Kamaluddin Yahya Maneri (Urdu: مخدوم کمال الدین یحییٰ منیری; Died 1323)[1] popularly known as Makhdoom Yahya Maneri was an Indian Sufisaint of the 13th century. His tomb is known as Badi Dargah, near a mosque located in Maner Sharif, 29 km from Patna, Bihar, India.[2]
Early life and education
Kamaluddin Yahya Maneri was born to Shaikh Imaduddin Israil Maneri, who came to India from Jerusalem in 1180 with their family.[3] Maneri's father Makhdoom Imaduddin Israil was the eldest son of Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi. His father and uncles settled in Maner which was later also called Maner Sharif.[4]
He married Bibi Raziya alias Badi Bua, daughter of Makhdoom Syed Shahabuddin Pir Jagjot and they had four sons and one daughter together including Sharfuddin Yahya Maneri.[5]
Death and legacy
Kamaluddin Yahya Maneri died in 1323 and was buried in Badi Dargah, Maner Sharif near the tomb of his father. The sacred shrine is known as Bari Dargah, while the mausoleum of one of his descendants, Makhdoom Shah Daulat Maneri is known as Chhoti Dargah which is nearby.
Badi Dargah has remained a place of pilgrimage for a long time. Notable visitors include Sikandar Lodi and the Mughal emperor Babar.
Among his descendants, Makhdoom Shah Daulat Maneri died in 1608. His mausoleum Chhoti Dargah was built by Ibrahim Khan Kakar, then Governor of Bihar, and completed in 1616. It is still known as an excellent example of Mughal architecture.[6]
Further reading
Encyclopaedia of Sufism (12 volumes edited by Masood Ali Khan and S. Ram) ISBN81-261-1311-1
The Life and Teaching of Sufi Saint Hazrat Shaikh Sharafuddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri (Rah A) by Syed Sadrul Hasan (Bazm-I- Firdausia Trust, Karachi)
