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Sheikh Hafiz Haji Hasan-al-Maroof Sultan Manghopir orPir Mangho (Sindhi andUrdu: خواجہ حسن سخی سلطان عرف منگھو پیر) is the popular name for 13th centurySufiPir Haji Syed Khawaja Hassan Sakhi Sultan. Sakhi Manghopir's proper name is Hasan and according to another version Kamaluddin. He was titled apir byBaba Farid, whose disciple he became.Pir Mangho Urs is celebrated in theIslamic month ofZil Hijjah. The settlement around his shrine has been namedManghopir and is part ofGadap Town inKarachi,Sindh,Pakistan.[1][2][3] Mangho Pir is called "Lala Jasraj" by theHindus.[4]
Balochis often call this place as 'Mangi' or Garm-aap / Sard-aap (due to the presence of the hot & cold springs).[5]
Pir Mangho meet the Sufi saintFariduddin Ganjshakar. He then went, to Ajudhan and presented himself to Sheikh Ganj Shakhar. In 662 AH (1263 or 1264 AD), he was admitted as a disciple in theChistiah order, and he became the 40th Khalifah/Caliph ofBaba Farid Ganjshakar. Based on the advice of Baba Farid, he went to Multan in 659 AH (1260 or 1261 AD). From there, he travelled to various places in the pursuit of spiritual attainment and then settled down in Manghopir where he carried out his missionary work.
Manghopir was a desolate place then; there he spent his days in prayer and seeking spiritual attainments. In ancient times this place is reported to have been the sacred place of the Hindus. With the presence of this saint at Manghopir, it became an attraction for the seekers of Oneness and Truth. Great luminaries of the spiritual world, such asBahauddin Zakariya,Lal Shahbaz Qalander,Jalaluddin Bokhari often visited Manghopir.
The ancient texts from the area mention this shrine and it is also mentioned in the writings of 19th century British colonialists. Some historians say that the crocodiles at the shrine's pond have been here for centuries.[6]
The crocodiles are an integral part of the shrine and are so tightly interwoven with the story of the saint that it is almost impossible to judge between fact & fiction. There are many traditions about myth of crocodiles, as if it is believed thatBaba Farid gave the reptiles to Manghopir. According to scientific explanations, these crocodiles were carried through some heavy floods, during ancient times and later gathered or collected at this pond. Archaeological investigations have also found the existence of a Bronze Age settlement (2500-1700 BC) at Manghopir, who worshipped crocodiles.[6][1]
This shrine has a very large pond and a sulphur spring. The pond has dozens of crocodiles who are regularly and traditionally fed by visitors to the shrine.[6]
There are hot and cold springs about a kilometer from the shrine. Warm water passing through thesulphur rocks is said to have some medicinal qualities. Many people with skin diseases regularly come from long distances to have a bath to cure them. There are separate swimming pools and shower rooms for men and women. Scientific analysis has shown that this warm water is naturally saturated withcarbon dioxide, besides containing some sulphur which is considered good for treating some skin diseases.[5]
Pir Mangho Urs (Urdu:عرس پیر منگھو) is an annual festival (urs) at the shrine ofSufi Pir Mangho atKarachi,Sindh,Pakistan. The urs marks the death anniversary of Pir Mangho and is held annually in the Islamic month ofDhu al-Hijjah. The Urs is entirely separate from the more widely knownSheedi Mela that is also held at the Manghopir shrine.[1][7]