Sheikh Salim Chisti Tomb - Jama Masjid - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 1 km from Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station, Sheikh Salim Chisti Tomb is situated within the Jama Masjid Complex in Fatehpur Sikri Fort of Uttar Pradesh.

Emperor Akbar built the tomb of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti in 1580-81, after the saint died in 1572. The saint Salim Chisti was a successor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti of Ajmer, and lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri. The mausoleum, constructed by Akbar as a mark of his respect for the Sufi saint, who foretold the birth of Akbar's son, who was named Prince Salim after the Sufi Saint and later succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire, as Jahangir.

When Salim Chisthi died, he was buried in the same Sikri complex where he once resided. A tomb was later commissioned that stands in the middle of the courtyard of the Jama Masjid in Sikri Fort. Originally it was built with red sandstone but was later converted in to a marble one in 1606 by Qutubuddin Khan Koka, on orders from Jahangir. Much later in 1866, a district magistrate of Agra replaced the plaster dome with white marble.

The tomb has been constructed on an elevated platform with a flight of five steps leading to the portico. The main tomb building is enclosed by delicate marble screens on all sides and the tomb is located in the center of the main hall, which has a single semicircular dome. The cenotaph is covered by a canopy made of ebony. The marble building is beautifully carved, and has an ivory-like appearance. The plinth is ornamented with mosaics of black and yellow marble arranged in geometric patterns. The door to the main chamber is intricately carved with attractive patterns inscriptions from the Quran. The floor of the chamber is paved with white marble, inlaid with stones of different colours.

People of different religions come in thousands to offer flowers and pray at the shrine. It is believed that tying a thread on the marble screens of the main tomb building serves as a constant reminder to the saint of their wishes. The Saint's Urs (death anniversary) is celebrated during winter with great devotion by his followers.

Complex Entry Fee: Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.260 for Foreigners.

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Friday.