Haji Ali Dargah: Mumbai's 600-year-old monument of historical and religious relevance

Mumbai's popular Haji Ali Dargah located off the coast in Worli, is one of the most visited shrines in the city. The mosque also known as the dargah of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari is one of the exquisite examples portraying the Indo-Islamic Architecture. 

The structure located in South Mumbai is said to contain the tomb of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, Sufi saint and a wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan, and has been associated with several legends and their lovers. 

The dargah is located in the heart of the city was constructed in 1432 and has been one of the renowned landmarks visited by millions of people every year. The 600-year-old structure was planned in memory of a wealthy  Bukhari and history states that he had sacrificed all his possessions prior to his visit to Mecca. He travelled across the world during the 15th century and settled in then Bombay.

Located in the Worli vicinity, the dargah is close to the Mahalakshmi locality which is just about one kilometer away. The causeway leading to the dargah is surrounded with the sea on both sides which is loved by several visitors, eventually serving as a highlight of the visit.

However, it is not easy to visit the Dargah on specific days of the year due to the weather conditions. During the monsoons and on days of high tides, officials ensure that the area is blocked keeping the ris factor in mind. This is because the way leading to dargah is not marked by railings or safety fence, making it risky during an uncertain event. Officials only allow the visit during the low tide days, as walking on the causeway becomes easy. 

On the structural front, authorities have reported constant eroding since the dargah is old, and the saline winds due to the winds and heavy crowding has eventually affected the structure. The board, in 1960 and 1964, carried out renovation at the shrine, and the recent renovation was performed in 2008. 

Reports state that the offiicials plan to beautify the dargah with high quality marble from Rajasthan which was also used during the construction of Taj Mahal. This project will be undertaken in the next two years, in two phases, and officials believe that once this is completed, Haji Ali Dargah will offer the feeling of Taj Mahal in Mumbai.