A Shrine Solely Managed By Women

Thousands of shrines, big and small are spread in the rural areas of Pakistan that have their own history and associated legends. But the shrine of Mai Noor Un Nisa Begum in Dhoke Sahi village near Dina is unique in its past and present. Like other shrines, thousands of devotees come to celebrate saint's union with his beloved Allah. But what the unusual is that for whom the devotees come here is a woman, called Mai Sahiba. The shrine of Mai Sahiba is managed by a staff of women who live on the premises. The shrine is the center of cultural and religious life in Dhoke Sahi and neighbouring villages. A courtyard for women and residential rooms adjoin another courtyard and lodging rooms reserved for men. In the larger outer courtyard two peacocks strut about in a large birdcage. The shrine fulfills the social and religious functions for the women of the area. Each day dozens of women bring their worries to the shrine, some get relief and others hopes in the vows they make here at the feet of Mai Sahiba. The mausoleum is called home for the women abondoned by their families. These women have dedicated their days to the service of Mai Sahiba. The women share their family troubles and receive prayers and blessings from Mai Hameeda and Mai Rasheeda, the caretaker of the shrine.

The shrine like others receive million of rupees as donations that are spent on the upkeep and to finance the "Langar" ( combine foods) to feed the visitors. Mai Sahiba was not born in any pir family but a landowning Awaan family of the village. From the very young age she had inclination to 'Sufism' and she got out of home and spent days in 'Chillas' ( meditation).