The Crocodile Shrine Of Karachi

Devotees pray at the grave while visiting the shrine of Hasan-al-Maroof Sultan Manghopir,

better known as the crocodile shrine, on the outskirts of Karachi. —Reuters

Pilgrims flock to crocodile shrine as Taliban threat recedes
Reuters — Published Oct 16, 2015 12:12am
http://www.dawn.com/news/1213272/pilgrims-flock-to-crocodile-shrine-as-taliban-threat-recedes

KARACHI: The lean days appear to be over for Mor Sahib, an 87-year-old crocodile venerated by Pakistan's tiny Sheedi community, as pilgrims once again flock to a shrine in Karachi that has been shunned for years amid fears of Taliban attacks.

The pilgrims are Sheedis, whose ancestors came from Africa and are drawn from different sects, making them a potential target for hardline militants.

Their new-found confidence coincides with a major crackdown on crime and militancy by paramilitary Rangers in the port city of 20 million people where the shrine is located, which has seen murder levels drop sharply.

Caretaker feeds crocodiles at the Sufi shrine of Hasan-al-Maroof Sultan Manghopir, 

better known as the Crocodile Shrine, on the outskirts of Karachi. —Reuters

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