History of Pakpattan: The City of Saints and Sufism

Pakpattan, a city located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, is one of the country’s most revered spiritual centers. Its history is deeply intertwined with Sufism and the teachings of prominent saints, particularly Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar, one of the earliest and most influential Sufi saints of the Indian subcontinent.

Pakpattan’s historical significance is not only rooted in its religious heritage but also in its role as a center of trade and culture over centuries.

Etymology and Early History

The name Pakpattan is derived from the words “Pak,” meaning pure, and “Pattan,” meaning a ferry point or river bank. Historically, the city was located on the banks of the now dried-up River Sutlej, and the area served as an important crossing point for travelers and traders.

The name Pakpattan was adopted during the time of Hazrat Baba Farid, signifying the spiritual purity of the city.

Prior to the arrival of Islam and Sufism, the region that is now Pakpattan was part of various empires and dynasties, including the Maurya and Kushan empires. However, there are few documented records of the city itself before the medieval period.

The Arrival of Islam and Sufism

The history of Pakpattan took a significant turn in the 12th century with the arrival of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar, one of the greatest Sufi saints of the Chishti Order. Born in 1173 in Kothewal (now in Pakistan), Baba Farid spent much of his life spreading the teachings of Islam and Sufism throughout the subcontinent.

He eventually settled in Pakpattan, where he spent his later years in meditation and spiritual practice.

Baba Farid’s teachings emphasized love, tolerance, humility, and the remembrance of God. His influence attracted followers from all walks of life, including kings, nobles, and common people, all seeking spiritual guidance.

His khanqah (Sufi lodge) in Pakpattan became a center of spiritual activity, drawing thousands of devotees from across the region.

The city’s name was changed from Ajodhan to Pakpattan during this period, due to Baba Farid’s spiritual presence. It is said that Baba Farid referred to the river crossing as “Pak Pattan” (the Pure Ferry), thus giving the city its new identity.

After his death in 1266, Baba Farid was buried in Pakpattan, and his shrine became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South Asia.

Shrine of Baba Farid

The shrine of Hazrat Baba Farid is the most prominent landmark in Pakpattan and is a focal point for the city’s history and identity. Located in the heart of the city, the shrine draws thousands of devotees each year, particularly during the urs (death anniversary) of the saint.

The urs is celebrated with great reverence, and people from all over Pakistan and beyond visit to pay homage to the saint.

The shrine itself has been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries, with contributions from various rulers, including the Mughal emperors and local rulers of the Punjab region.

The architecture of the shrine reflects the blend of Islamic, Mughal, and Punjabi styles, with intricate tile work, calligraphy, and domes that symbolize the spiritual legacy of the region.

A unique tradition associated with the shrine is the opening of the Bahishti Darwaza (Gate of Heaven), which is opened once a year during the urs. Devotees believe that passing through this gate brings blessings and spiritual merit.

Medieval and Mughal Period

During the medieval period, Pakpattan continued to serve as an important spiritual and trade center. Its location along the Sutlej River made it a key point for travelers and traders moving between the eastern and western parts of the Indian subcontinent. The city thrived under the Delhi Sultanate and later under the Mughal Empire.

The Mughals, particularly Emperor Akbar, had a deep respect for Sufi saints, and they contributed to the upkeep and expansion of Sufi shrines, including Baba Farid’s shrine in Pakpattan. The city became a cultural hub under Mughal rule, attracting poets, scholars, and Sufi disciples.

Pakpattan’s connection with the Mughal Empire also brought it into the broader political dynamics of the region. While the city itself was never a major military center, its spiritual significance made it a place of pilgrimage and reverence, which attracted rulers and elites from across the subcontinent.

Colonial Era and Modern History

With the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, Pakpattan, like much of Punjab, came under the control of the Sikh Empire led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

During this period, the city faced challenges as the Sikh rulers did not share the same reverence for Sufi shrines as the Muslim rulers before them. However, the shrine of Baba Farid continued to be a center for Muslim devotees.

After the British colonized Punjab in 1849, Pakpattan became part of the Montgomery District (now Sahiwal District). The British administration maintained a relatively hands-off approach to religious affairs, allowing the shrine of Baba Farid to continue functioning as a major pilgrimage site. Pakpattan remained a quiet but spiritually significant town during the British era, with its economy still largely based on agriculture and local trade.

Post-Independence and Contemporary Pakpattan

Following the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Pakpattan continued to hold its status as a spiritual hub in the newly formed nation. The city has seen significant population growth over the decades, with an influx of refugees from India after partition and rural migrants seeking better opportunities.

Agriculture remains a central part of Pakpattan’s economy, with wheat, sugarcane, and rice being the primary crops cultivated in the region.

In recent years, Pakpattan has also seen improvements in infrastructure, including road networks and healthcare facilities.

Despite these developments, the city retains its historical charm, with its narrow streets, traditional bazaars, and spiritual ambiance. The shrine of Baba Farid continues to be a focal point for the city’s cultural and religious life.

Conclusion

Pakpattan’s history is a testament to its spiritual significance and its role as a center of Sufi thought in the Indian subcontinent. From its origins as a ferry crossing on the Sutlej River to its status as the city of Baba Farid, Pakpattan has attracted people from all walks of life, drawn by its spiritual legacy and the teachings of its revered saints.

Today, the city remains an important pilgrimage site and a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Pakistan.