Photos

The Mughal Emperor Akbar (1556-1605), had his capital at Agra. In 1572 he shifted his residence and court from Agra to Sikri, for a period of 13 years, to honour the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who resided here (in a cavern on the ridge). Akbar revered him very much as the Saint had blessed him with a son who was named Salim in 1569. He raised lofty buildings for his use, and houses for the public. Thus grew, a great city with charming palaces and institutions. Akbar gave it the name of Fathabad and which in later days came to be known as “Fatehpur Sikri”.
Seen in this photograph is the Mausoleum of Sheikh Salim Chishti, which is famed as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. It enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. The mausoleum, constructed by Akbar as a mark of his respect for the Sufi saint, was built during the years 1580 and 1581.

The tomb has been constructed on a platform which is about 1 m. high, a flight of five steps leading to the entrance portico. The main tomb building is enclosed by delicate marble screens on all sides, and the tomb is located in the centre of the main hall, which has a single semi-circular dome. The marble building is beautifully carved, and has an ivory-like appearance.

Today, devotees from all religion ask for the blessings of the saint and seek fulfillment of their wishes. It is believed that tying a black thread on the marble screens of the main tomb building, with the promise of loosening the thread when the wish is fulfilled, serves as a constant reminder to the saint of their wishes.