Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai
Haji Ali Dargah at sunset. Photo
Humayunn N A Peerzaada.
Photo
phaif.
Photo
Rana Banerjee.Location map and aerial view of the Haji Ali Dargah. For a larger view,
see our Mumbai Maps or get our free Google Earth download.
The Haji Ali Dargah (हाजी अली दरगाह) is a mosque and tomb in the Mahim Bay of Mumbai that can be reached by a narrow causeway only at low tide. A handsome example of Indian Islamic architecture, associated with legends about doomed lovers, the dargah contains the tomb of Haji Ali.
History
The Haji Ali Dargah was built by a wealthy Muslim merchant and saint named Haji Ali who renounced all his wordly possessions before making a pilgrimage to Mecca. The dargah was built in 1431.
Legend has it that Haji Ali died on his way to Mecca and his body, in its casket, floated back to Mumbai; however, some believe that Haji Ali drowned where the dargah stands today.
Today, most of the structure is corroded and the Dargah Trust is awaiting permission from the Central Government to raze the structure and rebuild it with Makrana marble, the same marble used to build the Taj Mahal. It was last repaired in the 1960s, but civil engineers say the structure is beyond further repair.
What to See
The Haji Ali Dargah sits 500 yards from the coast in the water of Worli Bay, near the neighbourhood of Worli. It is connected with the Hindu Mahalaxmi Temple via a small causeway, usually only accessible during low tide.
The whitewashed structure occupies an area of 4,500 metres, and 40,000 pilgrims visit the shrine on Thursdays and Fridays. An 85 foot (26 m) tower is the architectural highlight of the edifice.
Inside, the tomb is covered by a brocaded red and green chaddar (bedsheet). It is supported by an exquisite silver frome. The main hall has marble pillars embellished with coloured mirror work in blue, green, yellow chips and inscribed with the ninety-nine names of Allah.
As many as 40,000 pilgrims visit the shrine on Thursdays and Fridays. People from all faiths visit & pray at the dargah.
Travel Planning Links
- Mumbai Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor
- Mumbai Flight Search - TripAdvisor
- Mumbai Travel Forum - TripAdvisor
Sources
- Haji-Ali-Dargah - Wikipedia
- Haji-Ali - Pilgrimage-India.com
- "Haji Ali to be razed, rebuilt," Manoj R Nair, Mumbai Mirror; Sunday, August 28, 2005.
