The Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya stands in the old city of Multan and is one of the oldest surviving Suhrawardiyya Sufi shrines in Punjab, built in the early 13th century for the saint Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya. The structure is a square brick tomb topped by an octagonal drum and a low dome, decorated with glazed blue and white tile bands, geometric brickwork, and carved wooden doors, all characteristic of Multan's distinctive shrine architecture. Visitors pass through a walled courtyard used for daily prayers and gatherings before reaching the inner chamber housing the saint's grave, which is draped in cloth offerings (chadars) brought by pilgrims. A visit typically takes 30-45 minutes, covering the courtyard, the exterior tilework, and the inner chamber if open to non-devotees. The tilework and brick patterning are best appreciated in late afternoon light, when the low sun brings out the blue glaze against the brick facade. The shrine draws steady local pilgrim traffic year-round, with the largest crowds during the annual Urs festival marking the saint's death anniversary, when qawwali performances and processions fill the courtyard for several days. Outside the Urs period, weekday mornings and early afternoons are noticeably quieter than evenings, when local families and pilgrims gather after the day's heat has eased.
| Admission | Free entry |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; visiting is generally daytime through evening |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon, avoiding the peak midday heat of Multan |
| Getting there | In the old city area of Multan, a short rickshaw ride from Multan Fort and Multan Cantt railway station |
| Address | Shrine Rd, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan |
Weather through the year in Punjab
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Punjab.
Location
Shrine Rd, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
30.2006, 71.4764 View on map
Highlights
- 13th-century Suhrawallardiyya Sufi shrine, among Multan's oldest
- Glazed blue-and-white tile bands over patterned brickwork
- Inner chamber housing the tomb of Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya
- Courtyard used for daily prayers and pilgrim gatherings
- Annual Urs festival with qawwali music and processions
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly; women should cover their hair before entering the courtyard
- Remove shoes before stepping onto the courtyard tiles and inner chamber floor
- Visit in late afternoon for the best light on the tiled facade and cooler temperatures
- Expect large crowds during the Urs festival; visit on an ordinary day for a quieter experience
- Small donations toward the shrine's upkeep are customary but not compulsory
- A local guide from the old city can help explain the shrine's history and Sufi traditions
When to visit
Late afternoon gives the best light on the tilework and avoids the peak midday heat common in Multan; the shrine is busiest during the annual Urs festival.
Accessibility
The courtyard is paved and mostly level, but the shrine's entrances have raised thresholds and there are no dedicated ramps, so mobility-impaired visitors may need assistance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the shrine take?
Around 30-45 minutes is enough to see the courtyard, exterior tilework and the inner tomb chamber.
Is photography allowed at the shrine?
General photography of the courtyard and exterior is usually fine, but visitors should ask before photographing people at prayer or the tomb chamber directly.
Is the shrine interesting for children?
It can be, particularly the tilework and courtyard atmosphere, though the religious setting calls for quiet, respectful behavior.