Lal Ded: In Connection with Sufism in Kashmir

Abstract: Lal Ded/Lalleshwari has been the soul of the syncritic culture of Kashmiri society, who contributed a lot in weaving the socio-cultural ethos of Kashmir. At the same time the advent of Sufism in the valley also affected the life and condition of people of Kashmir. This paper exclusively investigates the connection of Lalla with Sufism, on the basis of legends and folk lores. In this paper the historiographical approach towards Lalla along with the documentation of her Vaakhs is discussed to examine authenticity of the writings and legends about Lal Ded. The life of Lal Ded is also studied in order to map the psyche behind the spiritual inspiration of Lalla. The influence of Sufism on Lalleshwari is investigated with special reference of Rishis and Kubrawi orders of Sufism. Her interactions with the prominent characters of Sufism in Kashmir, i.e., Nund Rishi and Sayed Ali Hamdani, is also discussed in brief to trace the bilateral ideological influence on each other. Moreover, the famous legends regarding the life and spirituality of Lalla is given in last to interpret the socio-cultural essence of the legend.