Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Plan a visit to Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai with your loved ones to seek blessing for them and to witness the beauty of this religious structure. This landmark structure in the heart of Mumbai displays the perfect blend of Indo-Islamic architecture. There are several beliefs around the location of the Dargah. Situated in the sea, it is believed that this is where the saint had drowned and died. Another legend states that Haji Ali had perished on the way to Mecca but his casket miraculously floated in the sea and reached the spot where the mosque sits today. The legend has it that the path to the dargah has remained unaffected even during storms and floods.

This pilgrim site receives a high footfall during some major festivals including Eid-ul-Fir, which is the death anniversary of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.

History of Haji Ali Ki Dargah

It was built in 1431 AD and is spread across an area of 4,500 meters. This tomb is located on an islet (small island) off Worli Coast, in Mumbai’s southern region. The dargah is been named after and dedicated to Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was one of the most renowned Sufi saints. Also addressed as Baba Haji Ali, he was a hajji and a rich merchant who had come from Uzbekistan. He is believed to have performed several miraculous acts and acts of kindness.

Significance of Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali Dargah is significant in the sense that it is both a tomb and mosque at the same time. The Dargah is named after one of the greatest muslim saints, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. It is believed that the saint died on his pilgrimage trip to Mecca but his casket came floating miraculously back to the Dargah. Therefore, in the memory of the saint, the dargah was constructed in the year 1431. Even during the storm of 1949 and floods of 26th July, the Dargah remained unharmed. 

The structure of Haji Ali Dargah is made of 'Makrana' marble, the same which was used to build the Taj Mahal. The dargah is built in the style of Mughal and Indo-Islamic styles of architecture. The Dargah is built in an area of 4,500 sq. meters and the entire structure is 85 feet tall. There is a marble courtyard which has a central shrine. You will find the main mosque painted with a red and green sheet as you enter the Dargah complex. 

Facts About Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali Dargah is 400 year-old structure.

The structure of Haji Ali Dargah is made up of Makrana marble which was also used to build the Taj Mahal. 

The Dargah remains unaffected during floods and storms. 

Miracles at Haji Ali Dargah

The pathway leading to Dargah Sharif of Haji Ali remains unharmed and free of any destruction even during the worst flood situations while the shore line along the Hornby Vellard has been damaged on severe occasions. 

The casket of Pir Haji Ali came floating back to the Dargah even after his death in Mecca. 

During the extreme storm of 1949 where not even a single building was spared the damage, Haji Ali Dargah stood strong without a single damage. 

During heavy rains in Mumbai, Haji Ali Dargah remains unaffected.

Eid-ul-Fitr in Haji Ali Ki Dargah

During Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, lakhs of devotees flock to Haji Ali Dargah. The pathway to the complex of Haji Ali Dargah looks like a “Sea of Humanity” from a distance. 

Haji Ali Dargah is situated in South Mumbai, along the Lala Lajpat Rai Marg. There are a few significant tourist attractions located close to the Dargah of Haji Ali. For instance, Mahalakshmi Race Course Stadium is just 11 km away from the Dargah, and Worli sea-link is located at a distance of 6 km from the Dargah. You can also reach Worli and Bandra from the Dargah.