Shrine up in mountainside

Paraw Bibi is one of the most impressive and popular pilgrimage shrines of Turkmenistan located in northwest of Gyzylarbat in Paraw village. The shrine itself, a while-mausoleum-like structure, what is historically thought to be a mosque, is located 100 meters up in the mountainside. In addition to mausoleum there are adjoining chambers, guest houses and platforms where pilgrims share meals. Remains of the ancient city dating back to ninth century are located near mentioned sites. The city served as Arab fortress border against Oghuz and served as an important town leading to Khorezm. Remain shrine-mausoleum to a Paraw Ata are among the town ruins. There are various legends connected to the shire. One of the legends states that Paraw Bibi was a beautiful maiden, an object of jealousy of many women. During military threats jealous women wanted to turn Paraw Bibi to invaders in exchange for promises not to carry attacks. Paraw Bibi cursed woman causing her to turn into black stone. Soon thereafter, while on the mountainside, Paraw Bibi saw the enemy party approaching. With this she realized the hopelessness of her situation and ordered the mountain to split open so that she might enter into it, thus preserving her purity and virtue. After the miraculous event the locals were commanded by God to build a shrine to Paraw Bibi at the site where she opened the mountain. They believed, because of her bravery and refusal to submit, Paraw Bibi was a true hero (batyr) who had been blessed by the holy breath of the prophets. Around the complex there are many "miracle working" stones and impressions of Paraw Bibi's hands and knees left in stone. One stone is said to be a watermelon that Paraw Bibi had been about to eat. According to legend, at the moment when Paraw Bibi was to cut the melon the enemies attacked and thus she threw it down in haste. At that moment it turned into stone. Watermelon-shaped stone said to be that same stone from the time of Paraw Bibi was used by pilgrims as a "detector of sin." It was placed on the thumbs of two people; if the stone rotates no sin had been committed by those balancing it. The shrine is mostly visited by women who have problems with child conception, those desiring to find true love and happiness in marriage. Once pilgrimage was mentioned by a person out loud it has to be done as soon as possible, otherwise bad luck will follow the person until he/she finally visits the shrine. Huh, guess I am obliged myself to visit the shrine as soon as I get to Turkmenistan.