Sheikh Noor ud-din Noorani or Sheikh ul-alam or Sahajanand was a famous Kashmiri mystic among the Kashmiris. He is considered to be the founder of the Rishi order in Kashmir. He was born in 1377AD in Kulgam district in the small village called Qaimoh (old name Katimusha).He decided upon renunciation after feeling disgusted with the worldly ways while acting as an apprentice to the couple of traders. He did start meditating in the caves when he was 30 years old and then lived in the wilderness for 12 years. It is said that during his last days he survived only on one cup of milk everyday and later reduced himself to water alone. Nund Rishi died at the age of 63 in 1440AD. The burial prayers were led by a divine or ‘Alim of the age, Makhdum Baba Usman Uchchap Ganai.
The tomb of Sheikh Nur-ud-din at Charari Sharief, a small town perched on a dry bare hill, 20 miles south west of Srinagar, is visited by pilgrims to the present day. It was during his time, he witnessed the change in the valley. Pandits were converted from Hindus to Muslims as many registered historic events conclude. The shrine of Sheikh-ul-Alam, in addition to the structure itself, comprises attached Khanqahs, inns for the pilgrims is a place of pilgrimage for Kashmiris of all communities. The shrine contains 600‑year‑old handmade Persian and Kashmir carpets, ancient objects and scrolls, some antique copies of the Quran, extremely precious cut-glass chandeliers etc.
