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The historic Dastageer Sahib shrine in old Srinagar was gutted in a big blaze early Monday morning
As per latest reports the fire has now spread to some adjoining homes as well even though fire tenders were battling to control the blaze.
The two-century-old shrine located in the Khanyar locality of Srinagar was an epitome of Kashmir architecture laden with ornate Khatamband ceilings and elaborate carvings with grand chandeliers adorning the main prayer hall.
The shrine contained holy relics of the revered Muslim saint of Bhagdad, Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani. The shrine also housed the relics of other Muslim saints
The shrine is thronged by thousands of people from across the Valley on the annual Urs every year to observe the birth anniversary of the 11th century patron saint, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani.
Not only Muslims, the shrine has been an object of reverence for Kashmiri Pandits also.
The blaze in the second most revered shrine in Kashmir after Hazratbal is stated to have engulfed the adjacent new structures as well which included a mosque and the under construction additional extensional structure.
The blaze has sent shockwaves across Kashmir Valley and people were seen crying at the scene.
Police had a tough time in controlling the mob.
The fire tenders, which were rushed to the spot, tried their best to the control the blaze which has been raging even though the city was lashed with rains earlier in the morning.
Senior police officers, including state police chief K Rajendra, are at the spot.