Charar-i-Sharief, ,

Charar-i-Sharief is considered one of the most sacrosanct Muslim shrines in India. The tomb of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA), popularly known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir (flag-bearer of Kashmir), is situated 28 km in the southwest of Srinagar at Charar-i-Sharief. The land where the shrine is situated belonged to Sangram Dar, a disciple of Alamdar-e-Kashmir, who had constructed a mosque there. It was here where Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA) would say his Friday prayers. According to a legend, following the death of Alamdar-e-Kashmir, his coffin, after flying some distance, descended at the site where the shrine lies and where the great Sufi saint has been laid to rest.

The Shrine of Charar-i-Sharief is approximately 600 years old. Popularly known as the Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali,(also known as Nund Rishi) the shrine was built to commemorate Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, a Sufi saint. The life of the Sheikh is full of legends and tales.Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani or Nund Rishi was the first one to start Rishism in the valley.Later, this Rishism got renowned as Rishi Mat, a Vishnav Mat. The saint preached communal harmony, non-violence, vegetarianism and tolerance to the people. He gathered many followers who called him by different names.

The Charar-i-Sharief of Kashmir, India, has been destroyed twice. The first time, the shrine and its surroundings suffered ruination by Mujahideen from Pakistan. However, the shrine was reconstructed on the lines of central Asian architecture. In 1995 the shrine was once more destroyed in a fire. Despite this, the shrine continues to be revered and respected by both Hindus and Muslims.