Hijron Ka Khanqah: A Hidden Oasis of Spirituality Mehrauli Archeological Park
Nestled within Delhi’s historical landscape, Hijron Ka Khanqah is a sanctuary of acceptance and spirituality for the transgender community. Located near the tomb of Sufi saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, this sacred place symbolizes the evolving narrative of transgender lives in Delhi. Within its serene confines, the transgender community finds solace and support, championing their rights, fostering acceptance, and advocating for gender equality. The Khanqah serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of inclusivity and empowerment, where the challenges faced by transgender individuals are being addressed and where they are forging their own path towards a more equitable and diverse Delhi.
Delhi Tour Guide Harry
One such hidden gem in the history of Delhi is the Hijron Ka Khanqah, a way of connecting the transgender community with spirituality. Located near the tomb of Sufi saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, this Khanqah is a special place for Kinnars. Even the people living nearby do not know much about it, as it remains a lesser-known monument at side of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, were historically known as places of spiritual retreat for all kinds of devotees, including members of the royal and aristocracy, as well as common people. Sufis organized communities around Khanqahs, controlled by a spiritual teacher known as a sheikh, pir, or murshid. Adjacent to dargahs, mosques, and madrasas, these resting places for travelers were designed for religious purposes where people discussed spiritual matters, sought blessings from the saints, or participated in music and dance sessions.
The Hijron Ka Khanqah is an Islamic monument, also known as the “Sufi spiritual retreat for Hijras.” Eunuchs come here in groups or alone to pray and offer flowers. Most of them visit on Thursdays for prayers. The complex includes a mosque that is well maintained by the eunuchs themselves. Entering the memorial complex through a narrow gate, visitors can climb the marble steps to a large courtyard overlooking the white tombs. Adjacent to the tombs is a small platform, and the tombs are closed to the west by a walled mosque in the direction of prayer.
Among the many white-painted tombs of Hijaras or eunuchs, the main tomb dedicated to veneration is said to be that of a eunuch named Mian Sahib. The Hijron Ka Khanqah offers a quiet atmosphere, where some eunuchs of Delhi were buried during the Lodi dynasty. It is a monument that speaks of the inclusivity of the past, where people of all genders and backgrounds were welcome to seek spirituality and community.
