1303 steps to the cave of Hazrat Daud

Just 40 kilometers from Samarkand, in the village of Aksai there is an amazing archaeological monument, a shrine and simply a miracle of nature – the cave of Hazrat Daud or St. David.It is known that this saint is revered in three world religions at once. Muslims call him Hazrat Dawood, while Orthodox Christians and Jews call him David. His life story is shrouded in mysteries and legends, he had the gift of prophecy and healing. At the age of 33, Saint David became the ruler of the united kingdom of Israel and Judea and reigned for forty years.

According to the Muslim version, after his reign, David was sent by God to the lands of Asia to conduct preaching activities. In Central Asia, David provoked anger and persecution from Zoroastrian fire worshippers. He was chased for a long time until he disappeared into the mountains. Escaping, David raised his hands to heaven and turned to the Almighty. Having gained remarkable strength and the ability to melt iron with his hands, he pushed aside the stones of the cave and hid inside. So, Daud became the patron saint of all blacksmiths. The ruler of Samarkand found out about him and his abilities. He captured the missionary and Saint Daud worked for the ruler for a long time.

There is another legend about the cave of Hazrat Daud. One day, King David decided to fight a huge Goliath warrior. The jinn magically transported the king to a cave near Samarkand so that David could gather his strength before the battle. But the supernatural beings of the Ifrit found out where Daud was staying, and they brought Goliath on their backs. Saint Daud was not ready for battle and was forced to flee, but Goliath overtook him. And then the saint turned to God for protection. The Lord scattered rocks and huge boulders on the way. Daud threw away the stones with his hands, clearing a path for himself. It took him a moment to notice that the stones were literally melting in his hands. Running up to the cave, Daud melted the entrance and hid inside, leaving behind an enraged Goliath.

Hazrat Daud's cave has become a shrine. Dozens of pilgrims visit it every day. It is believed that all the wishes made are fulfilled inside, and requests addressed to the Almighty will be heard faster. To get to it, you need to climb up, having overcome 1303 degrees. At the very peak of the mountain there is an ancient mosque, if you go down 200 steps, you can get into the cave of the saint itself.

The cave looks like a long tunnel, at the end of which there are handprints and footprints of Hazrat Daud. If you touch them, even the most incredible wish will surely come true.

It may not be possible for everyone to overcome more than 1,500 steps. Therefore, camels and horses are "on duty" near the shrine. There are shops along the entire staircase, where you can buy souvenirs, water, snack food, medicinal herbs and much more.