Khaanqaah-e Maula Srinagar Jammu&Kashmir

Hazrat Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani RA (1312-1385 CE), popularly known as Amir-i-Kabir or Shah-i Hamdan, was the son of Sayyid Shahab-ud Din, the Alawi Governor of Hamdan, a province of Iran. Shah-i Hamdan, a revered Sufi Saint and the preceptor of the Kubrawi Sufi Order, was the first major transnational Sufi Sheikh to arrive In Kashmir. He was also a prolific writer and has authored numerous works on mysticism.
Shah-I Hamdan arrived in Kashmir for the first time in 1372 CE, and thereafter, according to some historical sources, in 1379 CE and around 1383 CE during the reign of Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. On his third visit to Kashmir, Hazrat Sayyid was accompanied by 700 Sayyids, who, being skilled artisans, were evenly tasked with travelling to various regions of the valley to spread Islamic teachings and art. On reaching Srinagar, Shah-i Hamdan took up residence in a saral (Inn) (the present location), then known as Ala-ud-Din Pora.
He constructed a Sufa (raised floor) for performing prayers near the saral. Leaving the valley, Hz. Sayyid was taken ill, passed away in 1385 CE, and was buried in Kolab (Tajakistan). The sufa gradually took the shape of a khanqah in 1395 CE, under the patronage of Mir Sayyid Ali's son, Hazrat Mir Sayyid Muhammad Hamdani (RA). The Khanqah was anciently a single-storey building. Due to the cluttered construction around it, the building was also destroyed in fire Incidents, rebuilt, and expanded repeatedly. The site was known as Khanqah-l Amirriyah and Khanqah-I Hamdaniya during the mediaeval period.
The last reconstruction of the Khanqah took place during Mughal rule in 1733 CE after another fire accident. The building was reconstructed as a monumental, two-storey wooden structure. Given the spiritual, religious, and architectural significance of the building, it became popular by the name of Khanqah-I Mo`alla, the Great Khanqah, a name by which it is remembered today. The annual Urs at the Khanqah is celebrated on the 6th Zil-Hijjah of the Hijri calendar (date of commemoration).
In Kashmir, Hazrat Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani (RA) is revered as the saint who spread the message of brotherhood, based on princilpes of Quran and Sunnah in the region and also introduced many crafts and art forms in the valley. Among his many writings, the most well-remembered are a devotional prayer, Awrad-i Fathlyyah; a collection of his poetic verses called ChihlAsrar and a treatise on objectives towards good governance called 'Zakhirat ul Muluk.
"Yaani Aa'n Baani Musalmani, Mir Syed Ali Hamadani" Khanqah-I-Mo'alla: The Architecture
In the mediaeval world, Khanqah evolved as a unique Islamic institution catering to the spiritual needs of various Sufi orders. Also known as rabat in the Arab world, Khanqah functioned as the space for congregational prayers, Sufi ceremonies, and solitary retreat (chilla nashini). The first Khanqah in Kashmir was constructed at Bulbul Lanker, while the most prominent is that of Khanqah-i-Mo`alla
This Khanqah is one of the best examples of traditional Kashmiri monumental wooden architecture, entirely constructed of solid wooden blocks and huge logs of wood used as headers and stretchers with brick infill. This construction system, with its proven,effectiveness against seismic activities, is unique to Kashmir and some other neighbouring Himalayan regions and also forms part of the vernacular traditions of Kashmir. Based on a rectilinear plan, the khanqah is spread over an approximate plinth area of 10833 sq ft (1006.4 sq m).
The building is the second-largest historical structure in the city of Srinagar after the Jamia Masjid. The central space on the ground floor consists of a double-height hall measuring 63 feet by 46 feet (approx.), with a series of seven small cloisters on both sides, meant for spiritual retreats. The ceiling of the central chamber is supported on four multi-faceted wooden columns with a floral- shaped base and capital. The ceiling is covered with multiple geometric patterns, locally called khatamband, and papier mache of the 18th and 19th century have been painted at a later date. The whole structure is surmounted by a multi-tiered pyramidal roof with an open square pavilion (brangh or dastaar) in the centre. This spire (280 kg, gold-plated) in some degree represents the continuity of the pre-Islamic building traditions of Kashmir. The total height of the building from the ground to the top of the gold-plated spire is 121 feet.
In addition to traditional Kashmiri features, the building incorporates architectural elements associated with Indo-Islamic architecture, including the carved stone, plinth stone, and wooden baluster columns.
The whole building is one of the most exquisite examples of Kashmiri building skills and remarkable craftsmanship. This style has been replicated at other major shrines and khanqahs in Kashmir and adjoining regions.