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Farid-ud-din Ganj Shakar

12th-century Punjabi Sunni Muslim preacher and mystic, also known as Baba Farid

Hazrat Sheikh Farīd-ud-dīn Mas'ūd Ganj Shakar (4 April, 11797 May, 1266), commonly known as Baba Farid Ganjshakar (Punjabi, lit: 'Treasury of Sugar/Sweetness'), was a renowned Sufi preacher, mystic poet and saint of the Chishti Order of South-central Asia.[1]

Famous 'Baab Jannat' doorway Hazrat Baba Farid shrine at Pakpattan

Fariduddin Ganjshakar is generally recognized as the first major poet of the Punjabi language, and is considered one of the pivotal saints of the Punjab and indeed, one of the Panj Peers, or five main/great saints of South Asia. Revered equally by Muslims and Hindus, he is also considered one of the fifteen Sikh bhagats. Selections from his work are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture.

His world-famous shrine is located in Pakpattan, in present-day Punjab (Pakistan). It was built in 1267.[1] Each year during the Islamic month of Muharram, special festivities are held there and pilgrims from many countries come to visit.


  1. 1.0 1.1 Mohammad Vazeeruddin (29 April, 2010). "Tales From The Past: Mystic Vision of Baba Farid". Policy Research Group. Retrieved 21 November 2014. Check date values in: |date= (help)