Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai

Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, is particularly renowned for the sea surrounding it. One such corner of the city, which associates to the sea piously, is Haji Ali Dargah. Built-in the 15th century, Haji Ali Dargah is an incredible religious memorial, soaring amidst the Arabian sea, built in the remembrance of the Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.

Many sagas, traditionally deliberate the story about him crossing a woman who was screeching and crying in pain. On inquiring the reason, the woman narrated about the loss of oil she was carrying. To this, the Saint hit the earth where the oil was spilled, and the oil started erupting from the soil which she collected in the vessel. Post the incident, the Saint got nightmares about damaging the solidity of the earth. Then, he visited India with his brother and reached the coast of Worli, the region where the tomb is present. Pir Haji Ali Bukhari stayed back and passed on a letter for his mother when his brother returned back to the native. The letter conveyed the recovery of his health and about his decision to reside in India and work towards spreading the message of Islam.

He vigorously and positively worked for Islam the whole of his life. In the final laps, he visited Mecca and while returning back, his poor health conditions resulted in his death. Before dying, he told his devotees about offering his body to the flow of the sea, and follow till it halts at a point. It halted at the place where the dargah is standing today.

The Architecture of Haji Ali Dargah

The Haji Ali Dargah Complex comprises of the tomb and a mosque, connected to the city from the sea by a narrow lane. Located near the Worli coast, it is one of the unique structures enclosing a dargah, a masjid, and a sanatorium. Followers from not just Islam, but all the other religions arrive here with a strong belief.

The structure is constructed with marble and has an intricate blend of Indian and Islamic architecture in the designing. There is also a slight touch of Mughal architecture in the framework of the dargah complex. The cenotaph is placed on a strong base made of marble and covered with holy blankets which are red and green in color. The chamber and hallway have a number of pillars which have an artistic mirror work in Arabic impressions and designs which hold the 99 appellations of Allah written within it. Upon entering the main gate, there are separate worship areas for men and women. As one proceeds within, the complex comprises a chamber exclusively for women to pray and reflect in silence.

The complex has sanatorium which consists of two storeys and the ground floor having 30 apartments with kitchen, one or two bedrooms and affixed washrooms which are provided to the residents of the city at a very reasonable price for not more than three months. The narrow lane which is the passageway from the sea has no secure or definite reelings, and it has been reconstructed several times.

Something You Need to Know When Visiting

There are certain regulations about the dress code, especially for women. The most fundamental aspect is the covering of the head for everyone. About 30,000 to 40,000 devotees visit the pilgrimage in the week and the maximum visits are on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. During celebrations of Eid and Ramadan, the number of devotees may be lakhs per week. On Friday, devotees can relish the exclusive Sufi music. After seeking blessings and prayers, one can enjoy the delicious kebabs, biryani, and juices from the famous restaurants nearby.

The devotees have a very strong belief in the prayers. The dargah has been standing for more than 500 years and it has experienced various natural calamities and disasters such as floods, storms which the city has had, yet it stands strong with its piousness and sanctity.

•  Location: Dargah Rd, Haji Ali, Mumbai, Maharashtra

•  Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm

•  Entry Fare: Free

•  Best Time to Visit:

The dargah is open from dawn to late in the night. One can ideally visit in the morning to avoid the mid-day crowds. Summer days are hot and humid, the winter season is preferrable and the monsoon has variations depending on the high tide and low tide. During heavy monsoon and high tides, the narrow passage is closed and the worshippers are not allowed to cross through the sea.

How to Reach Haji Ali Dargah?

•  Nearest bus stand: Vatsalabai Desai Chowk (Sahakar Niwas) or Hazi Ali

•  Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway stations are Bombay Central (Western line), Mahalaxmi (Western line), and Byculla (Central line)

•  Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Nearby Attractions

Haji Ali Dargah is located in South Mumbai, and the area connects the major hubs of the city. Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty are extremely close. One can also visit the Mahim beach. For shopaholics, there are major markets such as Crawford Market and Fashion Street right in the vicinity.

Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most renowned religious places in the city. And, the pilgrims enter a soothing, breezy, spiritual and sanctified aura, as they worship the Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.