visiting the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai

The self is a veil over yourself; listen and mark this well. It is existence that stands in the way of union.
-Shah Abdul Latif

Hi guys. I hope you all are fine. This #weekend-engagement topic is interesting as well. I would like to shed some light on a place that holds both historical and cultural importance for me and for my people. I am talking about the shrine of one of the greatest poets, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai.

I happened to visit this place recently on a weekend which makes it relevant as well. Shah Latif was born in 1690 and died in 1752 in present day Sindh province of Pakistan. He was not educated like great poets and scholars are. Still, he had three books always by his side; Holy Quran, Book of Rumi and the book of his great grand father.

This place has a very different and spiritual vibe to it. I started feeling light headed when I entered there with my friends. Shah Latif had written a book compiling of thousands of poetries ranging from sufism to women empowerment. What amazes me is that he was not a well versed person yet his poetry is still relevant and impactful.

So many Western scholars have done Ph.D on his poetry during the British colonial period. The way his poetry is composed and organized is also astounding. His poetry is sung and revered everyday as a tribute on his shrine. It is called Waai in local langurage. I would have shared his poetry but It is written in local language in a refined way which makes the translation very difficult. He has often been compared to Thomas Carlyle and others like.

This shrine is located in Matiari district of Sindh around 300 kilometers away from where I live. It was built during late 1700s. I have held my hands to show regards and tribute to the great poet as a cultural and religious sign. My experience was just so sublime.

Thank you so much for your time and support. Do share your thoughts and views so that we can interact together.

Ps: The pictures are mine taken with my Google pixel.