Mumbai - Dargah Pir Haji Ali Shah

Dargah Complex of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.)

Haji Ali Dargah Sharief, the shrine of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.) is located on a small islet in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai. It is a one and only structure of it's kind in the world having a Dargah, a Masjid and a Sanatorium in the middle of the Sea which accommodates thousands of people at a time. Haji Ali Dargah is a handsome example of Islamic architecture standing on an island. The structure has typical white domes and minarets reminiscent with the Mughal architecture of the period. Haji Ali Dargah comprises of the Dargah Complex, the Kinara Masjid adjacent to the entrance of Haji Ali Dargah on Lala Lajpat Rai Road, the concrete pathway leading from Lala Lajpat Rai Road to the Dargah Complex and the Haji Ali Dargah Trust Offices. A short flight of marble steps leads into the Dargah Complex where the body of the Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari is enclosed in a tomb. The Dargah Complex consists of A large Main Gate covered with pure white marble . Main Dargah Building housing the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari A ground + 2 storeyed Sanatorium Building and Sanatorium Blocks Qawwal Khana Masjid, Minaret and Chhatri (Umbrella)

The pathway leading to the Dargah Complex from Lala Lajpat Rai Road up to the Main Gate of Haji Ali Dargah Complex was constructed in 1944, from the trust funds. The pathway was reconstructed between 1984 & 1990 from the Trust fund and the width and height of the same was also increased. Street lights were fixed by the Trustees along the side of pathway by the Trust fund for beautification & convenience to public, from time to time. The hall called Qawwal Khanna, Ladies Rest Shade, Toilets, the buildings of the Sanatorium presently called Mashriqui & Maghribi Manzil and the Main Gate of Dargah Complex was constructed between 1946 & 1950 by the then trustees from the trust funds. The Dargah Sharief and the Masjid was reconstructed, remodeled & renovated between 1960 & 64 by the then Trustees from the Trust funds. The new Sanatorium building was constructed by demolishing the old ground floor structure of the sanatorium between 1978 & 82 from the trust funds. The Kinara Masjid was also developed & reconstructed from time to time on the parapet space (Ottla) available over last 300 years from the Trust funds. The location of the Dargah serves as one of the major attractions luring tourists here. With the sea forming the backdrop, Haji Ali becomes a sight to behold. The entire structure is spread over an area of around 5,000 sq. m. and stands adorned with an 85 foot high minaret.

Tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bhukhari (R.A.)

Inside the main hall is the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.). The tomb is housed in a pure white marble enclosure which has an arched marble frame. The marble frame is decorated with mirror work and is supported by a set of eight marble pillars. Above the frame is a pure Silver Crown. The tomb is covered with zari cloth or red and green brocade sheets decorated with the Arabic verses from the Quran Sharief or with the names of Allah (S.W.T.) or Prophet Mohamed (S.A.W.S.). The top of the tomb is covered flowers and other offerings by devotees are placed around the tomb. The devotees pray and pay their respects to Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.) by bowing their heads in homage and kissing the cloth covering the tomb.

Directly above the tomb is the big dome of the Dargah Sharief. From the exterior it appears as a pure white semi-spherical structure. The interior of the dome is adorned with a mosaic of mirror work forming various intricate patterns. At the base of dome the mirror work is arranged to reveal verses of the Quran Sharief. Both men and women folk stand in the main hall and pay their respects to Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.) and seek his blessings.