Haji Malang Dargah is situated on a fort called Malnggad in the Raigad District of Maharashtra. "Malanggad fort" is popularly known as Haji Malang Gad. Haji Malang Dargah is a Shrine of Hazrat Abdur Rehman Malang Baba which is one of the outing destinations for adventure and beautiful view from the top of the mountain.
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| Malanggad Fort |
Unknown Facts about Haji Malang Dargah –
1. "Haji Malang Dargah" is a 300-year old dargah which is located at about 789 m above sea level in the Matheran hill Range.
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| Haji Abdur Rehman Malang Baba Dargah |
2. In the 17th Century, King named Naladev ruled the Maurya dynasty who built the Malanggad fort. During this period a Nathpanthi saint named “Machhindranath” used to live in the malanggad fort. Initially, the fort was captured by the Marathas but later was conquered by the British Army. To know more about the history read our blog "History of Maratha-British War at Haji Malanggad".
3. Haji Malang Gad is built on three levels. The first and the lowest level is a plateau where the Haji Malang Dargah of "Sufi saint Haji Malang Baba" is standing. This plateau is 1000 ft. broad and 2500 ft. long. At the other side of the plateau is the Panch Pir located. Panch Pir is the tomb of the five Disciples of Haji Malang Baba who followed him to the Haji Malang Gad.
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| Haji Malang Baba Dargah on Pir Machi |
4.From the Dargah it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the Panch Pir. Further, there is a place called “chasma”, people believe that at this place the horse of the Haji Malang Baba tapped the ground and water sparkled.
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| Tomb of Panch Pir |
5. The next level of the Malanggad fort is called "Sone Machi". Sone Machi is a Huge rock Projection that is 100 ft. tall and 75 ft. wide and the length of the plateau is 250 m long and 25 m wide. Due to its appearance which is shaped like an elephant trunk the plateau is called Sone Machi. On this plateau, there is a hidden gateway called “Chod Darwaja” which leads the trail into a deep valley towards the east.
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| Plateau of Sone Machi |
6. The last and the highest level of the Malanggad fort is called "Balekilla". Balekilla is the Citadel which is 70 yards broad and 200 yards long. Near the Citadel there are five reservoirs and with help of pipes, the water is supplied to the lower parts of the mountain.
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| Balekilla |
7. Unlike other forts in the Maharashtra, which has several watchtowers and multiple gates and the main gate is artistically made with walls around the fort, Haji Malang Gad is a distinct fort that completely depends upon its natural feature to defend itself.
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| Haji Malang Gad from Pir Machi |
8. On the Haji Malang Gad, once a year people celebrate a festival called "Urus" named after Haji Malang baba. Every year this festival is celebrated in the month of February. During the festival in the Haji Malang Gad, Baba’s followers carry out the Baba’s Palkhi and form the Juloos. The route of the palki covers the entire fort and is brought back to the Haji Malang Dargah. The kids burning firecrackers during the eve which lighten ups the mountain in the nighttime. The display of the firecrackers is delightful to see. The pilgrims who are desiring to stay on the mountain overnight can rent the tents and rooms near the Haji Malang Dargah.
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| Glimpse of Urus Festival |
9. According to the legend, the people staying on the mountain believe that on the top of the mountain the King and the Queen in the old days turned into Stone and are still the same. It is also believed that if you pick a stone and hit one of the peaks and make a wish then your wish will be fulfilled.
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| Malanggad fort Peak |
If you are planning to visit Haji Malang Dargah the best time is monsoon season as the dargah is located on the mountain and the trail becomes lively. During this period, you will get to see the natural beauty of the malanggand fort and enjoy the trek.
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