Kowkoor dargah drawing faithful from near and far

Kowkoor: The Mastan Baba dargah in Kowkoor attracts people not just from the city but from neighbouring districts as well. Established in 1974 by an ex-serviceman Syed Ahmed Hussain, the dargah became popular as people believe their wishes come true.

The dargah is located right in front of the Qutb Shahi Mosque showcasing the strong belief of people who visit this place to get relief from their problems.

Through all these decades, this dargah has gained immense popularity in the form of 'Mureeds' meaning- disciples, who visit this place with strong belief that any illness and effects of black magic can be cured. People are seen handcuffed or chained on the premises by their family members. A few visit this place and stay here voluntarily as a form of self punishment.

They claim to purify themselves from their wrong deeds. A whole bunch of people also visit this place with a trust that all their wishes will be fulfilled. Syed Aslam, caretaker of the dargah, said, "People come here as they believe they get cured. There are several instances when people go back satisfied."

Due to various ethics and reasons, people from far off places, irrespective of their religion, visit this place in large numbers. Apparently, there are spiritually inclined Babas who determine the problems of an individual or family.

There are large numbers of visitors on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays due to their availability. Individualswith mental problems and in trauma are chained, to relieve their pain they yell and murmur to their own self. Sometimes they are also beaten up and not fed as a part of the treatment. The caretakers of the place say that the visitors voluntarily visit the placeand a few have made a permanent stay, it's all a matter of faith and trust in Mastan Baba.

The psychologically ill people are seen chained in this dargah. Although, people who visit this place term these illnesses as an effect of spirits and black magic, but science says it is mental illnesses that needs immediate medical attention.