Introduction

Located on a tiny islet along the coast off Worli, Haji Ali dargah (tomb) is one of the city landmarks. Driving down from Worli, the sight of a dargah, in the waters of the Arabian Sea, is one for sore eyes. Connected to the city’s mainland at Mahalakshmi by a long, narrow causeway, the dargah remains out of bounds during high tide. On such occasions it looks like a tiny island. Visitors can thus go to the dargah only during low tide. The walk on the causeway, with the sea on either side, is one of the highlights of a visit to the shrine. Many films have been shot here for the dramatic backdrop it offers. The setting is so picturesque that whether or no you are spiritually inclined, the all pervasive serenity of the place will leave a lasting impression.

The dargah is dedicated to Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The resting place of the Muslim saint is a fine specimen of Indian Islamic architecture. The dargah was constructed in 1431 CE by a wealthy Muslim merchant, Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. He soon gave up all his worldly possessions before embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Hailing from Bukhara, in Uzbekistan, Bukhari traveled around the world in the early 1400s to finally settle down at this place. A place that had a deep influence on him!

Like most religious places, Hali Ali has its share of legends. According to the first, the saint saw a poor woman crying on the road, with an empty vessel in hand. On the saint’s inquiry she said her husband would thrash her as she’d accidentally spilled the oil she was carrying. He asked her to take him to the spot where she’d spilled the oil. He jabbed a finger into the soil and oil gushed out. The woman filled up the vessel and went home content. But Bukhari had a recurring and disturbing dream that he had caused injury to Mother Earth by his act. Full of remorse, he soon fell ill and died. But not before directing his followers to cast the coffin carrying his body into the Arabian Sea.

The second legend says goes as follows. Haji Ali died during his journey to Mecca and miraculously his casket carrying his body floated back to the shores of the dargah.

Behind the sculpted entrance to the dargah, a marble courtyard houses the main place of worship. The tomb inside is covered by a brocaded red and green chaddar (sheet). The main hall has marble pillars embellished with artful mirror work in vivid colors resulting in kaleidoscopic patterns interspersed with Arabic patterns which spell the ninety-nine names of Allah.

On Thursdays and Fridays, the shrine is visited by thousands of pilgrims. Regardless of religion, cast and creed, people visit the dargah to get the saint’s blessings.

Special Attributes

Scenic setting

Nuisance

Parking

Dressing restrictions

Conservative

Connectivity

Bus and Cab

Enjoyed by

Religious people and nature lovers

Exposure

Minimal, you'll mostly be indoors

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Enjoy the scenic setting

Type of site

Dargah