A towering octagonal Sufi shrine of brick and glazed tile, rising above the Qasim Bagh fort mound and the rooftops of the City of Saints.
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The Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam is the most striking landmark in Multan, a massive octagonal tomb that dominates the old city's skyline. Its tapering brick walls are banded with glazed tile in shades of blue, turquoise and white, and its great dome can be seen from many parts of the city. It is both a living Sufi shrine and one of the finest surviving examples of Tughlaq architecture in the subcontinent.
It was built in the early fourteenth century and is dedicated to Shah Rukn-e-Alam, a revered Suhrawardi Sufi saint whose teachings and charity drew followers from across the region. Over the centuries the shrine has survived wars, floods and neglect, and it has been repaired and restored many times. Today it remains a place of prayer, quiet reflection and devotion, and it is a highlight of any journey through Multan. It has also been recognised as one of Pakistan's most important heritage monuments.
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Also known as the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam or Mazar Shah Rukn-e-Alam, it is dedicated to Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh, known as Shah Rukn-e-Alam, a leading Suhrawardi Sufi saint and the grandson of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya. It was built in the early 14th century during the Tughlaq period, commonly dated to the 1320s, in Tughlaq-era baked brick with glazed blue and turquoise tilework and carved timber. The octagonal tomb is crowned by a large dome on a raised platform, standing roughly 35 m for the tomb itself and about 51 m in total including the platform and dome.
The tomb stands on a high platform within the Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh area, and visitors approach it through the shrine complex. Inside, the octagonal chamber holds the grave of the saint beneath the great dome.
The octagonal tomb: An eight-sided structure with sloping walls and corner turrets, a design closely linked to the Tughlaq style.
The dome: A large, rounded dome, among the biggest in the region, rising above the tomb chamber.
Glazed tilework: Bands of blue, turquoise and white tile set into the brick, which glow in the late afternoon sun.
Carved timber and brick detail: Wooden beams and brick patterns that reinforce the structure and add decoration.
The inner chamber: A calm, quiet space where devotees offer prayers and recite verses.
Courtyard and mosque area: Open spaces around the tomb where visitors rest and pray.
Views from the fort mound: The raised ground gives wide views of the old city and nearby shrines.
Nearby shrine of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya: Just a short walk away, linked by the same Sufi lineage.
Late afternoon is especially beautiful, when the tiles take on deeper colours and the dome catches the warm light.
Multan is well connected by air (Multan International Airport), by rail (Multan Cantt Railway Station) and by motorway and highway from Lahore, Faisalabad, Karachi and Islamabad.
From most parts of Multan, the shrine is about 15 to 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Take a taxi, rickshaw or ride-hailing service to Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh. Parking is limited, especially on Fridays, Thursday evenings and the days of the Urs.
Leave your shoes at the shoe stand, cover your head if required, and walk up to the shrine.
November to February
Cool, pleasant days, ideal for long visits. The best time to go.
March to April
Mild weather and clear skies. Very comfortable for sightseeing.
May to August
Extremely hot, with strong sun. Visit early morning or near sunset.
July to September
Hot and humid with occasional rain. Check the weather and carry an umbrella.
October
Warm days and cooler evenings. Pleasant and less crowded.
Travel smart
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Be quiet, respectful and mindful of worshippers.
Access can be limited during prayers and on special days, so confirm before you go.
Cover shoulders and knees. Women should carry a dupatta or scarf to cover their heads.
Use the shoe stand at the entrance and keep your token safe.
The floor and platform can get very hot in the sun, and Multan is one of the hottest cities in Pakistan.
Morning and late afternoon are cooler and better for photos.
These are the busiest times.
Photography inside the tomb chamber may be restricted, and tripods, drones and commercial shoots may need permission.
Do not photograph people at prayer without permission.
Use official donation boxes, and be cautious of anyone pressuring you for money.
The old city is crowded, so watch your bags and phones.
Small vendors and food stalls nearby may not accept cards.
Confirm shoe-storage, guide and rickshaw rates before you start.
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Explore Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Punjab and get directions easily.
Punjab
He was a revered Suhrawardi Sufi saint of Multan and the grandson of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya. His shrine is among the most important in the region.
Let us plan your Multan trip while you enjoy the shrines, the blue tilework and the Sufi heritage of the City of Saints.
