Haji Ali Dargah

The Haji Ali Dargah or tomb is a famous mosque in Mumbai. It is situated at the heart of the city and is one of the famous landmarks of Mumbai. Located on a little island isolated from the coast of Worli, it sits in the southern part of Mumbai. People from all parts of the world without restrictions of caste, creed, and religion visit Haji Ali Dargah to offer their prayers and for the fulfillment of their wishes by the blessings of the Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.

The Indo- Islamic mixed culture shines through this place erected in the honor of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari who gave up all his wealth before making his journey to Mecca. He traveled around the world in order to spread peace and finally settled in Mumbai. Lots of devotees visit the shrine on Thursdays and Fridays in hope for the blessing of the legendary saint.

One can find the Sufi musicians playing music on the shrine. It is custom for the males to cover their heads with clothes before entering the holy shrine. The structure of the shrine is made of white marble, adding to its elegance. It is the custom that the tomb within the mosque is covered by a red and green colored cloth. The main hall has marble pillars with many mirrors hanging from the wall. This amazing melange of cultures is a wonderful sight to see.

One of the religious places in India, Haji Ali Dargah is visited by the people from all parts of the world without the restriction of caste and creed. As it is a religious place, there are no tickets for Haji Ali Dargah. However, if you wish to be enlightened on its significance, you can book tickets for Haji Ali Dargah tours with us and get the best deals. Haji Ali Dargah ticket prices come along in all ranges. Thus, it is best for you to get your Haji Ali Dargah as soon as possible.

Haji Ali Dargah – History
This famous Dargah in Mumbai was built by a 15th century Sufi Saint – Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. He was a rich businessman from Bukhara, which lies in present-day Uzbekistan. He decided to abandon all his materialistic wealth and worldly possessions to become a saint just before leaving for Mecca. Later, he travelled the world and finally settled in Mumbai.

A mystical history of Haji Ali Dargah is that once the Sayyed Peer came across a poor lady crying on the road while having an empty pot. The lady used to sell oil, but that day she accidentally split her oil on the road. Haji Ali went to the same spot and jabbed his fingers into the earth. The oil oozed out from the earth, and the lady refilled the vessel and thanked the saint. However, the saint had a distressing dream that night, thinking that his action had damaged the earth. He was filled with regression and sorrow that affected his health too. Later, he travelled to India and reached the Mumbai shore. He decided to live in Mumbai permanently and spread Islam awareness around the world.

Another point of historical significance is that Haji Ali Dargah is associated with the Saint’s death. It is said that he asked his followers not to bury him right away post his death rather they throw the coffin in the ocean and then bury the body in the exact place where it is found. The saint’s followers did the same, and his coffin was found on a mound in Worli. The Haji Ali Masjid and the saint’s tomb were constructed later on the same spot. Today, the tomb has become a renowned mosque where people from all religions come to seek blessings.

Haji Ali Dargah – Architecture
Spread over in an area of 4,500 sq. meters, with 85 feet height, this magnificent Dargah in Mumbai is built using ‘Makrana’ marble, the same marble used in the Taj Mahal structure. The shrine houses two monuments, including a mosque and the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The tomb is covered with silver frames from all sides, and the entire construction is encircled by eight pillars of marble. The structural design of this famous Dargah in Mumbai reflects the styles and designs of Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture. Owing to its unique and striking locations, the road to the mosque gets submerged in the water during high tide, making it inaccessible.

The main hall inside the Haji Ali Dargah is bordered on three sides by three halls, including South, West, and East. While the west hall is reserved for women, men are allowed to pray in the east hall. The marble ceiling of the central hall is decorated with mirror work and inscribed with 99 different names of Allah. Also, the walls and ceilings of the main hall have verses from Quran Sharief, engraved on them. The mosque also houses a three-story sanatorium and a dedicated Qawwal Khana. The Haji Ali Masjid is connected with a seashore and a 700-yard long walkway. There are no railings on either side of the pavement, so the visitors feel thrilled as the waves from the sea strike against the walkway. At night, the sight of the mosque brightens up in the distance with nothing but the magnificent Arabian Sea all around it, creating a heavenly view. It appears to be floating on the water with no relation to the mainland.

Best Time to Visit
Be it to seek blessings of god or to marvel its spectacular beauty, people from all walks of life loves to visit Haji Ali Dargah. The dargah attracts a good crowd on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays because it is considered as auspicious. Further, the dargah remains crowded with tourists on Ramadhan Eid, Urs and Bakri Eid (Eid-ul-Uzha).

How To Reach
By Rail : The Haji Ali is well-connected by rail networks. One needs to either get off at Mahalakshmi Station, Mumbai Central Station or Byculla Station to get to the Haji Ali Dargah. Once you disembark at the station, local transport such as B.E.S.T buses, auto-rickshaws and even taxis will help you reach the destination.
By Road : The Haji Ali Dargah comes on the way to Worli and is situated right next to the Worli sea-link. One can reach the Haji Ali Dargah via Ghatkopar (Eastern Express Highway) or even from Shivaji Park. Local transport such as B.E.S.T buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis can be hired to reach the spot. Some of the bus route numbers are 33, 84,124 and 521.
The Haji Ali Dargah is a popular pilgrimage destination in Mumbai. Every week over thousands of devotees, Muslims and non-Muslims, flock the Dargah to seek the blessings of saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Apart from its religious significance, the Haji Ali Dargah is famous for being pleasing to the eye and is the best place to head towards, if you are seeking solace and serenity.