Roza Bal- Rouza Bal shrine

Srinagar

Overview

The Roza Bal, Rouza Bal, or Rozabal is a shrine located in the Khanyar quarter in the downtown area of Srinagar in Kashmir, India. The word roza means tomb, the word bal means place. Locals believe a sage is buried here, Yuz Asaf,alongside another Muslim holy man, Mir Sayyid Naseeruddin.The shrine was relatively unknown until the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, claimed in 1899 that it is actually the tomb of Jesus. This view is maintained by Ahmadis today,though it is rejected by the local caretakers of the shrine, one of whom said "the theory that Jesus is buried anywhere on the face of the earth is blasphemous to Islam.

Weather

Spring (March to May)

Temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C. This is a pleasant time to visit as Srinagar experiences blooming flowers and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. .

Summer (June to August)

With temperatures from 20°C to 35°C, summer can be warm but is still comfortable for travel, especially in the mornings and evenings. The region is bustling with visitors, as this is the peak tourist season. .

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is particularly scenic with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, especially as the famed Chinar trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange. This period, also known as "harud" in Kashmir, is often considered the best time to experience Srinagar’s cultural beauty.

Winter (December – February)

Winter brings colder weather, often ranging from -2°C to 12°C, and the possibility of snow. The area around the Rozabal Shrine may be quieter, as tourists favour skiing and snow sports in nearby locations like Gulmarg.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, approximately 12 kilometres from Rozabal. After landing, visitors can hire a taxi or use app-based ride services to reach the shrine in around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. .

By Train

The closest major railway station is Jammu Tawi, about 300 kilometres from Srinagar. From Jammu, travellers can either drive or take a bus to Srinagar. Once in the city, Rozabal can be reached by local transportation.

By Road

By Car Rozabal Shrine is easily accessible by road within Srinagar. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for hire from different parts of the city, providing direct access to Khanyar. By Bus Local buses in Srinagar frequently pass through the Khanyar area. Visitors staying within the city can use these buses for an economical option to reach Rozabal.

Best time to Visit

Spring (March–May)

Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it a comfortable and pleasant time to visit Roza Bal. The fresh air and greenery enhance the spiritual and historical experience.

Summer (June - August)

During summer, the weather remains warm but bearable, allowing visitors to explore the site with ease. Longer daylight hours make it convenient for sightseeing and understanding the shrine’s significance.

Autumn (September - November)

Autumn covers the surroundings in golden hues, creating a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. The cool breeze and moderate temperatures make it one of the best seasons to visit Roza Bal.

Winter (December – February)

Winter brings cold temperatures, and occasional snowfall adds a serene touch to the site. While the shrine remains accessible, visitors should be prepared for chilly weather and possible travel disruptions.

History

The Rozabal Shrine in Khanyar, Srinagar, has a fascinating and debated history. It is believed to be the tomb of Yuz Asaf, a revered saint, with some suggesting he was a traveller from a foreign land. The shrine has garnered global attention due to the theory that Yuz Asaf is Jesus Christ, who some claim survived the crucifixion and settled in Kashmir. This theory, promoted primarily by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, is based on local traditions, footprints on a carved stone near the grave that resemble crucifixion wounds, and the east-west alignment of the grave, typical of Jewish burial practices rather than Islamic ones.Local traditions describe Yuz Asaf as a holy man who preached spirituality in Kashmir. However, many mainstream scholars and religious authorities, particularly in the Islamic world, reject these claims, maintaining that the tomb is simply the resting place of a Muslim saint. The debate about its origins continues, making it a unique blend of faiths and folklore in the region.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rozabal Shrine known for?

Is the Rozabal Shrine open to visitors?

Where is the Rozabal Shrine located?

What are the myths surrounding the Rozabal Shrine?

What are the religious affiliations related to the Rozabal Shrine?

Famous Personalities

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is one of the most notable figures connected to the Rozabal Shrine. He proposed the theory in 1899 that the tomb at Rozabal is the final resting place of Jesus Christ. According to his teachings, Jesus survived the crucifixion and traveled to Kashmir, where he lived out his final years. This claim, however, is disputed by many in the Muslim world, particularly mainstream scholars. Ahmad's theory remains a central point of discussion, especially among the Ahmadiyya community.

Yuz Asaf

The figure of Yuz Asaf is central to the legend surrounding Rozabal. Some local Kashmiris believe that Yuz Asaf is a revered saint who is buried in the shrine. The name Yuz Asaf is often linked to Jesus Christ by those who support the theory that Jesus traveled to Kashmir after surviving the crucifixion. The identity of Yuz Asaf, however, remains unclear, and the connection to Jesus is part of the ongoing debate surrounding the shrine. Some scholars and local traditions treat Yuz Asaf as a historical figure in his own right, with no direct connection to Jesus.

Mir Sayyid Naseeruddin

Another important personality associated with the Rozabal Shrine is Mir Sayyid Naseeruddin, a Muslim saint. He is believed to have lived in the region during the 14th century and is revered by some as the caretaker of the area. His connection to the shrine further adds to its religious significance. The shrine, however, has also been a subject of pilgrimage and reverence for other religious figures over the centuries.

Myths

Jesus Christ’s Burial at Rozabal Shrine

One of the most well-known myths is that the Rozabal Shrine is the final resting place of Jesus Christ. This theory suggests that after surviving the crucifixion, Jesus travelled to Kashmir and died there. This claim gained popularity in the late 19th and 20th centuries, particularly through works by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. Supporters of this theory point to similarities between the story of Jesus and the local legend of Yuz Asaf, the figure believed to be buried in the shrine.

The Theory of Yuz Asaf as Jesus

Some scholars, including Dr. Fida Hassnain, have argued that Yuz Asaf, the person believed to be buried at Rozabal, is indeed Jesus Christ. Dr. Hassnain, an archaeologist and religious scholar, cited footprints near the grave that appear to show crucifixion scars as evidence of this claim. The footprints are considered significant because of their unusual placement and the visible wound marks, which some believe resemble crucifixion injuries. This theory has led to extensive debates, with some visitors viewing it as compelling evidence, while others reject it entirely.

The Direction of the Tomb

Another element of the myth surrounding Rozabal is the direction of the tomb. The grave is aligned East-West, which differs from the traditional Muslim burial practice where the body faces the Qiblah (towards Mecca). This alignment is seen by some as proof that the tomb might belong to a Jewish figure, as ancient Jewish burials typically faced east-west, aligning with the theory that Jesus was buried at Rozabal. Proponents of the Jesus theory argue that this unusual positioning supports their claim, while others dismiss it as coincidental or irrelevant.

Miracles and Spiritual Significance

The Rozabal Shrine is also associated with numerous myths about miracles and spiritual power. Some claim that the shrine possesses healing powers and that those who visit the tomb or pray at the site experience divine blessings. These stories have fueled its popularity among believers, and it continues to draw pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual or physical healing.

Nearby Places

Dastgeer Sahib Shrine - Whispers of Devotion

Dargah Hazratbal Shrine - Sacred Grounds of Faith

Hamza Makhdoom Shrine - A Testament to Faith

Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi

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