Located near Kalyan in Maharashtra, Haji Malang Dargah is an ancient holy shrine of Hazrat Haji Malang Baba. Situated on the hill of Shree Malang Gad, the holy dargah is the epitome of communal harmony as thousands of devotees of diverse beliefs and faiths visit it every year.
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| Haji Malang Dargah of Kalyan |
A lot of tourists who visit Haji Malang Dargah climb further with an onwards trek to Malanggad fort, which, unlike the steps leading to the dargah, has a more challenging rocky terrain to navigate. In addition to the magnificent view of the terrain, this place is also associated with an elaborate history which altogether makes it a popular tourist spot in Maharashtra.
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| Malanggad Fort |
Who was Haji Malang Baba?
Baba Abdur Rehman Malang was a Sufi saint from the Middle East who came to India in the 12th century AD. Malang Baba and his followers are said to have arrived in Bramhanwadi village, which was ruled by King Naladev of the Maurya dynasty at the time. The havoc wreaked by the demons in King Naladev's state traumatized the tenants and the city. It is believed that God sent Malang Baba to this region to rescue the terrified people and ensure the welfare of society by eradicating the evil and destruction caused by them.
Haji Malang Dargah – Holy Shrine of Haji Malang Baba
"Haji Malang Dargah" is located on the lowest level plateau of the Malanggad hill near Kalyan in Maharashtra's Thane district. This plateau is known as "Pir Machi" and is 2500 feet long and 1000 feet wide. Devotees of Haji Malang Baba built the holy shrine in his memory where his holy body was buried. It is one of the most prominent among the three ancient shrines. It also has a Mazar(tomb) of Ma Fatima who was a disciple of Malang Baba.
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| Tombs of Hazrat Haji Malang Baba and his disciple Ma Fatima |
There are two more shrines on the way from the base camp to Haji Malang dargah: Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Baba Dargah, also known as ‘Pehli Salaami,' and the Mir Sultan Shah Baba Dargah, also known as ‘Doosri Salaami'.
Mythological Story and Significance of Pehli and Doosri Salaami
Malang Baba's followers, Hazrat Baqtawar Shah and Mir Sultan Shah travelled from the Gulf to take Baba back with them. He, on the other hand, declined to return, explaining that he had decided to spend the rest of his life in here. Similarly, the two disciples resided at Malang gad and dedicated their lives to Baba's service. They accompanied him and spent their entire life in devotion. Humbled by this gesture, Malang Baba exclaimed that if someone wants to meet me and give me a salami in the future, they should first give salami to these two Dargahs of my companions. Since then, it has been customary for visitors to the fort to stop by the Dargha of Hazrat Baqtawar Shah and Hazrat Sultan Shah, also known as ‘Pehli Salami' and ‘Doosri Salami,' respectively, on their way to the main Haji Malang Shrine.
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| Pehli Salami - Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Baba Dargah |
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| Doosri Salami - Mir Sultan Shah Baba Dargah |
How to pay respect at Pehli Salami, Doosri Salami and Haji Malang Dargah?
The climb to the dargah takes nearly two hours from the Malangwadi base village situated at the foot of the mountain, which is nearly 1,500 meters high. After completing the steep climb halfway up, the pilgrims arrive at Hazrat Bhaqtawar Shah Baba's dargah. 'Pehli Salami' is the name of the offering made at this dargah.
After a few minutes of walking further, you can arrive at Hazrat Sultan Shah Dargah, also known as ‘Doosri Salami.' One can offer flower or fabric 'chaddars' at the Mazars in gratitude.
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| Entrance of Mir Sultan Shah Baba Dargah |
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| Sacred tomb of Mir Sultan Shah Baba |
After visiting the two Salamis, pilgrims proceed to take blessings at the main shrine of Malang Baba Dargah. The total steps to reach the Haji Malang Dargah are approximately 1500. Along the way, numerous small shops sell refreshments and religious products.
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| Shops on the way to the dargah |
Another tradition followed by the pilgrims while seeking blessings at the holy shrines is to tie knots neat the tombs. They believe that it helps them fulfill all their wishes.
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| Religious tradition of tying knots at the dargah |
Apart from the three ancient dargahs, there are many Hindu temples at the Malanggad hill like Ganesh Mandir, Datta Mandir and Navadurga Devi Mandir.
After this spiritual experience, trek enthusiasts can further continue the climb to the Malanggad fort to bring in the adventure element to the trip. "Sone Machi" (second level of the trek) offers a beautiful view of the hills and valleys whereas "Balekilla of Malanggad fort" (third and last part of the trek) is known for its elaborate history of Maratha v/s British war of Haji Malang Gad which dates back to the 17th century.
In a nutshell, Haji Malang Gad in Maharashtra is a place where devotion meets adventure, making it a popular and interesting destination to explore both amongst believers of Malang Baba and travel enthusiasts.
