Burhan Nazir
Pulwama, Aug 21 (KB): The annual Urs of the revered Sufi saint Soch Kral was observed with great reverence today in the Inder area of Pulwama, South Kashmir.
Devotees from various parts of the region gathered at the saint’s shrine to participate in ongoing prayers, zikr (remembrance of God), and sessions of Sufi poetry, which continue to echo through the valley.
According to details collected by the news agency—Kashmir Bulletin (KB), locals along with visitors from different parts of the valley thronged for the Urs Mubarak of the Sufi saint as the atmosphere was resonating with religious chants.
Local residents expressed their deep spiritual connection with the saint. Ghulam Nabi, a long-time devotee, shared, “Every year, we come here to honor Soch Kral’s legacy. His teachings and poetry are still alive in our hearts. This Urs is not just a tradition, but a reminder of the spiritual path he illuminated for us.”
Another devotee, Mushtaq Ahmad, mentioned, “Soch Kral’s teachings emphasize the importance of inner purity and devotion. Even today, people come here seeking solace and spiritual guidance.”
It is recalled that Soch Kral, who was born in 1782 in the village of Inder, Pulwama, was a potter by profession. Known for his simple life devoted to spirituality, monotheism, and mysticism, he left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of Kashmir. He was the son of the Sufi poet Arif Kral and a disciple of the esteemed Kashmiri poet Momin Sahab R.A.
Soch Kral is believed to have migrated to the village of Devsar in the Anantnag district, where his descendants are said to reside. Though his life was marked by simplicity, his spiritual journey was profound. He married but eventually divorced his wife, and he passed away on 29 November 1854 in his birthplace, Inder.—(KB)
