The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) or the monument of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari located on an islet off the coast of Worli in the southern part of Mumbai. Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari was a Sufi saint and a wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan. Near the heart of the city proper, the dargah is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mumbai.
It is located in the middle of the Arabian Sea about 457.2 meters away from the Mumbai shoreline off Lala Lajpatrai Marg. Constructed in the year 1431, the sculptured and elegant whitewashed structure of the dargah showcases the brilliant work of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture.
Haji Ali Dargah History
The Haji Ali Dargah was constructed in 1431 in memory of a wealthy Muslim merchant, Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up all his worldly possessions before making a pilgrimage to Mecca. Hailing from Bukhara, in present-day Uzbekistan, Bukhari traveled around the world in the early to mid 15th century and eventually settled in present-day Mumbai.
According to legends surrounding his life, once the saint saw a poor woman crying on the road, holding an empty vessel. He asked her what the problem was, she sobbed that her husband would thrash her as she stumbled and accidentally spilled the oil she was carrying. He asked her to take him to the spot where she spilled the oil. There, he jabbed a finger into the soil and the oil gushed out. The overjoyed woman filled up the vessel and went home.
Top Attractions in and Around Haji Ali Dargah
1. Amazing Architecture
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. The structure has white domes and minarets reminiscent of the Mughal architecture of the period.
2. Mahalaxmi Temple
Half a kilometer away from Haji Ali Dargah, the Mahalaxmi Temple is situated on Babubhai Desai Road. Experience the grandeur of the place with its magnificent architecture and powerful spiritual aura.
3. Nehru Planetarium
The education and entertainment center in Worli caters to students and knowledge seekers. The center explores the celestial bodies & astronomy and is a perfect place to be for space enthusiasts.
4. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
The Museum is situated near Babulnath, it pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi and sheds light on various facets of his life.
Things to Do in Haji Ali Dargah
1. Premsons Bazaar
Right from the crockery to clothing, the place is ideal for shopaholics who find something great that bears rate as well as quality.
2. Art O Gem
It is a great place for art lovers who seeks something innovative ranging from conventional to contemporary.
Best Time to Visit Haji Ali Dargah
The Dargah is opened for all days of the week. Though, attending during Qawwali Sessions that mostly happens in the evening, is absolutely a divine experience. Also, devotees prefer to visit on Thursdays and Fridays.
How to Reach Haji Ali Dargah?
There are local commuting modes that drive towards Haji Ali Dargah from Mumbai Railway Station. It hardly takes 35 minutes to reach the Dargah. Also, if you reside in Mumbai, Maharashtra, there are local railway services and bus services towards the Dargah.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
