Baba Payam ud Din Reshi

Baba Rishi c. 1411 – c. 1480; born Payam ud-Din, was a revered 15th-century Sufi saint from Kashmir. Born in 1411 CE in Chander-nau-gaon, near Ganderbal, he was the son of a nobleman serving in the court of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. Initially living a life of luxury, Baba Reshi experienced a spiritual awakening after observing ants diligently gathering food for the winter, prompting him to contemplate the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of the afterlife.

Motivated by this reflection, he renounced his wealth and status, he went to Nund Rishi for guidance and was sent to train with Baba Shukur-ud-Din Wali who told him to get water from Wular Lake to the top of Sharikot Hill for 2 years, after his training with Baba Shukur ud-Din Wali was done, he directed him to go to Sakhi Zain al-Din Wali for further training in Aishmuquam. After completing his spiritual training, Baba Reshi was directed by Sakhi Zain al-Din Wali to move to Ramboh village in Baramulla district, where he dedicated himself to prayer and meditation, attracting followers with his piety and wisdom. He spent the remainder of his life in the forested area near Tangmarg, dying in 1480 CE.

Babareshi is also the name of a village, forest area, tourist and religious place in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is named after the Sufi saint Baba Payam ud din Reshi.

It is located a few kilometres from Tangmarg and near the hill station Gulmarg.

History