Haji ali Dargah is one of the India’s most famous and prestigious historical monuments. This sacred Islamic symbol is located in south Mumbai, Maharashtra reflects the unique blend of Mughal and Indo-Islamic architecture. The four-hundred years old colossal structure was built in the year 1431 AD to commemorate the Muslim saint Haji ali shah who once renounced all the worldly pleasure before embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The structure encompasses an area of 4500 meters includes the tomb of the Haji ali shah and is situated couple of hundreds yards away from the Mumbai shoreline has become one of the favorite tourist destination in Mumbai. Though it is a pivotal place to the Muslim community but public from entire world often visit Haji ali Dargah irrespective of their caste and community and offer prayers to seek his bless. Some pray for wealth, others for health, marriages and children.
Some prominent historians believed the white washed monument was erected by Haji ali shah a famous and rich merchant who once left all his worldly possessions before turned into a Muslim sage. The Masjid (Mosque) and the Darda which is a famous pilgrimage place among Muslim community inside the monument were constructed near 1431 AD.
The white washed monument is framed by domes and minarets and spreading with an area of 4500 sq. meters and a total height of 85 feet reflects the unique blend of Mughal and Indo-Islamic architecture. Whole structure is made of white Makrana marble same one is used to build famous Taj Mahal. Artistic marble pillars inside the monuments and the minarets sentinel the shrine in the centre have given it a majestic sight. However the main attraction is the tomb of Haji Ali Bukhari in the complex. People despite having various caste and community often visit the Dargah everyday and during the second day of Ramadhan Eid and Bakri Eid enormous visitors gather at Haji Ali Dargah to offer prayers and for the fulfillment of their wishes.
The major events that are celebrated at Haji Ali Dargah are URS or the death anniversary of pir Haji Ali shah on 16th of every Muslim month and during that day sweets are distributed among visitors as per traditional Muslim rituals, Eid-E-Milad or birth anniversary of prophet Mohamed.
The location is well connected and can be accessed by both roads and rails. Visitor should reach Mahalakshmi station or Mumbai central station first and from their one can find plenty of buses and auto rickshaw that go to the location. Taxis can also be hired to reach there. Apart from rails tourists can also access there by road as the location is situated on the way to Worli. So one can pick available local transports such as Buses, auto rickshaws etc. to go Haji Ali Dargah.