It is the shrine of the Muslim Sufi saint, Nizamud-din Chishti, who died in 1325. Situated across the road from Humayun's tomb, it is one of several interesting tombs here. Other tombs include the later grave of Jahanara - the daughter of Shah Jahan, Amir Khusru - a renowned Urdu poet, Atgah Khan - a favorite of Humayun and Akbar. It's worth visiting the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as it is a popular time for worship, and qawwali singers start performing after the evening prayers. On the outskirts of the historic Indraprastha, an ensemble of medieval riches awaits you. The place is Hazart Nizamuddin, and the basti (settlement) which came up around the dargah (shrine) is where the Sufi Saint rests in peace. Every year an ‘Urs’ is held to celebrate the memory of one whose mysticism was not esoteric. This is the reason why the common masses then and now call him the Mahboob-e-llahi (beloved of the Gods).

Hazrat Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya was born in 634 A.H. At the age of 25 he came to Delhi where he later became a disciple of the well-known saint Baba Farid Ganjshakar. After his death, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya was buried directly in front of the Jama'at Khana Mosque. One of the most exquisite and delicate art treasures within the Dargah Sharif is the seldom seen wooden canopy inlaid with mother-of-pearl standing over the grave of Hazrat Nizamuddin. Here is the legend of a saint who was discovered by his most illustrious disciple, poet-philosopher Amir Khusrau. It is the oral tradition in history, which helped in imparting to Nizamuddin Aulia this aura. The old timers in the basti, surrounded by a concrete jungle, have inherited this oral tradition handed to them though generation. During the heady days of the Urs, which is a festival of mausiqui (music), qawwals (singers of qawalis) display their vocal talents for one whole week. The dargah is visited by at least 1000 people everyday right through the year. It is one of the better-preserved monuments in the city, for which credit must be given to those nameless officials of the Archaeological Survey of India who are charged with the responsibility of maintaining it.

The 14th century Chishti Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya was legendary for his generosity, humanitarianism, wit, and personal frugality. At the langar of his residence, the dargah, excellent food was served each day to all visitors. His compassion was reflected in the khanqah's rules, which preserved the dignity of all who ate there. Although large stores of food were needed to feed the stream of guests, the Shaikh wished to cultivate an atmosphere of tawakkul (trust in God) and acceptance of God's will. Therefore, food was distributed almost as soon as it arrived, and the stores were swept and cleared out every Friday morning. Shaikh Nizamuddin often went on fast, and always ate sparingly, usually no more than a small loaf or portion of bread at iftar, with bitter vegetables or rice. At meals he would offer morsels from his plate to all at the table. He vicariously enjoyed the delicious food and drinks relished by his disciples and guests. One day a visitor to the khanqah, seeing the quality of food served, asked to dine with the Shaikh himself. So he insisted on eating only what the Shaikh ate. Though a generous spread was laid, the Shaikh did not partake of it. At last, after the guests had eaten their fill, the Shaikh invited his guest to sit. A bowl of bitter greens was set before him. Nizamuddin picked out the toughest roots and stems for himself, and offered the tastier leaves to his guest. The visitor asked if any other dishes were to follow to which the shaikh replied that this was all that would be served. The guest tried to eat but could not. In the end he left the dargah in great humility and respect. Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine of Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi. It is said that the Shaikh continues to feed the people by means of the inspiration and blessings bestowed at the shrine. The gifts offered by visitors are quickly transformed into satisfying meals served from the langar that bears his name. It is the mosques, tombs and citadels of the Pathans and the Moghuls that are among Delhi's significant monumental remains.

Hazrat Nizamuddin was famous in his lifetime for welcoming people of all faiths and from all walks of life, without distinction. The Hazrat Nizamuddin Spiritual Foundation is based in New Delhi at the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, dedicated to the life and teachings of Sultan-Ul-Mashaikh Hazrat Khwaja Syed Nizamuddin Aulia. The khanqah, or centre, established there since the 13th centuary has been a centre of spiritual inspiration and pilgrimage for countless visitors. It is also a welfare centre, distributing food and clothing to the needy and existing without government support but solely on the gifts or donations.