Haji Ali Tourism
The Haji Ali Dargah is an iconic mosque in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is located 500 yards into the Arabian Sea. It is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali. A constricted path leads to the dargah. The white mosque can be accessed only during the low tide.
There are two popular legends surrounding the Haji Ali Dargah. According to the first, Haji Ali was a rich businessman who renounced the worldly pleasures after his visit to Mecca and was then engrossed in meditation. The other legend suggests that Haji Ali went on a pilgrimage to Mecca and died there but his casket miraculously drifted back to the shores of Mumbai.
In accordance with the Muslim tradition, Haji Ali Dargah has different praying rooms for ladies and gents. Since one cannot visit the mausoleum during the low tide, there's an offshore location situated on the opposite side of Mahalakshmi racecourse.
After passing through the carved entrance of Haji Ali Dargah, you enter the marble courtyard containing the main shrine. Hundreds of devotees come to the mosque to seek blessings of the saint. The tomb is covered with red and green coloured chaddar enclosed in a wonderful silver frame. The tomb is ornamented with beautiful mirror work of different colours and the ninety-nine names of Allah are inscribed on it in Arabic. The huge courtyard has a number of refreshment stalls. The dargah has now thrown open the doors to its inner shrine for women as well.
How to Reach Haji Ali
Haji Ali Mosque is located in the Worli area of South Mumbai. It is a place of great importance for Muslims and other followers of Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The place is visited by lakhs of people every year.
If you are planning to visit this sacred place, the following guidelines can be helpful for you.
By Air
As Mumbai is one of the most important metropolitan cities in India, it is well connected by air. Haji Ali Mosque is located at a distance of 20 km from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Flights of almost all the major and minor airlines land at Mumbai Airport.
By Rail
Mumbai Central Railway Station is about 3 km away from Haji Ali Mosque. So you can easily reach the place by hiring an auto or taxi from the station.
By Road
It is very easy to reach the famous Haji Ali Dargah by road as well. One can easily get the buses of Mumbai Transport Corporation to Worli from any part of the city. Take a short walk for 500 yards from Worli bus stand and you are at the destination. One can also hire a private taxi or an auto to reach the mosque. The National Highway 8 connects Mumbai to Delhi along with Jaipur and Hyderabad.