SHAH SHAMS SABZWARI
A Landmark of Faith, Architecture and Multan’s Identity
Shamsuddin Sabzwari Multani (died 1276 C.E) was a Muslim saint from Sabzewar in present-day Iran who arrived in Multan, which was in Sindh at that time and is now in Punjab, Pakistan in the early 1200 C.E. He established a dargah there and preached Islam to the local population. Shamsuddin Sabzwari died in 1276 in Multan, where his mausoleum is located. The Urs of Shamsuddin Sabzwari takes place in June of each year.
Mausoleum and Urs
The mausoleum of Shamsuddin Sabzwari Multani is located on the high bank of the Ravi river. The shrine was built by his grandson in 1330. The tomb is square, 30 feet (9.1 m) in height and surmounted by a hemispherical dome. It is decorated with ornamental glazed tiles.
Compositions
In the closing lines of one of his Punjabi compositions, Pīr Shams emphasizes that his ginān is addressed to the world of spirits. He advises his listeners to fight and overcome their constantly changing minds so their spirits can be enlightened by his teachings. Failure to understand the deeper meaning of the gināns will cause the ‘entire life of that heedless one [to be] lost’
The Scared Interior
The interior reveals a vast, pillar-less space that emphasizes the spiritual scale of the monument. At its heart lies the carved wooden mihrab, widely considered the earliest and finest of its genre in the region.
Surrounding the saint’s sarcophagus are 72 graves of his descendants and devotees, a symbolic number alluding to the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala.
ARTISTIC HERITAGE
“The interior woodwork and tile mosaics represent a synthesis of local Multani craftsmanship and Central Asian architectural influences.”
Visitor Guidelines
Dress modestly and respectfully
Follow instructions from site custodians
Remove footwear where requested
Avoid disturbing worshippers
Ask before photographing people
Keep noise to a minimum
Explore the Gallery
View architectural details, tile patterns, historic views, the surrounding precinct and changing light across the monument.
Architecture
The site offers visitors an opportunity to explore local religious architecture alongside neighbourhood culture and everyday urban life.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Structure:
Three-tiered octagonal base, 15- meter diameter.
Materials:
Red brick bounded by black
shisham wood beams.
Defense:
Sloping walls with military-style crenellations and 8 buttressed towers.
Crown:
White dome capped with an ‘amalaka’ style structure.
World Heritage Status
Currently recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list for its exceptional universal value.
MONUMENTAL FORM
The shrine’s strong geometric massing gives it a distinctive presence within Multan’s skyline.
DOME STRUCTURE
Its dome creates a powerful visual profile visible from across the historic precinct.
Book a heritage walk
Guided walks cross historic gates, sacred shrines, and narrow bazaars. Stories hide in the walls and wait in the streets.
OPERATIONAL SCOPE
What We Do
Promote awareness of Multan’s heritage
Support conservation and documentation
Develop visitor information and heritage routes
Highlight traditional crafts and living culture
Encourage responsible cultural tourism
Share research and educational material
Promote community participation
Preserve stories, memories and cultural knowledge
Our Impact
By connecting cultural heritage with tourism, research, education and community
engagement, Walled City Multan aims to strengthen public appreciation for the historic city and encourage its long-term protection.