Mumbai is home to many, many iconic Mosques and Dargahs. Adorning the architecture of the city, these mosques stand tall in pride with their rich heritage and cultural importance.
While many of us are familiar with the famous Haji Ali Dargah in the prime location of the city where thousands of devotees visit everyday to bow their heads, there is a beautiful Dargah just about a 10 min walk away which is rather lesser known to most of the people.
Cocooned in a corner, overlooking the golden sea and alongside the the fast lanes of the city, Ma Hajiani Dargah rests in the shadow away from all the hustle and bustle. The Ma Hajiani Dargah at Worli in Mumbai has stood for over 112 years.
Built in 1908, when Sir George Sydenham was the Governor of Bombay — primarily in Porbandar stone and basalt ashlar plinth — it is an ideal example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Subtle influences of the colonial style of construction are evident, particularly in the ornamental work.
When you visit, you will truly see why is this Dargah a magical place of tranquility at the tip of the land on a natural rocky elevated gracefully.
A remarkable past
The mausoleum is built in honour of Ma Hajiani, a saint believed to be the sister of Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The Haji Ali Dargah, houses the tomb of the latter.
There are a few legends which narrate the story behind this - one of these states that they died at the sea and their bodies were washed ashore, a few metres from each other. Both of them were then buried at the respective spots they were found. Subsequently, two tombs were built — Haji Ali for the brother and Ma Hajiani for the sister.
While another one, which is rather more descriptive says that Pir Haji was a Sufi Saint, who was from Uzbekistan, settled on the island of Worli when it was under the Gujarat Sultanate. Popularly known for this piety, it is largely believed that Pir Haji and his sister Hajiani passed away while on their journey to Mecca. And their body washed ashore to the place where both the Dargah is built now.
At the Ma Hajiani Dargah, women have always been allowed to access the Maqbara. Women frequent in large numbers, making offerings of red or green glass bangles: red indicating one’s wish for marriage, and green for offspring.
The Dargah is an oasis of serenity in the teeming life of the city. It's big and welcoming blue coloured dome, and Gothic arcitecture is the unforgettable identity which keeps the image of this Dargah alive.
While we know Mumbai for Haji Ali Dargah, the beauty of Ma Hajjani cannot be missed and truly deserves a visit whenever you are in this part of the city!