In the city of Mumbai, there are a number of spots that can be termed as ‘landmark’. Now, among the many available, one such spot is the popular Haji Ali Dargah. The question then to be asked is, What makes this shrine so famous in the ‘City that never sleeps’? And so, to answer the question here is presenting a few relevant facts about this Muslim dargah that you definitely need to know.
a. What is Haji Ali Dargah?
‘A mosque’ is what this popular dargah essentially is. It is situated in South Mumbai (commonly referred to ‘SoBo’) in the area known as ‘Tardeo’. Furthermore, this muslim shrine is visited by thousands of pilgrims weekly in the city of Mumbai. In addition, it is also known for its magnificent ‘Indo Islamic’ architecture. This pious shrine basically contains the tomb of a saint named ‘Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bhukhari’.
b. Who Is Haji Ali Shah Bhukhari:
This dargah was constructed in 1431, as a tribute to a rich Muslim merchant named ‘Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari’. According to a popular legend, this extremely wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan had given up all his material possession to travel to the holy city of Mecca, the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. It was through this journey that he finally reached the city of Mumbai. Furthermore, it was in this city that he eventually settled down. One day he happened to see a poor woman crying holding an empty vessel. As a result he asked her the reason why, to which she replied stating that she expected her husband to hit her, since she had spilt oil meant for her family. In response, she was instructed to take him to the spot of the spillage, which she promptly did. It was on reaching this spot that apparently he pushed his finger into the soil causing oil to rush out. It was after this incident that he gained a reputation of being saint. Just before his death he informed his devotees to bury him not in a graveyard but at a spot where he first landed in the city. His wish was fulfilled with his ardent followers building this beautiful dargah with Bhukari’s tomb in the middle of the Worli Bay.
c. Why is Haji Ali Dargah famous?
The fact this dargah has been constructed in the middle of Worli Bay about 500 meters from the Arabian Sea coast, makes it unique therefore popular. In addition, its beautiful ‘Indo-Islamic’ architecture is also what this Muslim shrine extremely popular.
d. How to reach Haji Ali Dargah?
In terms of travelling to this shrine located in the ‘City of Dreams’, the cheapest mode of transport are trains and buses i.e. BEST. The nearest local railway station is the Mahalaxmi Railway Station. While, for those intending to travel to this dargah from outside the city the closest is the Mumbai Central Railway Station. Furthermore, those travelling using the ‘Central (Main)/Harbour Line’ then the Byculla Railway Station is the best option. As for buses, there are a number of them connecting Haji Ali Bus Stop to various parts of the city.
e. Hotels and Restaurants available near Haji Ali Dargah:
There are number of hotels available around this shrine. To know more about them please click link of Google Map here to view. For restaurants, situated around this shrine please click link of Google Map here to view.
f. Piya Haji Ali Youtube Video, What is its connection to the dargah?:
The Bollywood movie ‘Fiza’ starring Hrithik Roshan and Karishma Kapoor released on ‘8th September 2000’ contained a beautiful ‘Qawwali’ song ‘Piya Haji Ali’ composed by AR Rahman, which was dedicated to this dargah. In addition, this song was shot at this shrine. The video is given below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4uYjMpE1l8
With about 80,000 visitors visiting this shrine on a weekly basis, this dargah known as ‘Haji Ali’ is definitely a landmark in Mumbai worth visiting especially for those ‘Spiritually’ inclined.