Situated at the backdrop of a beautiful view of the sea
is the shrine of Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant turned into Muslim Sufi. The Haji
Ali Dargah (mausoleum) was raised in 1431 in reminiscence of an affluent Muslim
trader, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up all his worldly
belongings before making a trip to Mecca. People from all walks of life and
religions come here to seek blessings.
Built of glass, the tomb is a beautiful illustration of
the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. A marble courtyard contains the central
shrine. The tomb within the mosque is roofed by a brocaded red and green cloth,
supported by an exquisite silver frame and marble columns. The main hall has
marble pillars engraved with creative mirror work: blue, green, yellow chips of
glass arranged in varied designs and Arabic patterns which spell the
ninety-nine names of Allah. As per Islamic customs, there are different praying
rooms for ladies and gents. Many famous personalities visit the shrine to seek
blessings.
History of Haji
Ali Dargah
Haji Ali belonged to Bukhara, which lies in present-day
Uzbekistan. This shrine has a mystical story attached to it. According to
legends, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Bukhari once came across a poor woman crying on
the road and holding an empty vessel. Upon inquiring about the matter, she told
him that she had spilled the oil she was supposed to be carrying home and was
now afraid that her husband will punish her. He then accompanied her to the
spot where she had spilled the oil and prodded the ground and oil came gushing
out. The woman was delighted and went home happily. Later, recurrent dreams
indicating that he had injured the Earth haunted him and his health began to
deteriorate. He then decided to travel to India and decided to stay here so as
to spread the word of Allah and Islam.
From that point of time till the end of his life, Haji
Ali dedicated his life spreading the wisdom of Allah and devotees would
regularly visit him. Before he died, he instructed his followers that they
shouldn't bury him immediately, rather they should drop his shroud in the ocean
and bury him where it is found. In accordance with his wishes, the Haji Ali
Dargah was built in the year 1431. According to another belief, Haji Ali
donated all his wealth for a journey to Mecca and died in between.
Miraculously, the casket carrying his body floated back to Arabian shores and
got stuck in the twine of rocky islets just off the shores of Worli.
Architecture of
the Dargah
The shrine of Haji Ali is built on a small island some
500 metres away from the main coast, with the beautiful Arabian Sea in the
backdrop. This magnificent structure is spread over an area of 4,500 sq. meters
and is 85 feet tall. Due to its location, the road to dargah gets submerged
during high tide, making it entirely inaccessible. The architecture of the
Dargah in itself is a magnificent example of the Indo-Islamic style of
engineering. Made out of dazzling white marble, the shrine has a central dome
which is flanked by four smaller spires in the four corners.
The Dargah and the mosque underwent renovations in the
year 1960 and 1964, and the new sanatorium was built in place of the old one.
The present building lies has two floors which have the main cenotaph of saint
Haji Ali, a Qawwal Khana, ladies' rest shade and toilets. The tomb of the saint
is located in the central shrine and is covered with a red and green coloured
cloak, also called the 'Chaddar'. Surrounding the mausoleum is a marvellous
handiwork in a myriad coloured glass, spelling out ninety - nine names of
Allah.
Qawalli at Haji
Ali
A unique way of offering prayers to Allah is through the
means of Qawallis, which are melodious invocations to the Almighty. Haji Ali
Dargah has a dedicated hall for this purpose and is extremely famous for the
same throughout the country. Spirituality and tranquillity reverberate through
the complex as the Qawalls sit down on the floor with their instruments and
fellow singers and begin the prayer. Throngs of people sit surrounding them,
mesmerised by the intonations and instruments. If you happen to visit this
destination, make sure you attend the Qawalli session, for it is an experience
of a lifetime.
How to Reach Haji
Ali Dargah
Haji Ali Dargah can be reached by using various modes of
local transport available. It is well connected by local trains. If travelling
from the Western Line you need to get off as the Mahalakshmi Station, while
from the main line you need to get off at Byculla Station. Metered Black and
Yellow Metered Taxis, B.E.S.T city buses and auto rickshaw ply from different
parts of the city.
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