Introduction
Hazrat Khwaja Nasiruddin Mahmud Chishti (رحمت اللہ علیہ), lovingly remembered as Chirag-e-Delhi —“The Illuminated Lamp of Delhi”—stands as one of the last great torchbearers of the Chishti Order in Delhi. A disciple and the chosen successor (khalifa) of the legendary Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (رحمت اللہ علیہ), he carried forward the light of spiritual wisdom, poetry, and compassion in the 14th century.
Early Life & Lineage
Born in 1274 CE in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, Hazrat Nasiruddin came from a noble family of Sayyids tracing their ancestry to Khorasan in north-eastern Iran. His father, Syed Yahya, was a trader in fine pashmina, while his grandfather, Syed Abdul Latif, migrated first to Lahore and later settled in Ayodhya.
Orphaned at a young age after the passing of his father, he was lovingly nurtured by his mother. His earliest education was under the guidance of eminent scholars such as Maulana Abdul Karim Sherwani and Maulana Iftikharuddin Gilani, who grounded him in the sciences of both intellect and spirit.
Journey to Delhi & Spiritual Ascent
At the age of forty, Hazrat Nasiruddin journeyed from Ayodhya to Delhi, where he entered the blessed company of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (رحمت اللہ علیہ). Under his revered master’s training, he perfected the path of tasawwuf (Sufism), embodying humility, asceticism, and service to humanity.
After the passing of Hazrat Nizamuddin, he was chosen as his spiritual heir, thus becoming the central figure of the Chishti Order in Delhi. His luminous presence and piety earned him the enduring title Chirag-e-Delhi —a lamp that lit the hearts of seekers for generations.
A Saint & Poet
Beyond his spiritual leadership, Hazrat Chirag-e-Delhi was also a poet of deep sensitivity, composing in the Persian language. His verses reflect the refinement of his heart, steeped in love for Allah and His creation. Through poetry, sermons, and the silent radiance of his presence, he nurtured countless disciples.
Disciples & Legacy
Among his many disciples, the most celebrated was Khwaja Bande Nawaz Gesu Daraz (رحمت اللہ علیہ), who later carried the Chishti flame to the Deccan. After migrating during the invasion of Timur, Khwaja Bande Nawaz eventually settled in Gulbarga (Karnataka), where his shrine today remains a major spiritual center of South India.
Final Days & Resting Place
Hazrat Khwaja Nasiruddin Mahmud Chishti left this world in 1356 CE (17th Ramadan, 757 AH) at the age of 82. He rests in what is now called Chirag-e-Delhi, a neighborhood in South Delhi that continues to carry his blessed name. His Dargah remains a place of solace, where devotees gather to draw inspiration from the saint whose light never dimmed.
His Timeless Message
Hazrat Chirag-e-Delhi’s life reminds us that spiritual illumination is not confined to the heart of the seeker—it spreads like a lamp, guiding entire communities. His legacy embodies humility, devotion, and service, carrying the fragrance of the Chishti path through centuries.
The Lamp of Delhi still shines—through remembrance, through poetry, and through the hearts of those who walk the path of love and surrender.