I have made many visits to Mumbai-The Dream City, but never really got the chance to visit Haji Ali Dargah. This time it was on top of my priority list...
It seemed as if I was called there to seek the blessings of Baba Pir Haji Ali. The inner voice echoed so strong that I finalized my visit to Mumbai.
About Haji Ali Dargah-
Haji Ali Dargah houses the tomb of the Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.). Along with the tomb, there is also a Masjid at Haji Ali and this monument has been sentinel to the shores of Mumbai since a long time.It is situated in the middle of the Arabian sea and the structure has white domes and minarets reminiscent with the Mughal architecture of the period.
This place is a renowned pilgrimage site among the Muslims across the globe, however, it is equally renowned by people across various religions and castes. God in any form can never be differentiated based on religion. His doors are open for all his devotees to offer their prayers and seek his blessings.
I too was eager to visit the Dargah and offer my prayers to Saint Pir Haji Ali and seek his blessings. It was an inner voice calling and upon visiting it I indeed felt the magic work. I felt positive and peaceful from within while offering my prayers and my faith grew stronger and the believe that "HE" is there too look after his devotees.
So, there are two separate entry gates to offer prayers to the Baba.
The West gate for the ladies and the South gate for the Gents. I took some flowers from the outside to offer to the baba Pir Haji Ali and the mauli to tie at the holy grilled gate. Remember to bargain for the flowers as they are over priced and to make sure that you buy fresh ones. Ladies, remember to carry a chunni or a stall to cover your head upon entering the Dargah.
Once you offer your prayers, the person near the tomb of Baba Pir Haji Ali will run the broom made up of feathers across your head and shoulders to shower the blessings of God/Saint.
I felt very calm from within and didn't really want to get up from there.I just wanted to capture the moment in my mind and soul forever. There is a grilled bar beside it onto which you tie the mauli of your wishes holding on to the faith and belief that it will be answered and you would visit it again and open it and make thanksgiving to the Saint/God.
After offering my prayers and seeking the blessings of God, I roamed around the premises and lived the moment and heard some Muslims say their prayer. This "ME" time was much needed and the view from the Dargah overlooking into the Arabian sea is breathtaking especially then when you visit it well within the time of the sunrise or sunset.
I left this place feeling positive and divine and with alot of belief and faith in the one and only Saint/God.
I would highly recommend my readers to visit this religious pilgrimage when they are there in Mumbai or have an inner voice calling them. You would feel the strong divinity and would want to return again.
To all my readers, do share the miracle or magic that happened in your life after making a visit and seeking his blessings in the comment box below.
How to reach: You can directly book a cab for the Haji Ali Dargah or reach the Mahalaxmi Railway Station by a local train and then book a car from the railway station to the Dargah which is at a distance of approx. 02kms.
