The Djinns of Feroz Shah Kotla: The Belief That Keeps Delhi’s Fort Alive

Tucked between Old and New Delhi stands the 14th-century Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, a grand structure built in 1354 by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq. Once a thriving seat of power, with palaces, gardens, mosques, and a famous Ashokan pillar, the fort now carries a reputation far beyond its stone walls, it is home to one of the city’s most intriguing legends: the djinns of Kotla.

A Fort with a Past

Built in 1354 by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq, the fort once stood as a symbol of power. It had palaces, gardens, mosques, and even a madrasa, all nestled along the Yamuna to solve a water crisis that forced rulers to abandon Tughlakabad. Today, what remains are silent walls, an Ashokan pillar, and an aura of mystery.

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The Rise of a Belief

Strangely, the association of djinns with Kotla isn’t centuries old, it gained momentum after 1977, right after the Emergency. People began visiting the fort, believing it to be a haven for benevolent spirits who could listen, guide, and grant wishes.

Djinns as Listeners

In Islamic tradition, djinns are beings created from smokeless fire, neither angel nor human, yet capable of immense power. At Kotla, they are revered as compassionate saints, believed to descend every Thursday to listen to people’s pleas, whether about financial woes, family disputes, or matters of the heart.

Letters to the Invisible

On Thursdays, the fort comes alive. Visitors arrive with handwritten petitions called shikwa (Complaints), pinning them to walls and tucking them into crevices, hoping their words reach the unseen. Some even return for seven consecutive Thursdays to increase their chances of divine intervention.

More than Wishes

For some, Kotla is also a place of exorcism. Believers say evil spirits can be driven out here, under the watch of djinns who protect the afflicted. It’s a mix of faith, folklore, and ritual that defies modern logic, yet continues to thrive.
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A Living Dargah

Within the fort lies the so-called Jinn Dargah, where candles are lit and prayers whispered. It’s not a conventional shrine, but for many, it’s where earthly problems meet otherworldly solutions.

History and the Supernatural

While the stories of djinns may divide skeptics and believers, the fort itself is a living museum. Alongside the dargah dedicated to djinn-saints, you’ll find medieval architecture, underground cells, a stepwell, and the timeless Ashokan pillar, an unusual fusion of history, mythology, and faith.

Why Visit?

Beyond the legends, the fort itself is worth exploring. Its baoli (stepwell), secret chambers, and Ashoka’s ancient pillar make it a fascinating walk through time. Add to that the quietude of the place, and it’s a refreshing break from Delhi’s chaos.

The Mystery Lives On

Over 650 years old, Feroz Shah Kotla still captures imaginations. Some see ruins, others see faith at work. But one thing is certain, the djinns of Kotla keep the fort alive in ways no history book ever could.

Best time to go? Late afternoons, around 4:30 PM, when the fort glows in soft evening light and the whispers of history feel closest.