Introduction to a Spiritual Landmark
Nestled in Rohri, Sindh, Pakistan, the tomb of Syed Jan Muhammad Shah Rizvi, revered as Jan Allah Shah Janshahi, stands as a cornerstone of Sufi heritage in Sindh. This sacred shrine, dedicated to a key disciple of Shah Inayat Shaheed, draws pilgrims and cultural explorers, including American visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment. This article, updated as of August 21, 2025, explores the saint’s legacy, the tomb’s history, grave details, and visitor information, including a verified Google Maps location.
Early Life and Spiritual Legacy
Syed Jan Muhammad Shah Rizvi, also known as Mir Janullah Shah or Jan Allah Shah, was a prominent figure among the Rizvi saints of Sukkur. As a devoted khalifa of Shah Inayat Shaheed, a 17th-century Sindhi Sufi poet and martyr, he championed compassion and equality. After Shah Inayat’s martyrdom in 1718 CE (1130 Hijri), Jan Muhammad Shah returned to Rohri, establishing a khanqah to spread Sufi teachings. A scholar and poet, he authored a Persian Diwan and a Tafseer of the Quran, earning the title “crown of Rizvi Sadats of Rohri”. His inclusive teachings united Muslim and Hindu communities, reflecting Sindh’s syncretic Sufism.
Founding of Kot Mir Jan Allah Shah
In 1741 CE (1154 Hijri), Jan Muhammad Shah established Kot Mir Jan Allah Shah, locally known as Nandu Kot meaning "small fort" in the Sindhi language. a fortress-like khanqah with five gates symbolizing openness. He resided here until his passing on 5 Rabi ul Awal 1167 Hijri (1754 CE), where he was buried. A tradition recounts a Khorasani disciple offering wealth, which the saint distributed to Rohri’s poor, using the surplus to expand the kot. This act solidified Nandu Kot’s status as a cultural landmark in Rohri history.
Inside the Shrine: Grave Details
The shrine complex comprises three chambers housing graves of Jan Muhammad Shah Rizvi’s family and khalifas. The two chambers at the entry contain seven graves each (two in the left chamber, five in the right), with the main chamber housing the tomb of Jan Muhammad Shah Rizvi. Below are the verified details of key graves within the shrine:
- Syed Jan Muhammad Shah Rizvi: Passed on 5 Rabi ul Awal 1167 Hijri (1754 CE), the central figure of the shrine, revered as Jan Allah Shah.
- Syed Allah Rakhio Shah Rizvi: Passed on 17 Zil Hajj 1188 Hijri (1775 CE), a descendant or close associate.
- Syed Edel Shah Rizvi: Passed on 1 Shawwal 1172 Hijri (1759 CE), another significant figure in the Rizvi lineage.
- Syed Qalandar Ali Shah Rizvi: Passed on 17 Jamad ul Sani 1187 Hijri (1773 CE), known for his spiritual contributions.
- Syed Juman Shah Rizvi: Passed on 8 Muharram ul Haram 1191 Hijri (1778 CE), a respected family member.
- Syed Munawar Ali Shah Rizvi: Passed on 2 Rajab 1199 Hijri (1785 CE), noted for his devotion.
These graves, documented by local historians, are adorned with traditional chaddars and visited during urs celebrations. The custodian, Syed Ghulam Rasool Shah, preserves relics like a steel bar bearing Hazrat Ali’s name, a begging bowl, caps, and a prayer mat.
Architectural Evolution and Restorations
The tomb’s architecture reflects centuries of devotion. In the early 20th century, under Syed Ali Akbar Shah II (d. 1923), disciple Diwan Hazari Mal oversaw repairs, with intricate woodwork by Usta Pir Bakhsh bin Muhammad Yaqub, featuring Ayat al-Kursi carvings. Weather damage led to its 1989 demolition and reconstruction with cement, funded by Dr. Garbaksh Nachnani, a Hindu devotee from the United States. Learn more in Rohri Tomb Renovations. Local contractor Lala Behramal contributed around 1917, leaving a legacy through the Lala Behramal Library.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The tomb embodies Sufi tolerance in Sindh, uniting diverse communities. Annual urs celebrations on 3rd–5th Rabi’ al-Thani draw thousands for qawwali and langar, reinforcing its vibrancy. Its proximity to sites like Satyan Jo Aastan enhances Rohri’s appeal as a spiritual tourism destination.
Verified Location and Visitor Information.
Location
The shrine is located in Kot Janullah Shah, near Imam Bargah Shah Iraq, Rohri, Sindh, Pakistan, verified as of August 21, 2025:
Coordinates: 27.6921867, 68.8926843
Address: Kot Janullah Shah, Rohri, Sukkur District, Sindh, Pakistan
Source: Verified via Google Maps and Heritage of Sindh.
Visiting Hours (Updated August 21, 2025)
- Open: Daily, 6:00 AM–8:00 PM PKT (confirmed via Sindh tourism sources).
- Urs Celebrations: 3rd–5th Rabi’ al-Thani (January–February 2026; check local announcements).
- Note: Hours may extend during urs; verify with Rohri tourism guides.
Respectful Shrine Visit Guidelines
For American pilgrims:
- Dress Modestly: Wear loose, full-length clothing (e.g., shalwar kameez); women should carry headscarves.
- Remove Shoes: Leave footwear outside the tomb.
- Maintain Silence: Speak softly to respect worshippers.
- Photography: Seek caretaker permission; avoid flash.
- Offerings: Optional chaddars or rose petals are appreciated.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid loud behavior or religious debates.
See Visiting Rohri Sufi Shrines for details.
Travel Tips for American Visitors
- Visa: U.S. citizens need a tourist visa via Pakistan Online Visa System (~7–14 days processing).
- Getting to Rohri: Fly to Karachi, then take a domestic flight (1 hour) or train (8–10 hours) to Sukkur, 5 miles from Rohri. Rohri Railway Station
- Local Transport: Rickshaws/taxis from Sukkur cost ~$2–5 USD.
- Best Time: October–March (20–30°C).
- Safety: Rohri is safe; follow travel.state.gov advisories.
- Accommodation: Hotels like Inter Pak Inn in Sukkur are 10–15 minutes away.
- Sukkur Airport
Conclusion: A Timeless Spiritual Haven
The tomb of Jan Allah Shah Janshahi, with its sacred graves, remains a vibrant symbol of Sindh’s Sufi legacy. Plan your visit with our Rohri pilgrimage guide.
References
- Rizvi Saints of Sukkur. Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.
- Rizvi Saints of Sukkur. The Friday Times, September 7, 2018.
- Syed Janullah Shah Rizvi Shrine, Sukkur. Heritage of Sindh.
- Sufism in Sindh. Wikipedia.
- Book: روھڙي جون ساڍيون ٽي سورائتيون صديون (Rohri’s Three and a Half Glorious Centuries) by Sayed Abdul Hussain Musavi.
- According to local historian Sayed Imdad Hussain Shah Rizvi of Kotai Rohri, who shared insights based on community narratives.
- Sukkur Announces Public Holiday for Urs. Rohri.net, May 2025.
- Sukkur Railway Station
Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi
© 2025 Discover Rohri The Ancient City of Sindh
Hashtags: #JanAllahShahTomb #RohriSufiShrine #SindhHeritage #SufiPilgrimage #PakistanTourism
Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi
© 2025 Discover Rohri The Ancient City of Sindh
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