Sheikh Hafiz Haji Hasan-al-Maroof Sultan Manghopir or Pir Mangho is the popular name for SufiPir Haji Syed Khawaja Hassan Sakhi Sultan. Sakhi Sultan Manghopir's proper name is Hasan and according to another version Kamaluddin. He was titled a pir by Baba Farid, whose disciple he became. Pir Mangho Urs is celebrated in the Islamic month of Zil Hijjah. The settlement around his shrine has been named Manghopir and is part of Gadap Town in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Balochs often call this place as 'Mangi' or Garm-aap / Sard-aap.
Background
Originally, he was an Arab and a descendant of Ali ibn Abi Talib. He is a Hassani from the mother's side and Husaini and meet Fariduddin Ganjshakar. He then went, to Ajudhan and presented himself to Sheikh Ganj Shakher. In 662 AH he was admitted as a disciple in the Chistiah order, and he became the 40th Khalifah/Caliph of Baba Farid Ganjshakar. Based on the advice of Baba Farid Saheb he went to Multan in 659 AH. From there he travelled to various places in the pursuit of spiritual attainment and then settled down in Manghopir where he carried out his missionary work. Manghopir was a desolate place then; there he spent his days in prayer and seeking spiritual attainments. In ancient times this place is reported to have been the sacred place of the Hindus. With the presence of this saint at Manghopir, it became an attraction for the seekers of Oneness and Truth. Great luminaries of the spiritual world, such as Bahauddin Zakariya, Lal Shahbaz Qalander, Jalaluddin Bokhari often visited Manghopir.
Crocodiles
The crocodiles are an integral part of the shrine and are so tightly interwoven with the story of the saint that it is almost impossible to judge between fact & fiction. There are many traditions about myth of crocodiles, as if it is believed that Baba Farid gave the reptiles to Manghopir. According to scientific explanations, these crocodiles were carried through some heavy floods, during ancient times and later gathered or collected at this pond. Archaeological investigations have also suggested the existence of a Bronze Age settlement near Manghopir, who worshipped crocodiles and before the advent of Islam crocodiles were also thought sacred for Hindus.
There are hot and cold springs about a kilometer from the shrine. Warm water passing through the sulphur rocks is said to have some medicinal qualities. Many people with skin diseases regularly come from long distances to have a bath to cure them. There are separate swimming pools and shower rooms for men and women. Scientific analysis has shown that this warm water is naturally saturated with carbon dioxide, besides containing some sulphur.
Pir Mangho Urs
Pir Mangho Urs is an annual festival at the shrine of Sufi Pir Mangho at Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. The urs marks the death anniversary of Pir Mangho and is held annually in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Urs entirely separate from the more widely known Sheedi Mela that is also held at the Manghopir shrine.
