Haji Ali Dargah is perched on the backdrop of a pristine view of the Arabian Sea. This shrine is dedicated to the wealthy merchant who turned into Muslim Sufi Saint and gave up his worldly belongings after a trip to Mecca. People come here to seek blessings. The devotees use the unique way of offering prayers to Allah through the means of Qawallis that are the melodious invocations to the Almighty. It is the perfect place for God lovers, Nirvana seekers, and experience seekers, especially on Thursday and Friday.
The mosque is built on a small island that is 500 meters away from the main coast. The sprawling complex of Haji Ali consists of three main structures that are a Dargah, mosque, and sanatorium. The Dargah is the home to the tombstone of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari who is a revered Muslim Saint and he has some miraculous powers. Besides, the tomb has an exquisite mirror work, arched frames, and a silver crown. Furthermore, the tomb is roofed by a brocaded green and red cloth within the premises of the mosque and is supported by an exquisite silver frame and marble columns.
In addition to it, the marble courtyard consists of the central shrine. The main hall of this shrine has marble pillars carved with creative mirror work: yellow, green, and blue chips of glass that are arranged in varied designs and Arabic patterns which is engraved with the 99 names of Allah. So, the Dargah was built of glass which is a beautiful illustration of the Indo-Islamic architectural style.
Haji Ali belongs to Bukhara which lies in present-day Uzbekistan. This Dargah underwent renovations in the years 1960 and 1964 and the new sanatorium was constructed in the place of old ones. Now, this magnificent structure has two floors – one is the main cenotaph of Saint Haji Ali and a Qawwal Khana, the ladies’ rest shade and toilets.
The important events of Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai are Eid-E-Milad-Un-Nabi and URS. The URS is the Death Anniversary of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The trust association of the Dargah performs all necessary rituals as per Islamic traditions and distributes sweets or food (Niyaaz) to all fakirs, visitors, and devotees. Moreover, Eid-E-Milad-Un-Nabi is the Birth Anniversary of Prophet Mohamed who is 12th Rabi-al Awal. The trust association of the Haji Ali Dargah arranges a function for viewing the sacred relics of Prophet Mohamed (S.A.W.S.) post-Namaz-e-Zuhr. The prayers are recited (Fateh) at sunset (Maghreb) and Niyaaz is given to the people.
During the low tides, Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai can access through a zig-zag causeway that is surrounded by the sea on all sides. On the other hand, the view of this place lit up in distance at night time with nothing but the sea around it. According to Islamic customs, there are different praying rooms for gents and ladies.
If someone happens to visit Mumbai Haji Ali Mazar, then attend the Qawalli session and get a wonderful experience for a lifetime. The Qawalls sit down on the floor with their fellow singers and instruments and begin the prayer.
The tourists can reach by using several modes of local transport. This place is well-connected by local trains. People can stay somewhere near the shrine and can easily get a comfortable accommodation at Hotel Crystal, Hotel Kemps Corner, The St. Regis Mumbai, Central Guest House, Hotel Royal Castle, and The Shalimar Hotel, etc. The nearby attractions of Haji Ali Dargah are Dadar Market, Jehangir Art Gallery, Girgaum Chowpatty, Essel world, Gateway of India, Kanheri Caves, Gateway of India, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, etc.
Haji Ali Dargah Timings: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM on all the days of the week.
Haji Ali Dargah Entry Fee: Nil
