Exploring the Rich Heritage of Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai: A 2024 Guide

The Haji Ali Dargah is a tomb and a mosque in Mumbai that holds the mortal remains of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a 15th-century Sufi saint. The dargah appears to be a mirage floating on water, set against the gorgeous Arabian Sea. It is located on a small island off the Worli Coast and is visited by devotees and vacationers all year. Want to learn more about this historical site and the mythology surrounding it? Continue reading “Exploring the Rich Heritage of Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai: A 2024 Guide”. Also, make sure to check out the best travel website Tripbeam to book flights from Quebec to India.

Haji Ali Sacred Site, Mumbai: Historical Overview

The Haji Ali Dargah was built to honor Sufi saint Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The old mosque was established in 1431, but the one you see now is the result of 20th-century reinforcements.

Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari devoted the last part of his life in Mumbai, devoted to the spread of Islam. His last wish was to have his shroud (or kafan) thrown into the sea so that his body could be cremated wherever it was discovered. His shroud, by the way, occurred to float near Worli Bay. As a result, those who followed him decided to construct a mausoleum amid the sea. They also built a mosque in the same compound.

The Dargah was taken over by the Haji Ali Dargah Trust in 1916. Following that, in 1950, a sanatorium and an entrance gate were constructed to the complex. Later, in 1964, the mosque and the Dargah Sharif were extensively renovated and remodeled. By 1990, the short pathway leading to the masjid had also been rebuilt. After all of the renovations, the total site now covers 5000 square meters.

Haji Ali Dargah Architectural Design

The 700-year-old dargah is an outstanding example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is located on an islet 500 meters off the main coast and is connected to the mainland by a one-kilometer-long narrow causeway. During the high ride, this causeway is inundated with water, making the dargah inaccessible.

The enormous structure spans 4,500 square meters and stands 85 feet tall. The primary building and the outdoor area are composed of pristine white marble. The structure also has a huge central dome and four tiny towers in the four corners. The saint’s tomb is housed within this shrine and has been draped with a lush green and crimson brocade cloth called chaddar. Colored glasses ornament the marble pillars inside the shrine’s main hall, on which the ninety-nine names of Allah are etched.

The current building of the dargah comprises two levels and separate praying areas for men and women. Within the dargah compound, you’ll also find a designated Qawwal Khana (a hall) and women’s bathrooms. Furthermore, you can visit Tripbeam to book cheap flight tickets to India from Canada.

Haji Ali Dargah Timings, Entrance Fee, and Namaz Timing

This mausoleum is open to tourists each day of the week from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and you do not need to be Muslim to visit. Nonetheless, if you visit this dargah, you will mostly find Islamic believers. There is no entry fee, however donations are accepted. A portion of the trust’s earnings are used to maintain Madrasas (Islamic schools) and provide scholarships.

The Islamic prayer, or namaz, is offered five times a day:

Fajr: The Arabic term for ‘dawn’ refers to the first prayer of the day, which is said before sunrise.

Zuhr: The second prayer, is said at midday when the sun is at its highest point.

Asr: The third prayer is given later in the afternoon.

Maghrib: This is the fourth prayer, which is said just after sunset.

Isha: the final prayer is recited at night.

Factors to Remember When Visiting Haji Ali Dargah

Some important points to consider before visiting this mausoleum:

• Men and women should both dress conservatively. You must cover your head when entering the mosque (but not when crossing the causeway).
• Before entering the shrine, take off your shoes.
• The busiest days are Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. As a result, plan your trip carefully.
• The entire trek might be dehydrating at times. The Haji Ali Juice Centre sells juice and frozen treats and is located immediately before the bridge that connects the causeway to the mainland.
• The causeway is inundated in seawater during high tide. Pay attention to the guards and avoid crossing until low tide, when the walkway becomes visible again. Also, if you are seeking the cheapest flights to India from USA, make sure to check out the best travel website, Tripbeam.com.

Places to Eat and Shop Near the Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai

After seeking the famed saint’s blessings, don’t forget to treat yourself to some delectable foods at the neighboring Haji Ali Juice Center (120 m), one of Mumbai’s best street food outlets. The shop is most known for its luscious faloodas and creamy shakes. Sardar Pav Bhaji (1 km), another prominent food joint in the city, serves Mumbai street food. If you’re a shopper, head to the Heera Panna Shopping Center (220 m) in the same location and shop until you’re drained.

The Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai is one of those places that will give you a sense of calm. After all, it’s not every day that you come across a stunning white mausoleum flanked by the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. So, book affordable flight tickets to India from Vancouver with Tripbeam and visit the magnificent Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai.