Built in Indo-Islamic architectural style with elements of Tamil influence, the dargah features a majestic five-tiered minaret (tower) which is visible from a great distance. The dargah complex includes several buildings, a tank, and the saint’s tomb, visited by both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Speciality
Symbol of communal harmony: Worshipped by people of all religions.
Annual Urs Festival: A 14-day event attracting thousands of devotees.
Five Golden Kalasams on the main dome are a unique feature.
Healing Belief: Devotees believe in the spiritual healing powers of the saint.
The Urs (death anniversary) of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed is celebrated with great devotion over 14 days.
It attracts pilgrims from all over India and beyond, featuring:
Processions
Special prayers
Religious discourses
Offering of sandalwood paste
The highlight of the festival is the 'Sandanakoodu' procession, where a beautifully decorated sandalwood pot is carried in a grand procession.
The dargah features five minarets, symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam:
The tallest 131-feet minaret, constructed by the Marathas.
The other minarets are smaller in height but equally grand in design.
The Shifa Gunta (sacred water tank) inside the dargah complex is believed to have healing properties.
The inner sanctum houses the tomb of the saint, where devotees offer prayers and seek blessings.
Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are easily available for commuting between Nagore Dargah and nearby towns.
The Nagore railway station is just 1.5 km away, and local transport is available from the station to the dargah.
The nearest major railway station is Nagapattinam (8 km away), which is well connected to Chennai, Trichy, and other parts of Tamil Nadu.
A wide range of lodging options are available in Nagore and Nagapattinam, including:
Budget hotels
Mid-range hotels
Pilgrim lodges
Dharamshalas
Luxury hotels in nearby cities like Karaikal and Velankanni
The region is famous for traditional South Indian cuisine, especially:
Idli, Dosa, Pongal, and Sambar
Seafood specialties (as Nagapattinam is a coastal town)
Biryani, especially Nagore-style mutton and chicken biryani
Street food options, including parottas, kebabs, and sweets
Many vegetarian and Halal-friendly restaurants are available for visitors.
Velankanni Basilica (10 km) – A famous Christian pilgrimage site.
Sikkal Singaravelan Temple (15 km) – Dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Thiruvarur Thyagaraja Temple (40 km) – One of the largest and oldest temples in TamilNadu.
Nagapattinam Beach (4 km) – A scenic coastal spot for relaxation.
Karaikal Beach (15 km) – A popular tourist destination in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (70 km) – A bird sanctuary and home to blackbucks.
The dargah area has many small shops selling:
Prayer caps, tasbih (prayer beads), and religious books
Incense sticks, attar (perfume), and sandalwood paste
Handicrafts, brassware, and traditional textiles
Seafood and spices from the Nagapattinam coast
Nagapattinam and Karaikal markets offer better shopping options for traditional Tamil Nadu handicrafts and silk sarees.
The ideal season to visit Nagore Dargah is between November and February, when the weather is pleasant.
Avoid the peak summer months (March to May) due to extreme heat.
Visiting during the Urs festival (October–November) provides a spiritually enriching experience.