Gaddi Nashin Duties at Mira Datar Dargah (Unava Sharif)

In the context of Sufi shrines (dargahs) in India, particularly at Hazrat Saiyed Ali Mira Datar Dargah in Unava (Unjha Sharif, Mehsana district, Gujarat), the Gaddi Nashin (also spelled Gaddi Nasheen or Sajjada Nashin) is the hereditary spiritual head, custodian, and key holder of the shrine. This prestigious role is passed down through generations within the direct descendants of the saint's family lineage—specifically from the elder brother of Hazrat Saiyed Ali Mira Datar (R.A.), as maintained for over 540 years (Islamic calendar).

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The term "Gaddi Nashin" (from Persian: "gaddi" meaning seat/throne, "nashin" meaning occupant) refers to the holder of the spiritual seat or position. At Mira Datar Dargah, family member are recognized as Gaddi Nashin or Sajjada Nashin in recent accounts), Saiyed Haji  & Saiyed  Miya serving as spiritual heads (Khadim/Chief Moallim) who oversee the shrine's affairs.

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Key Duties and Responsibilities of the Gaddi Nashin

Drawing from Sufi traditions (common across dargahs like Ajmer Sharif, Nizamuddin, and Mira Datar), the Gaddi Nashin's role combines spiritual leadership, administrative oversight, and facilitation of healing rituals. These duties ensure the shrine remains a living center of barakah (blessings) and tawassul (seeking nearness to Allah through the saint), while directing all power solely to Allah.

1. Custodianship and Maintenance of the Shrine

   • Act as the primary custodian (key holder) of the Mazar-e-Aqdas (holy tomb).

   • Oversee daily opening/closing of the inner sanctum (often after Azan), cleaning, and preservation of the sacred space.

   • Manage the overall upkeep of the dargah complex, including family mazars (11 additional tombs of relatives and attendants in the upper sanctum at Mira Datar).

2. Leading and Conducting Rituals

   • Perform or supervise key ceremonies, such as daily duas, loban (incense) sessions after Maghrib, chirag roshan (lamp lighting), and special prayers.

   • Head major events like Urs Mubarak (annual death anniversary on 29 Muharram), Eid, Muharram observances, and other auspicious occasions.

   • Facilitate spiritual healing (roohani ilaj) for devotees afflicted by black magic (kala jadu), jinn possession, evil spirits, mental/physical ailments, and other issues—often through rituals like tying red threads (kalava), offering chadar, rosewater, and guiding hajri (trance states).

3. Spiritual Guidance and Healing Oversight

   • Serve as the chief spiritual authority, providing counsel, performing special duas on behalf of pilgrims (including remote/live dua requests).

   • Assert the shrine's divine power for complete cure once a victim arrives, as emphasized by hereditary heads (e.g., "if the victim has reached here, he or she will definitely be cured").

4. Hospitality and Pilgrim Welfare

   • Arrange accommodation, langar (community food), and overall well-being for visitors (lakh annually from all faiths).

   • Saiyed Haji  & Saiyed  Miya  khadims/mujavirs (caretakers) who assist in guiding ziyarat (visitation), managing crowds, and maintaining discipline.

5. Administrative and Community Leadership

   • Head the shrine committee, resolving disputes, preserving traditions, and ensuring hereditary continuity.

   • Promote interfaith harmony, as the dargah welcomes Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others seeking relief.

Serene and powerful atmosphere at Mira Datar Dargah, where the Gaddi Nashin oversees rituals and devotee healing:

​Devotees in ziyarat and ritual spaces at the main shrine:

During evening prayers and Urs celebrations:

The Gaddi Nashin role at Mira Datar Dargah embodies the Chishti/Sufi ethos of service, protection, and tawhid—always emphasizing that all healing and blessings come from Allah alone, with the saint as a blessed conduit. For direct guidance or remote dua, contact hereditary khadims ( family numbers like +91 7893639434).

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May Allah accept all sincere efforts and grant shifa to those in need! 🤲