Hazrat Sayyid Abdurrahman bin Muhammed bin Alawi Al-Mulla Al-Bukhar Varakkal Thangal”,”The coastal air of Kozhikode carries a profound sense of serenity at this seaside sanctuary where the waves seem to pay homage to the scholar-saint. As the founding figure of the Samastha Kerala Jam-iyyathul Ulama, this shrine represents the pinnacle of Shafi’i scholarship and spiritual authority in Malabar.”,”Enter with deep reverence from the sea-facing entrance and recite Surah Al-Fatiha. It is customary to maintain silence to respect the scholarly atmosphere of the precinct.”,”20th Century CE (British Raj Era)”,”Ba ‘Alawiyya”,”Thursday evenings and the annual Urs in the month of Ramadan”
Nestled in the heart of Kozhikode, this sacred shrine radiates an atmosphere of profound tranquility. The air is perfumed with rose attar as devotees gather in quiet contemplation. The white marble courtyard glistens under the sun, while the melodious sounds of qawwali create a celestial ambiance. Pilgrims of all faiths come here seeking spiritual solace, tying threads of hope on the ornate jaalis. The dargah stands as a testament to Chishti Order, welcoming humanity regardless of creed or background.
Shamsul Ulama Varakkal Thangal
"Varakkal Maqam (Dargah Varakkal Mullakoya Thangal)","Qutb-ul-Zaman Shams-ul-Ulama Al-Habib Sayyid Abdurahman Bin Muhammad Ba-Alawi Varakkal Mullakoya Thangal (R.A)","Located on the serene coastal stretch of Varakkal in Kozhikode, the shrine of Varakkal Thangal is a beacon of spiritual gravity and Malabar heritage. The atmosphere is uniquely tranquil, where the rhythmic sound of Arabian Sea waves harmonizes with the constant recitation of Salawat. The architecture is traditionally Keralite, with sloping roofs and wooden carvings, surrounded by the scent of Oudh and fresh sea air. Pilgrims find profound solace in the 'barakah' of this site, which served as the intellectual and spiritual capital for the preservation of Sunni-Shafi'i traditions in India for nearly a century.","Born 1840 CE in Puthiyangadi, Kozhikode. Received khilafat from his father and local masters. Founded Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama in 1926. Passed away 1932 CE (17 Sha'ban 1351 AH).","Ba-Alawiyya (Alawiyya Sada)","Thursday nights after Maghrib for community dhikr and Salawat. Annual Urs: 17th of Sha'ban (Hijri calendar), attracting scholars from across South Asia. Best visited during the early morning hours for the coastal spiritual aura.","Sayyid Varakkal Mullakoya Thangal was born in 1840 into the illustrious Ba-Alawi family of Puthiyangadi, a lineage tracing directly to the Prophet (SAW). His father, Sayyid Muhammed Ba-Alawi, was a saintly scholar who initiated his early training. The Thangal mastered Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, and uniquely for his time, learned English through interactions with British officials in Calicut. He was a pivotal figure who bridged the gap between traditional Sufi spirituality and organized communal leadership. In 1926, sensing the threat to traditional Sunni orthodoxy (Ahl-us-Sunnah), he convened the historic meeting at Calicut Town Hall to found the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, serving as its first President. His life was defined by 'Zuhd' (asceticism) and strict adherence to Sharia. He was a counselor to the Arakkal Royal family and a father figure to the Malabar Muslim community during the turbulent 1921 rebellion and its aftermath. He passed away on December 16, 1932, and was buried at his residence in Varakkal, which became a site of continuous pilgrimage.","
Adab (Etiquette):
Enter with right foot first, reciting Bismillah. Cover your head as a sign of respect. It is customary to offer rose petals at the entrance. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha once, followed by Surah Al-Ikhlas three times. Maintain silence inside the main sanctum. Women should cover their heads with a dupatta or scarf. It is recommended to visit the nearby mosque first before approaching the shrine. Enter the Maqam through the main eastern gate with the right foot, reciting 'Bismillah'. It is recommended to perform wudu using the traditional mosque pond (hauz). Visitors typically offer white jasmine flowers or pure rose water. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (1x), Surah Ikhlas (3x), and the specific Ba-Alawi litany 'Wird al-Latif' if known; otherwise, Salawat (11x). Prohibitions include loud conversation or taking photos inside the inner sanctum. It is a tradition to sit facing the Qibla after ziyarat for silent contemplation. Tabarruk usually consists of sweet rice or light snacks distributed after the Isha prayers on special nights.","
His central teaching was the indivisibility of Sharia and Tariqa, famously stating: 'The Tariqa is the kernel, but the Sharia is the protective shell; without the shell, the kernel rots.' He emphasized: (1) Absolute adherence to the four Madhhabs of Fiqh. (2) The necessity of 'Adab' (etiquette) towards the Prophet (SAW) and the Awliya. (3) Defense of traditional practices like Mawlid and Ziyarat as essential expressions of love. (4) The importance of religious education alongside modern knowledge to protect the youth from spiritual deviance. He advised seekers to prioritize the purification of the heart ('Tasfiyat al-Qalb') through constant Dhikr and service to humanity. He viewed the spiritual hierarchy (Qutbs and Abdals) as the secret pillars holding society together.","Did not author large volumes (oral tradition and legal decrees). Attributed works include various 'Fatwas' (legal rulings) and spiritual instructions compiled by disciples.
"Prophet Muhammad (SAW) → Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A) → Husayn ibn Ali (R.A) → Ali Zain al-Abidin → Muhammad al-Baqir → Ja'far al-Sadiq → Ahmad al-Muhajir → Al-Faqih al-Muqaddam → Abdurahman Bin Muhammad Ba-Alawi (Varakkal Thangal)","Pangil Ahmed Kutty Musliyar, Abdul Bari Musliyar, K.M. Moulavi (initially), and the collective founding 'Shura' of Samastha Kerala."
His biography and lineage are documented in 'Tuluh-ush-Shamsi' (The Rising of the Sun) by contemporary scholars.","(1) The Barrier of the Sea: Once, during a severe coastal storm, the sea threatened to submerge the local settlement. The Thangal stood at the shore, made a specific supplication, and drew a line in the sand with his staff; the waves famously refused to cross that line for decades. (2) Knowledge of the Unseen (Kashf): A traveler once came to him having lost a bag of gold. Before the man spoke, the Thangal described the exact tree and the hole in its trunk where the bag was hidden. (3) Healing Touch: A paralyzed man was brought to his presence; after the Thangal applied his saliva (Tabarruk) to the man's legs and prayed, the man walked home unaided. (4) Post-death: Fishermen in the Arabian Sea report that during storms, the light from the Varakkal Maqam guides them safely to shore when all other lights fail.",
- Address
- Kozhikode
Who is the saint at Shamsul Ulama Varakkal Thangal?
The shrine is dedicated to Shamsul Ulama Varakkal Thangal, associated with the Ba Alawi order.
When is the best time to visit?
It is generally recommended to visit on Thursday evenings or during the annual Urs celebration.
How do I reach the shrine?
It is located in Kozhikode.