, devotional customs, and religious observances associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif.
The Managing Trustee supervises the administrative, financial, operational, and management-related affairs connected with the Dargah administration.
(Scheme Clauses: 3 & 17–26)
The Board of Trustees functions as the hereditary trustee body connected with the administration and management structure of the Dargah.
The Advisory Board mainly functions as a financial review and consultative body associated with budget-related matters under the scheme structure.
In the context of Nagore Dargah Sharif, “Sahibs” generally refers to the hereditary descendants and traditional family lineages associated with Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar).
Share Holders (Kasupangudars) are traditional share holders associated with customary share rights, representation rights, and participation in certain advisory election processes connected with the Dargah administration.
According to the traditional structure associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif, the hereditary Kalifa lineage and spiritual responsibility have continued for generations as part of the longstanding spiritual traditions connected with the Dargah. Within the hereditary trustee structure established later in connection with the Dargah administration, the position of the First Trustee has traditionally been associated with the hereditary Kalifa of the Dargah.
Current Holder:- Dr. Kalifa Masthan Sahib Qadri
Accordingly, the serving hereditary Kalifa, who continues the spiritual leadership and hereditary traditions associated with Nagore Dargah Sharif, is also traditionally associated with the position of the hereditary First Trustee.
(Scheme Clause: 52)
Yes. The court-approved scheme structure connected with Nagore Dargah provides supervisory legal authority regarding the implementation, administration, and functioning of the Dargah administrative system.
Morning: 4:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Evening: Sunset – 10:00 PM
Friday Only 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
For daily sunset-based timings, special opening days, and upcoming timing changes, visitors may refer to the official Rowla Sharif Timing page. Click
Nagore Dargah can be visited throughout the year.
Yes. Nagore Dargah welcomes visitors from all communities, religions, and backgrounds. People from different faiths have traditionally visited the Dargah as a place of prayer, respect, and spiritual devotion.
Visitors are encouraged to wear modest, respectful, and dignified clothing suitable for a religious place.
Visitors may be requested to follow traditional dress customs observed within the Dargah premises.
Nagore Dargah is well connected by road, rail, and air.
Yes. Hotels, lodges, guest houses, and accommodation facilities are available in Nagore and nearby Nagapattinam for visiting pilgrims and tourists.
Yes. Families, women, children, and elderly visitors regularly visit Nagore Dargah throughout the year.
Separate facilities for women’s prayers and restroom facilities for women visitors are also available within the Dargah premises.
Mobile photography may be permitted in certain areas of the Dargah, subject to the rules observed at the premises.
Certain religious areas, including parts of the Rowla Sharif area, may have restrictions.
Professional photography, videography, documentary production, media recording, or commercial filming may require prior permission from the Dargah administration.
Common devotional activities include Fatiha Recitation, Yasin Sharif Recitation, Qur’an Recitation, Mawlid Gatherings, Dhikr Majlis, personal prayers, charitable contributions, food distribution, feeding pigeons, reciting Salawat upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, conveying Salam to Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar), and making supplications to Allah according to individual devotion and longstanding traditions.
Visitors are encouraged to maintain cleanliness, dress respectfully, and follow the customs observed within the Dargah premises.
Visitors may also learn about the life and legacy of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir Wali Nagoori (Nagore Andavar), a revered Sufi saint associated with spiritual values, compassion, service to humanity, and the spread of Islamic teachings.