Though chances are you have heard of Matka Peer for its famous biryani which is supplied in marriages and functions. Or like me seen the matkas hanging from trees every time you went to Pragati Maidan or Purana Qila.
However, it is the shrine of a very famous Qalandari saint.
The actual name of Matka Shah Peer is Sheikh Hazrat Abu Bakr Tusi Haideri Qalandari. But to his numerous devotees he is just known as Matka Peer. All around the dargah you will see earthern pots or matkas, either hanging from trees or stacked around the shrine
According to legend the Saint who lived during the reign of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban, cured a man of an incurable disease by giving him a sip from his matka.
On hearing news of this incident, Sultan Balban, sent clay pots filled with mud & iron balls to the saint as an offering. The Saint covered the pots; started praying & at the end of his prayers, the covers on the pots were lifted and the iron balls & mud were gone. The people around saw that it had roasted gram and jaggery in them.
Even today devotees whose wishes/mannat have been fulfilled offer matkas and jaggery and gram
Some offer matkas
It is a place which though next to a very busy road, is very calm and peaceful. There is no one asking the devotees for money or any other subscriptiin. One can sit and pray in peace
It is situated next to the Pragati Maidan On a small hillock.
Qalandars are ascetic Sufi dervishes who may or may not be connected to a specific Sufi order. They are different from other saints and they have very strong feelings of love for God’s creation.