Haji Ali Dargah
West India Region
Haji Ali Dargah is a revered Sufi shrine located on a small islet off the coast of Worli in southern Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Built in 1431, it commemorates Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy merchant and Sufi saint from Uzbekistan who renounced worldly life to spread Islam. The shrine is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring a whitewashed marble structure with a central tomb covered by a brocaded red and green chaddar supported by an ornate silver frame. Artistic mirror work adorns the marble pillars in the main hall, displaying the ninety-nine names of Allah in Arabic calligraphy. The dargah is accessible via a narrow causeway that becomes submerged during high tide, adding to its mystical allure. The site is a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in Mumbai, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists weekly. Extensive renovations have preserved its grandeur, ensuring the shrine remains a symbol of faith and architectural beauty.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during low tide to safely access the shrine via the causeway. Due to high visitor numbers, purchasing tickets or making donations through the official trust website in advance is advisable. Separate prayer areas are available for men and women, respecting Muslim traditions. The best time to visit is during cooler months to avoid Mumbai's monsoon rains and heat. Visitors should be mindful of tide timings as the causeway is not accessible during high tide, and no railings are present along the path.
Interesting facts
- •The dargah is located on a tiny islet about 500 meters from the Mumbai coast, connected to the city by a narrow causeway.
- •The shrine's architecture includes intricate mirror work with glass chips arranged in kaleidoscopic patterns spelling the ninety-nine names of Allah.
- •The marble used in renovations was sourced from Makrana, Rajasthan, the same quarry that provided marble for the Taj Mahal.
- •The causeway leading to the dargah is submerged during high tide, making the shrine inaccessible and surrounded entirely by sea.
- •The tomb inside the dargah is covered with a brocaded chaddar supported by a silver frame and marble pillars.
History
Haji Ali Dargah was constructed in 1431 in memory of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a Sufi saint originally from Bukhara (present-day Uzbekistan).
After relinquishing his wealth and making a pilgrimage to Mecca, he traveled extensively before settling near Mumbai.
According to legend, after performing a miracle involving a poor woman and spilled oil, he felt remorse and decided to reside permanently in Mumbai for spreading Islam.
Before his death, he instructed that his shroud be dropped in the sea to determine his burial site.
His followers built the dargah at the spot where his shroud washed ashore on a rocky islet.
The shrine has undergone several renovations, notably in 1960, 1964, and from 2008 onwards, to combat erosion and preserve its structure.
Place Guide
Main Gate and Causeway
The entrance to the dargah complex is via a narrow causeway about 1 km long that links the islet to the Mumbai mainland. Walking this path with the sea on both sides is a unique experience, especially during low tide.
Dargah Sharief and Tomb1431
The central shrine houses the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, covered with a red and green brocaded chaddar supported by a silver frame and marble pillars. The tomb is the spiritual heart of the complex and attracts devotees from all faiths.
Mosque and Prayer Halls15th century
The mosque adjoining the tomb is designed in Indo-Islamic style with marble pillars adorned with mirror work and Arabic calligraphy. Separate prayer rooms are provided for men and women, following Muslim tradition.
Qawwali Khana
A dedicated space within the complex for qawwali performances, which are devotional Sufi music sessions that enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the dargah.
Contact
Phone: 098217 29595
