History

Khwajah Shamsuddin was born in Kasgar in 1333 and right from childhood had a religious bent of mind. While yet a boy he mastered theQuran and other Muslim religious scriptures and undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca, not minding the hazards and dangers involved. But his sojourn at Mecca proved to be very brief, for he was instructed by Allah in a vision to go to Murtajabad, identified with modern Miraj, posthaste to tree the people from the clutches of Gangna Dhobi, a magician who harassed the people and molested the women Now Gangna Dhobi was a powerful, wicked magician who worshipped a demi-goddess, to please whom he sacrificed human beings at her altar. He had married a woman who was also a witch. Alter coming over to Miraj, Shamsuddin sent for the magician who at first refused, but yielding finally pleaded that he may be allowed to do some service to him. It is told that Samsuddin gave him his handkerchief to wash which the magician, forgetting his vow, threw in the Krsna. But to his surprise the handkerchief burned, out of which a cobra appeared and struck him down by its fatal sting. He was given a cremation on the same spot. On learning of the death of her husband his witch-wife who was in Bengal at that time, approached Samsuddin and begged for the life of her husband. Mira Saheb told her that he had died of his own evil actions and that if brought to life by magic charms he would appear in the form of a demon and except Allah no one can give him the original shape. Inspite of this, she went to that spot and collecting the remains brought him back to life by means of witchcraft. Mira Saheb's words proved prophetic and the demon-magician slowly began to advance towards her. She then fled and fell upon Samsuddin's feet and prayed for mercy. Shamsuddin took pity upon her and sealed the demon in a well. She further requested Samsuddin to allow her to stay near him and on one of the steps leading to the dargah a tomb-stone is pointed out as being the one of the wife of the Dhobi No one knows the truth or falsehood of this strange story.

Khvaja Samsuddin Mira Saheb died at Miraj in 1384. The structure housing him and his son was built during his lifetime in 1355. On his death he was laid to eternal rest in the place of his own choice. It was built by the money (41/2 lakhs of rupees) donated by the Sultans of the Bahamani dynasty and the wealth found while laying the foundations. It is believed that if persons possessed by ghosts and evil-spirits stay for a few days at the back side and otter prayers they are relieved of the torture. In the backyard there is also a small mosque dating from the same period.

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