HAJI ALI DARGAH
AT
MUMBAI
Haji Ali Dargah is one
of the most popular religious places in Mumbai, visited by people of all
religions alike. Haji Ali Dargah is one of India’s most famous and prestigious
landmarks situated about 500 yards from the Mumbai shoreline in the middle of the
Arabian Sea off Lala Lajpatrai Marg.
The structure was
erected on a set of high rising rocks and was given its present day shape in
the early 19th century after the Trust was legally formed as an entity in 1916.
Haji Ali Dargah is the
complex housing the tomb of the Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.).
Along with the tomb, there is also a Masjid at Haji Ali. This monument has been
sentinel to the shores of Mumbai since a long time.
The structure has white
domes and minarets reminiscent with the Mughal architecture of the period. The
Dargah is a renowned pilgrimage site among the Muslims. Non-Muslims are also
allowed to visit the Dargah. The white-coloured structure attracts visitors in
large numbers.
About 10 - 15 thousand
people visit the Dargah daily. The number of visitors increases to 20 - 30
thousand, on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Lakhs of devotees visit the Dargah
on the second day of Ramadhan Eid and Bakri Eid (Eid-ul-Uzha), and during which
the pathway leading to the Dargah Complex looks like a Sea of Humanity.
People from all parts of
the world without restrictions of caste, creed and religion visit the Dargah to
offer their prayers and for the fulfillment of their wishes by the blessings of
the Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.). Some pray for wealth, others for
health, children, marriages, etc. have their wishes being granted at all the
times.
As
the Dargah Sharief was built amidst the Sea a narrow pathway leading to
Dargah from Lala Lajpat Rai Marg up to the Main Gate of Haji Ali Dargah Complex
was constructed in 1944, by the trust fund.
The pathway connects the shore to the Haji
Ali Dargah complex. The 700-yard pathway that leads to Haji Ali Dargah is not
surrounded by railings. Since it is lashed by the waves of the Arabian Sea, one
can visit the Dargah only when the tide is low.
As
the height of the pathway was raised by a few feet during the 1980's, the
Dargah has become accessible throughout the year except in the monsoons during
the months of July and August when the Seas are very rough. During this time
the Gates on either side of the pathway are closed for a few hours until the
waves subside for the safety of devotees and visitors.
Haji Ali Dargah is a handsome example of Islamic architecture standing
on an island. At the end of the pathway leading to the Dargah Complex is short
flight marble steps, at end of which stand a tall monumental Main Gate to the
complex. This is the one and only entry routes to the complex.
The
Main Gate is made of RCC and covered with pure white marble. It will
reconstructed out of solid pure white marble as part of the renovation and
reconstruction program.
ByAir
The city of Mumbai being one of the most important
places in India is well connected by air. Haji Ali Mosque is located at a
distance of 20 km from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Flights
of almost all the major and minor airlines land at Mumbai Airport.
ByRail
Mumbai Central Railway Station is located at a
distance of 3.475 km from Haji Ali Mosque. So you can easily reach the place by
hiring an auto or taxi from the station.
ByRoad
It is very easy to reach the famous Haji Ali
Dargah. One can easily get the buses of Mumbai Transport Corporation to Worli
from different parts of the city. Then a short walk for 500 yards and you are
at the destination. You can also hire a private taxi or an auto to reach the
sacred mosque. The National Highway 8 connects Mumbai to Delhi along with
Jaipur and Hyderabad.
